[SOLVED] Code 12: This Device Cannot Find Enough Free Resources to Use

Encountering the “This Device Cannot Find Enough Free Resources to Use (Code 12)” error in Device Manager can be alarming, but there’s no need to panic. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to fix the Code 12 error on Windows 10 using simple, effective troubleshooting steps. Follow our step-by-step solutions to quickly resolve the issue and get your devices working again.

Why Am I Getting Error Code 12 on Windows 10?

Even though Windows 10 is one of Microsoft’s most advanced operating systems, it’s not without its flaws. One common issue users encounter is the “This Device Cannot Find Enough Free Resources to Use” error, also known as Error Code 12.

The Error Code 12 message typically appears when two hardware devices are assigned to the same input/output (I/O) port. It can also occur when multiple devices are allocated to the same Direct Memory Access (DMA) channel, leading to a conflict in resource allocation.

The good news? Fixing Error Code 12 on Windows 10 is usually straightforward. This article has been updated with the most effective methods to help you troubleshoot and resolve Code 12 errors quickly and easily.

How to Fix Error Code 12 on Windows 10

Method 1: Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

One of the easiest ways to fix Error Code 12 on Windows 10 is by using the built-in Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter. This automated tool helps identify and resolve common hardware conflicts without needing manual intervention or contacting support.

Steps to Use the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter:

Click the Start menu (Windows logo) on your taskbar.
Select the Settings icon (gear symbol).
- Tip: You can also press Windows + I on your keyboard to open Settings quickly.

Navigate to Update & Security.

From the left-hand menu, click on Troubleshoot.
Scroll down and locate Hardware and Devices.
Click on it, then select Run the troubleshooter.

Follow the on-screen instructions to detect any hardware issues.
- If an issue is found, choose the appropriate fix or get more details on the error.

By running this tool, you can often resolve the “This Device Cannot Find Enough Free Resources to Use” error without any advanced steps.

Method 2: Perform a Network Reset on Windows 10

If you’re still experiencing the Error Code 12 – “This Device Cannot Find Enough Free Resources to Use”, performing a network reset may help resolve the issue, especially if it’s related to network devices or drivers.

Steps to Perform a Network Reset on Windows 10:

Click the Start menu (Windows logo) in your taskbar.
Select the Settings icon (gear symbol).
- Or press Windows + I to open the Windows Settings directly.

Click on the Network & Internet option.

On the default Status tab, scroll to the bottom and click on Network reset.

Carefully read the warning about the reset process.
Click the Reset now button to begin.

Your PC will restart automatically and Windows will start the network reset process.

After your device boots back up, check if the Code 12 error is still occurring. A network reset can often resolve hardware conflicts, especially with network adapters and driver settings.

Method 3: Update Your BIOS to Fix Error Code 12

Sometimes, a simple BIOS update can resolve the “This Device Cannot Find Enough Free Resources to Use (Code 12)” error. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) plays a critical role in managing hardware resources. Keeping it up to date ensures better compatibility and fewer system conflicts.

⚠️ Important: Before proceeding, back up important files to avoid data loss in case of unexpected errors like a power outage during the update.

Steps to Check and Update Your BIOS on Windows 10:

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type msinfo32 and click OK.
- This will launch the System Information window.

Find the line labeled BIOS Version/Date.
- Note down your current BIOS version and manufacturer.

Go to the official website of your motherboard or PC manufacturer.
Look for a BIOS update compatible with your system.
If a newer version is available, download and install the BIOS update by following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Updating your BIOS can fix resource allocation conflicts, improve system stability, and eliminate the Error Code 12 issue on many devices.

Method 4: Delete or Rename the pcmcia.sys Driver File

If you’re encountering the “This Device Cannot Find Enough Free Resources to Use (Code 12)” error, a PCMCIA card or its associated driver file, pcmcia.sys, could be the cause. If your system uses this outdated hardware, removing or renaming the pcmcia.sys driver may resolve the issue.

Steps to Rename/Delete pcmcia.sys on Windows 10:

Open File Explorer and navigate to the following directory:
C:\WINDOWS\System32
Locate the file named pcmcia.sys.
- Right-click the file and select Properties.

Go to the Security tab, then click the Advanced button.

In the Advanced Security Settings window, click the Change link next to the Owner field.

Type in your Windows user account name in the “Enter the object name to select” field, then click Check Names.
- Confirm your selection and click OK.

Back in the Advanced window, click the Add button.

Choose Select a principal, enter your user account as before, and click OK.

Check the box for Full control under Basic permissions, then click OK.

Exit all Properties windows.
Back in the System32 folder, right-click the pcmcia.sys file again.
- Choose Rename and change the name to pcmcia.old.sys.
Restart your computer to apply changes.

Once your system restarts, check to see if the Code 12 error has been resolved. Renaming pcmcia.sys prevents Windows from loading the outdated driver, which often fixes resource conflicts.

Method 5: Update or Roll Back the Problematic Driver

A common cause of the “This Device Cannot Find Enough Free Resources to Use (Code 12)” error is a faulty or incompatible driver. You can easily spot this by a yellow exclamation mark next to the device in Device Manager. If you see this icon, you’ll need to either update the driver or roll it back to a previous version.

Steps to Update or Roll Back a Driver in Windows 10:

Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Type devmgmt.msc and press OK to open Device Manager.

In the Device Manager window, look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark next to their name.
Right-click the problematic driver and choose Properties.

In the new window, navigate to the Driver tab.
Choose one of the following options:
- Click Update Driver to search for and install the latest version of the driver. This can resolve bugs or compatibility issues.
- Click Roll Back Driver to revert to a previous working version of the driver. This is useful if a recent update caused the Code 12 error.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Once finished, restart your computer and check if the Error Code 12 has been resolved.

Method 6: Update Windows 10 to the Latest Version

Running an outdated version of Windows 10 could be the reason behind the “This Device Cannot Find Enough Free Resources to Use (Code 12)” error. Updating Windows 10 can resolve hidden bugs, improve device compatibility, and patch security vulnerabilities that may be causing the issue.

How to Check for Windows 10 Updates:

Click the Start menu and select Settings (gear icon).
- Or press Windows + I for instant access.
Choose the Update & Security option.
Stay on the default Windows Update tab.
Click the Check for updates button.
If updates are available, click Install and allow Windows to download and apply the latest version.

⚠️ Important: Make sure your device is plugged in and connected to the internet during the update to avoid interruptions.

Once your system restarts and the update is complete, check to see if the Code 12 error is resolved. Keeping Windows 10 up to date ensures better hardware compatibility and fewer system errors.

Method 7: Perform a System Restore on Windows 10

If none of the previous solutions worked, you can try using a System Restore to roll back your PC to a point before the “This Device Cannot Find Enough Free Resources to Use (Code 12)” error occurred. This method is especially helpful if the issue was caused by a recent software or driver change.

Steps to Perform a System Restore on Windows 10:

Press Windows + S to open the search bar.
Type System Restore and click on Create a restore point from the search results.

In the System Properties window, click the System Restore button.

If available, click on Show more restore points to expand your options.
Select a restore point from before the Code 12 error started happening, then click Next.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the System Restore process.

📝 Note: This will not affect your personal files, but it may remove recently installed apps, drivers, or updates that might be causing the error.

Once the restoration is complete and your system restarts, check if the Error Code 12 issue has been resolved.

Final thoughts

If you need any further help with Windows 10, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer service team, available 24/7 to assist you. Return to us for more informative articles all related to productivity and modern day technology!

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