Device Not Migrated Error on Windows 10: Fixed

If you’re seeing a “Device not migrated” error in Windows 10 Device Manager, it means a hardware component failed to switch to a new driver or configuration after a system update or reboot. The fix usually involves updating, reinstalling, or rolling back the device driver, or disabling and re-enabling the device. Below is a complete troubleshooting guide with step-by-step instructions.

What Does “Device Not Migrated” Mean?

Windows 10 uses a driver migration process when you upgrade the OS or install a major update. Each hardware device has a driver that tells Windows how to communicate with it. During migration, Windows tries to carry over the existing driver settings to the new OS version. If the driver or its configuration isn’t compatible, Windows marks the device with a yellow warning triangle in Device Manager and logs the error “Device not migrated” in the device’s properties (under the Events tab).

This error is common after a Windows feature update (like upgrading from 1903 to 1909) or after a BIOS update. It can affect any device, but it’s frequently seen with USB controllers, network adapters, and graphics cards. The error itself doesn’t always mean the device is broken—it just means the driver didn’t transfer cleanly.

How to Check the Error in Device Manager

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the category that contains the problematic device (e.g., “Network adapters” or “Universal Serial Bus controllers”).
3. Look for a device with a yellow exclamation mark. Right-click it and select Properties.
4. Go to the Events tab. You’ll see an entry that says “Device not migrated” with a code (like 0xC0000719).

The error code can help identify the cause, but the fix is generally the same regardless of the code.

Fix 1: Update the Driver

The simplest fix is to let Windows search for a newer driver:

1. In Device Manager, right-click the device and select Update driver.
2. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
3. If Windows finds a new driver, it will install it. If not, try the next step.

If Windows doesn’t find anything, check the manufacturer’s website for the latest driver for your specific model. Download and install it manually, then reboot.

Fix 2: Uninstall and Reinstall the Device

This forces Windows to re-detect the hardware and install a fresh driver:

1. Right-click the device and select Uninstall device.
2. Check the box that says Delete the driver software for this device if it appears.
3. Click Uninstall.
4. Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.

This often resolves the error because it clears the corrupted migration data.

Fix 3: Roll Back the Driver

If the error started after a driver update, rolling back may help:

1. Right-click the device and select Properties.
2. Go to the Driver tab.
3. Click Roll Back Driver. If the button is greyed out, there’s no previous driver to go back to.
4. Follow the prompts and restart.

This restores the last working driver version, which may not have the migration issue.

Fix 4: Disable and Re-enable the Device

Sometimes a simple reset works:

1. Right-click the device and select Disable device.
2. Wait a few seconds, then right-click again and select Enable device.
3. Check if the error is gone.

This forces Windows to reload the driver without a full reboot.

Fix 5: Use System Restore or Reset This PC

If the above steps fail, you can try a system-level fix:

• System Restore: Go to Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore. Choose a restore point from before the error appeared. This won’t affect your personal files.
• Reset This PC: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC. Choose “Keep my files” to reinstall Windows while preserving your documents and apps.

These are more drastic but often eliminate the migration error entirely.

Common Misconceptions

Many users think “Device not migrated” means the hardware is dead. That’s rarely true. The error is about driver migration, not hardware failure. If the device works normally (e.g., your USB mouse still functions), you can safely ignore the warning. It only becomes a problem if the device stops working.

Another misconception is that you need to manually edit the registry. That’s not recommended for this error—registry edits can cause more harm than good. Stick to the driver-level fixes above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will “Device not migrated” cause data loss?

No. The error affects driver configuration, not your personal files. Your documents, photos, and other data are safe.

Can I ignore this error if the device works?

Yes. If the device functions correctly, the error is cosmetic. You can leave it as is, or try one of the fixes to clear the warning for a cleaner Device Manager.

Why does this error happen after every Windows update?

Windows updates sometimes change the driver model or security policies. If your device’s driver isn’t fully compatible with the new version, migration fails. Updating the driver from the manufacturer’s site usually resolves it.

Does this error affect gaming performance?

Only if the device is a graphics card and the error prevents the driver from loading properly. In that case, you’d notice lower performance or display issues. Fixing the driver migration should restore full performance.

What if none of the fixes work?

If the device still shows the error after trying all steps, the driver may be fundamentally incompatible. Check the manufacturer’s website for a beta or Windows 10-specific driver. If none exists, the hardware may be too old for the current Windows version.

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