Windows usually provides suitable solutions to common Windows 10/11 issues. However, it seems not to have a permanent fix for the “This device is currently waiting on another device (Code 51)” error. This message can be annoying since it might prevent you from attending to an urgent matter using your computer. Luckily, you can easily resolve this issue.
In today’s guide, we’ll show you how to fix the “This device is currently waiting on another device (Code 51)” error on Windows 10/11.
What Is “This Device Is Currently Waiting on Another Device (Code 51)”?
The “This device is currently waiting on another device (Code 51)” message is an error that appears when your system needs you to wait for other running devices to complete their operations. It prevents you from launching another process. This message can be ignored since it’s rarely a sign of a severe issue, but it might waste your time. The easiest solution is to wait for a few minutes, then try running your device to see if the problem persists. If you’ve waited for several minutes and still experience the Code 51 error, try the hacks below.
How to Fix “This Device Is Currently Waiting on Another Device (Code 51)”
Step 1: Unplug the Hardware
Your hardware might sometimes cause the “This device is currently waiting on another device (Code 51)” error on your Windows 10/11 PC. Some users say that unplugging and then replugging the hardware helps to sort out the issue. If doing that doesn’t resolve the problem, then try the next hack below.
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Step 2: Reboot Your PC
Restarting your machine is always a quick way to solve some common Windows 10/11 errors. To reboot your computer, use this simple guide:
- Press the Windows key on your keyboard.
- Click the Power button, and then select Restart.
After rebooting the PC, check if the “This device is currently waiting on another device (Code 51)” error message appears.
Step 3: Use the Hardware Troubleshooter
You can also use the built-in hardware troubleshooter on your Windows 10/11 computer to eliminate the Code 51 error. To do so, follow the instructions below:
- Press the Windows + S keyboard shortcut to open the search box.
- Type “run” (no quotes) and then select Run on the right pane.
- When the Run box opens, paste this command “msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic” (without quotes), and then click OK.
- Wait for the troubleshooter to resolve the Code 51 error.
Are you still getting the “This device is currently waiting on another device (Code 51)” message even after trying the above solutions? If yes, then the next method should work for you.
Step 4: Update Your Driver
Outdated, damaged, or corrupted drivers are always a primary cause of some Windows 10/11 errors. Updating your drivers saves you the pain of experiencing issues such as the “This device is currently waiting on another device (Code 51)” error. To update the responsible driver, follow these steps:
- Use the Windows + X shortcut to open the Quick Link menu.
- Choose Device Manager from the list.
- Look for the misbehaving device and right-click it. You can expand the different categories to quickly find the exact driver you are looking for.
- Now select Update Driver, and then choose “Search automatically for drivers.”
- Wait for Windows to automatically install the updated driver and then restart your computer.
If you need a professional tool to automatically identify outdated and damaged drivers on your machine, then we recommend Auslogics Driver Updater. This tool scans for corrupted, damaged, and outdated drivers on your computer and automatically updates them to avoid errors that might hinder your productivity. What’s more, Driver Updater installs only compatible drivers on your Windows 10/11 PC to prevent any compatibility-related issues.
The above hacks show you what to do about “This device is currently waiting on another device (Code 51)” error on Windows 10/11. So, we hope the discussed methods in this article enabled you to successfully remove the Code 51 error from your PC. If you have other suggestions, kindly share them with us in the comment section below. You can also check out our blog to equip yourself with excellent hacks to help you tackle any Windows 10/11 errors that you might experience in the future.