How to fix driver error Code 18: Reinstall the drivers for this device

Error 18 appears due to the problems with Device Manager. Device Manager is a program that allows user to monitor the connected hardware. It also has a feature of testing the hardware for operating problems, and when the error in device work occurs it shows the user a notification with a short explanation.

Error code 18 may bring a lot of annoyance because it prevents you from using certain devices. The error may be caused by several reasons, such as:

Solutions:

Update the drivers:

For Windows XP:

  1. Click on the Start, open the Control Panel;
  2. Go to the Performance and Maintenance and then System;
  3. Go to the Hardware Tab;
  4. Click Device Manager, choose the driver, click the Update Driver button;
  5. Follow the wizard instructions.

For Windows Vista or Windows 7:

  1. Click on the Start menu, go to the Control Panel;
  2. Go to the Hardware and Sound and choose Device Manager;
  3. Select the driver you need, go to the Driver tab, click the Update Driver Software button;
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

For Windows 8/8.1/10:

  1. Press Win+X and choose Device Manager;
  2. Find the required device;
  3. Right click the device, and choose Properties;
  4. Go to the Driver tab;
  5. Click the Update Driver Software button;
  6. Follow the setup wizard steps.

Reinstall the drivers:

  1. Open the Device Manager;
  2. Right-click the device and choose Properties;
  3. Click the Driver tab, and then click Uninstall;
  4. Restart your computer;
  5. Open Device Manager again;
  6. Click Action, and then click Scan for hardware changes;
  7. Follow the instructions.