If you see Error code 12, This device cannot find enough free resources that it can use in your Device Manager, then it means that the device you want to use cannot find enough free resources to operate. The full error message will also include a suggestion to remove or disable one of the other devices on the Windows 10 system. In this post, we will share how you can resolve this Device Manager Error Code.
Code 12: This device cannot find enough free resources that it can use
When this happens, it means that more than one device is trying to use the same I/O port. Open the device manager and see if there are any yellow exclamation points next to any items. You want to locate the device that is causing the I/O conflict. It usually happens when you have installed hardware or software recently that may have changed your configuration. If so, you can also try uninstalling the hardware/software or even rolling back to a previous Windows version.
The resource can be of any type. It could be like when devices are assigned the same I/O ports or same DMA channel, or same interrupt. Here are a couple of ways to resolve this error.
1] Follow Suggested Resolution
Usually, the resolution is offered by Windows right next to the error message. If it is simple enough, you can follow that and resolve the problem. As you can see in the image above, one of the other devices you may have recently installed is conflicting with an existing one. To remove it and change the hardware slot on the motherboard.
2] Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
- Open Run prompt (Win +R)
- Type
msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnosticand press the Enter key - Next, follow the wizard to check if the issue can be resolved
3] Update the Device Driver via Device Manager
If there is a conflict because of the driver, then you can right-click on the device in question and check if there is a driver update available. If you are sure of the physical device, you can also try looking for an update on the OEMs website.
4] Uninstall the Device causing the problem
Open Device Manager to find the device with a yellow exclamation mark. Right-click on it, and choose to uninstall. Restart the computer, and let the OS find the hardware again, and allocate resources.
5] Allocate Resources from BIOS
- If there is no resolution, then you need to get into BIOS. Usually, a restart followed by pressing the F2 or DEL key should take you into it.
- Once in the BIOS, you will need to allocate sufficient resources to that device. For example, if the BIOS has not allocated an interrupt to a USB controller because of an invalid multiprocessor specification (MPS) table, you need to change it from the BIOS.
Do note that this needs someone with a clear understanding of what you are trying to change in the BIOS. Also, the BIOS should offer this feature.
I hope the post was easy to follow, and you were able to resolve “Code 12. This device cannot find enough free resources that it can use error in Windows 10.”
