3 Fixes: ‘Windows cannot start this hardware device (Code 19)’

The “Windows cannot start this hardware device (Code 19)” error occurs when a device, such as a CD/DVD drive or audio device, stops working and is flagged with a yellow exclamation mark in Device Manager. This error indicates that the device’s configuration data in the Windows registry is either incomplete or corrupted.

The most common cause is often related to issues with the UpperFilters and LowerFilters registry values, though software conflicts, particularly with iTunes or CD/DVD burning programs, can also trigger this problem. Before assuming the hardware is faulty, try the methods below, which many users have successfully used to resolve the issue. These steps are straightforward but require careful execution to avoid further complications.

Method 1: Reboot your System

Sometimes, a simple restart can clear up underlying issues that cause the “Windows cannot start this hardware device (Code 19)” error. When you reboot, Windows reloads the registry and device drivers from scratch, which can resolve temporary glitches or conflicts that might have caused the registry to become corrupted.

This process effectively gives your system a fresh start, clearing minor issues that may have arisen from recent changes or updates.

1. Access your power menu. You can find it in the Start menu, accessible by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. Select Restart from the menu, and wait for your system to turn on again. See if you’re facing the problem again.

Method 2: See if iTunes is causing the problem

Sometimes, unexpected software conflicts can be the culprit behind device errors. iTunes, for example, has been known to cause the “Windows cannot start this hardware device (Code 19)” error due to the way it interacts with system registry settings, particularly for CD/DVD drives.

By uninstalling iTunes, you remove this potential source of conflict, which can immediately resolve the issue. If iTunes is indeed the cause, reinstalling it afterward may not reintroduce the problem, allowing your device to function normally again

1. Open your Control Panel by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard, typing Control Panel and opening the result.
2. At the top right, switch to Large icons view, and locate Programs and Features, then open it by clicking on it.
3. From the list, find iTunes and click the Repair button from the top toolbar. Follow the wizard until the end, and reboot your device. You shouldn’t be facing this issue anymore, if iTunes was the problem.

Method 3: Delete UpperFilters and LowerFilters from the registry

1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows and R simultaneously on your keyboard. Type regedit in the box and click OK. This will open the Registry Editor.
2. Backup the registry by opening File from the menu bar, and clicking Export. Make sure the Export Range is set to All, and save the backup file somewhere you will remember, in case something goes wrong.
3. Navigate to the following location by using the navigation pane on the left side:
   

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> System -> CurrentControlSet -> Control -> Class

4. Once you’ve expanded all the aforementioned folders, click on the {4d36e967-e325-11ce-bfc1-08002be10318} key to select it.
5. From the right-hand window pane, select and delete both the UpperFilters key and the LowerFilters key. You will need to confirm both by pressing OK.
   Note: Perform this step at your own risk because some users were unable to get into their computers after trying this.
6. Close the Registry Editor and reboot your system for the changes to take effect.

The Code 19 error is actually much less difficult to solve than one might think. All you have to do is simply follow the instructions in the aforementioned methods and you won’t ever see this error again.