Out of all the errors you can get with Windows device drivers, the thread stuck in device driver error is one of the most serious ones. The reason is that this error results in a blue screen of death (BSOD), which requires a PC restart.
What is the Thread Stuck in Device Driver error?
As the name suggests, the error basically means that the device driver software is stuck in a loop waiting for a hardware device to respond. Although this could be caused by the hardware device itself, in most cases, it is the result of a problem with the device driver software.
The error can occur on all Windows versions and is often seen with high-utilization types of processing, like gaming, or high CPU or GPU type of processing.
Once you see the error, you’ll want to fix the error.
Here is what you can try.
Steps to Fix the Thread Stuck in Device Driver error
There are a number of things you can try to solve the error. We’ll list them in sequence, so you can spend the least amount of time possible in solving the driver error.
1 – Update Windows
This may look like an obvious step, but it is so easy to overlook pending updates in Windows, especially in the latest Windows versions. So, make sure to go into the Settings (or Control Panel), and check for Windows Updates (1) and (2).
Tip: make sure to check for any optional updates (3), as Microsoft does not push all driver updates as mandatory! Optional driver updates will show here.
2 – Run the Troubleshooter
If you are running Windows 10 or Windows 11, you can try running the Troubleshooter from the Windows Settings. These built-in troubleshooters will check your system for common, known problems.
If a recommended troubleshooter is shown, (like the BSOD Troubleshooter), click the Run the troubleshooter button. If there is no recommendation, click the Additional troubleshooters link to pick one manually.
Apart from running the troubleshooter, Microsoft also recommends using the GetHelp app.
3 – Update your drivers
Even though you ran Windows Update, you may still be missing some important driver updates. Examples are:
drivers that are not distributed by Microsoft (non-WHQL)
drivers with newer generic device support that are not limited to specific hardware manufactures
drivers that are incompatible with the supporting software (like control panels)
It is best to check for additional driver updates. You can manually visit your PC manufacturer’s website and look for your PC model and any available driver update.
We recommend using our free driver finder software. DriverFinder will scan your PC for hardware devices and find the latest version of available drivers compatible with your Windows version. Simply download and install to make sure the latest driver is available for the device.
Tip: In some cases, it can be required to update the BIOS of your PC. Older BIOS versions may limit compatibility with newer Windows versions. Simply visit your PC manufacturer’s support website and see if an updated BIOS version is available for your model.
4 – Reinstall the device
Using the Windows Device Manager, it is possible to uninstall a device (and optionally the driver). When Windows restarts, the device is then reinstalled. This can sometimes help with the device and driver configuration.
Simply start the Device Manager by searching for it in the Windows search bar. Then select the device that is causing the device error. Right-click the device, and in the popup menu select Uninstall device.
Next, restart your PC and check if the error persists.
5 – Analyze the system logs
Unfortunately, this process requires technical skills. The first step is to look at the event viewer. This Windows software can help you pinpoint the cause of the thread stuck in device driver error. Looking through the System events, you can often pinpoint the device linked to the error. This in turn can then let you know which troubleshooter to run, or which driver to update.
Apart from the Event viewer, you can look at the minidump.
When a serious error occurs, like the thread stuck in device driver error, Windows creates a log file called a minidump. These files are stored in a folder called Minidump in the system root (typically C:\Windows\Minidump). The minidump filename will have the date in it and have an extension .dmp. If no such file is created, check the configuration for creating minidumps.
These crash dump files when generated as a result of the THREAD STUCK IN DEVICE DRIVER ERROR will often contain the filename, which in turn can help pinpoint the driver.
As mentioned earlier, the error is not often caused by a hardware error. But if you recently made changes to your system, like changing the video card, or adding memory, it is good to double-check. Make sure all hardware is properly inserted and compatible with your motherboard.
For disks, check the cables that connect them to the motherboard or disk controller.
7 – Disable GPU acceleration
The graphics processor is used for hardware acceleration by default. Disabling it, and effectively switching to CPU-based processing, can help solve the problem as well.
In Windows, open the Settings, and then select System -> Display. Then scroll down and select Graphics or Graphics settings.
Toggle the option Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling from On to Off.
It is possible that this option is overruled by your display control software. For Nvidia, you can check the PhysX settings in the NVIDIA Control Panel. Switch it to CPU to disable the use of the GPU.
Note: disabling hardware acceleration can have a significant impact on the graphics performance. Even if this is a solution, it is best to look for an updated, compatible driver to enable the hardware acceleration again.
Hopefully with all these steps you will be able to solve the thread stuck in device driver error and prevent further blue screen occurences.
In order to use a printer, like any device, in Windows, a printer driver is required. With Windows 10, Microsoft introduced a new concept for printer support using an integrated driver. This is called the Microsoft IPP Class driver, and it supports Mopria-compliant printers over a network (ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) or USB connection.
The idea is that printer manufacturers will no longer need to create, maintain, and provide their own printer drivers. Knowing Microsoft, there is always the possibility that an aspect of control on their end also plays a role.
All device experience customizations would need to be done through a print support app, which printer manufacturers should then develop instead of a driver. This is already the recommended way for Windows 11.
The motivation for this is stated as improved reliability and performance, which is never a bad thing, especially in the context of Microsoft Windows.
As a result of this change, or plan of changes, Microsoft will phase out their servicing of legacy Windows printer drivers (version 3 and version 4). Due to the nature of the impact, the changes will take place over a period of several years. Following the announcement this year, from 2025 onwards, no new printer drivers will be published to Windows Update. In 20260, printer driver update recommendations will start favoring the IPP driver, and in 2027 third-party printer driver updates will no longer be allowed.
Even though printer manufacturers can submit drivers for certification through the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program, from 2025 onwards the drivers will not be available through Windows Update. In addition, the Mopria certification will be required. A direct benefit is that all printers will be supported on various devices.
One of the main questions resulting from this is whether existing or even new third-party printer drivers will still be allowed. And according to Microsoft, they will be. They must have realized that this is critical, as many people make use of printers for a long time.
Even if there is no direct printer support for a specific printer on a new Windows version, a virtual machine with an older version of Windows can offer a solution. But that is really a last resort since it is much simpler to use a (older) printer driver directly.
Hewlett-Packard has done it again. Agrevate users with firmware updates (this seems to be the cause) that result in printer problems. Error 83C0000B is shown with a blue screen on the printer.
Like before, it appears that this is the result of a firmware update that includes dynamic security features. In the past, this has resulted in printers suddenly not working anymore if non-original ink or toner cartridges were used.
In the current case, it appears the error pertains to the OfficeJet 902x series printers. Resetting, disconnecting and reconnecting, unplugging, and plugging all seem to have no effect. As it would not be the case with a firmware issue.
Solving error 83C0000B
The only real solution would be an update from HP for the printer. That means you need to check the HP support website for a newer firmware version than the current version 002.2313A, dated May 16, 2023.
Visit the HP site for your printer model, for an OfficeJet Pro 9020 AiO for example. Then open the section with the firmware updates. Click Download to download the firmware installer file, and execute it after the download completes.
Note: You may need to change the OS selection to show the firmware option in the list.
The installer will show the HP Printer Update window where you need to select your printer and click the Update button.
Let’s hope HP releases an update soon! You are not alone with this problem.
In any case, make sure to contact HP support, as they might be able to offer a solution or replacement. Their generic instuctions for a full power down and reset do not seem to help. But specific instuctions for your model to do a SemiFull reset, as they call it, might be helpful.
Going back to a previous firmware version
In theory, downgrading the firmware would be a viable option as well to solve error 83C0000B. It was a solution in the past when HP first started using dynamic security to ensure people used original cartridges and toners from HP (the first law suits are already being filed over this).
Using a USB stick, you can load older firmware (.ful2 extension) on the HP printer to install an older version. The process has a few challenges though. You need the exact match of firmware for your printer, and the steps need to be followed exactly to prevent problems during the downgrade process.
Bluetooth problems in Windows computers are often related to incorrect or missing drivers for a Bluetooth device. In the case of the Broadcom BCM20702A0 device, the right BCM20702A0 driver is required for the device to function in Windows. Otherwise, the device will not work and show an error. Any other Bluetooth devices depending on the BCM20702A0 device will most likely also not work or not be recognized.
What is BCM20702A0?
BCM20702A0 refers to a Broadcom Bluetooth 4.0 chip. It is often used in USB Bluetooth dongles, but can also be embedded directly in a computer (laptop, desktop, or all-in-one PC). The chip implements Bluetooth communication which allows a Windows-based PC with this device to connect to external, wireless devices that support Bluetooth. Examples are headsets, game controllers, printers, mice, mobile phones, and similar.
Since the BCM20702A0 chip is used on hardware solutions from different manufacturers, a driver specific to the manufacturer may be required to ensure the BCM20702A0 device is recognized by Windows. Dell, Lenovo, Asus, and others all have drivers available for hardware using the Broadcom BCM20702A0 chip.
BCM20702A0 Related Problems
If the BCM20702A0 driver is not installed, or not compatible with the installed device or Windows version, there will be an error. In the Windows Device Manager, the device will be listed under the Other devices category. An exclamation mark on the device icon indicates it is not working properly.
The possible error message for not working Bluetooth devices in Windows:
This device cannot start. (Code 10)
The drivers for this device are not installed. (Code 28) In Windows 10 and Windows 11, the message will say “There are no compatible drivers for this device”. Instead of “There is no driver selected for the device information set or element”.
This device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device. (Code 31)
In normal circumstances, all working Bluetooth devices will show in the Bluetooth category in the Device Manager. But if the right driver is not installed, this category might not show at all.
The result of a non-working Bluetooth module is that Windows will not be able to connect to any Bluetooth devices. Pairing with Bluetooth devices will be impossible.
Steps to solve BCM20702A0 problems in Windows
The most common cause of the problems related to the BCM20702A0 device is a driver problem. So, in solving the error, the first steps are focused on getting the right driver installed. If after that, the device still does not work, try the other methods to fix the issue.
Before starting with the steps, make sure that the Bluetooth USB dongle is plugged (in case an external Bluetooth solution is used). Trying to solve the Bluetooth problem without the device physically present in the computer will not work. This sounds silly but it is better to check than wasting time trying to fix a non-issue. Also, make sure you reboot your computer. Pending restarts after updates can be the source of problems.
Update the BCM20702A0 driver from the Device Manager
The Device Manager is the most common method to install and update drivers for devices in all Windows versions. So, try these steps to update the driver.
Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
Type devmgmt.msc in the Run box and press Enter or click OK. This will open the Device Manager.
In the Device Manager window, locate the problematic Bluetooth device in either the Other devices category or the Bluetooth category.
Right-click the BCM20702A0 device and in the popup menu, select Update Driver Software (Update driver in Windows 10 and Windows 11).
Use the Search automatically for drivers option to let Windows find the correct driver for the device. Click Close when the driver has been installed.
In case Windows does find a driver for the device, a driver will need to be manually downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.
Manually download the BCM20702A0 driver
If Microsoft has not included a driver for the BCM20702A0 device in the version of Windows that you are running, a driver will need to be added manually. This means a Bluetooth interface driver needs to be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. Check your computer brand and model and locate the manufacturer’s support website to search for the driver.
Note: Broadcom used to support their own version of the Bluetooth software, including drivers. This generic WIDCOMM Bluetooth Software is no longer maintained and supported.
Once downloaded, run the setup or install program for the driver package to install the driver in Windows. Note that a user account with administrator privileges is required to install drivers.
If a driver is not available for your Windows version, you can try running an driver for an older Windows version in compatibility mode. For example, say we are running Windows 10, but the Dell installer for the Bluetooth module is suited only for Windows 7. If there is no Windows 10 driver available, we run the Windows 7 installer as follows:
Right-click the downloaded installer file.
In the popup menu, select Properties.
In the file properties dialog box, select the Compatibility tab.
Under Compatibility mode, select the checkbox for Run this program in compatibility mode for (1), and select Windows 7 in the dropdown box (2).
Click OK to confirm and close the properties dialog box.
Now execute the driver installer again.
Important: The driver needs to match the Windows architecture in order to work. Installing a 32-bit driver on a 64-bit system will not work, even in compatibility mode.
If the downloaded driver package does not have a setup or install program, you need to manually install the driver using the Device Manager.
Update drivers using Microsoft Update
Microsoft has included support for many devices in every updated version of Windows. Although that means that many devices are detected and supported directly, some devices require optional updates. In Windows 10 and Windows 11, optional updates often include updated drivers for devices. To check if the Broadcom BCM20702A0 driver is available, follow these steps.
Open the Settings windows from the Start menu.
In the Settings window, select Windows Update.
In Windows 11, click Advanced options (skip this step in Windows 10).
Next, click View optional updates.
Under Optional updates, click the Driver updates entry to expand the list and see the available driver updates.
If there is an entry for the BCM20702A0 driver, select it and click the Download and install button.
If no driver update is available for the Bluetooth device, the BCM20702A0 device is not supported in Windows. At least not by Microsoft directly. You will need to use the steps to manually download the driver to get it to work.
Restart the Bluetooth Services
This is the first of the steps that do not directly relate to the BCM20702A0 driver. Even if the driver is installed, the device can still give an error. The error might be solved by one of the following solutions.
Windows uses several services (background tasks) for making sure the Bluetooth devices and functions can work. In some cases, a service may have a problem, and manually starting or restarting the service can fix the problem.
Here are the steps to restart the Bluetooth services in Windows.
Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
Type services.msc in the Run box and press Enter or click OK. This will open the Services window.
In the Services window, locate the Bluetooth Support Service and right-click it.
In the popup menu, click Restart.
Close the Services window when done.
You can repeat these steps for other Bluetooth services, like the Bluetooth Driver Management Service. If the services are not in a Running state, simply try starting them instead of restarting them. Not all Bluetooth services need to be running for the BCM20702A0 device to be detected and installed. Some are for support tasks, like audio over Bluetooth. But starting or restarting them manually ensures that they are not the reason the device is not working.
Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter
In Windows 10 and Windows 11, there is the possibility to run a Windows troubleshooter for a number of problems. Microsoft has included a troubleshooter function for common problems that can be automatically solved. One such troubleshooter is the Bluetooth troubleshooter.
To execute the Bluetooth troubleshooter in Windows 10, follow these steps.
Open the Settings window from the Start menu.
In the Settings window, select Update & security.
Next, click Troubleshoot in the left-hand pane.
In the right-hand pane, click the Additional troubleshooters link.
Next, under Find and fix other problems, click the Bluetooth option.
This will show the button Run the troubleshooter. Click it to start the troubleshooter.
A new window will come up showing Windows is Detecting problems with Bluetooth. Wait for the process to finish analyzing and fixing any Bluetooth-related issues.
Click Close when done.
In Windows 11, the steps are a little different.
Open the Settings window from the Start menu (or press the Windows + I keys).
In the Settings window, click System.
Next, click Troubleshoot in the right-hand pane.
Click the Other troubleshooters link.
Click the Run button next to Bluetooth under Other.
Wait for the troubleshooter to finish analyzing and fixing any Bluetooth-related problems.
Note: The Bluetooth troubleshooter can take considerable time to complete.
Check the Airplane mode setting
This is mentioned as one of the last solutions since the option would normally only be used on portable devices for a specific reason. But if you have been traveling with your laptop, it is a step that is worth taking.
Personally, I simply disable the Bluetooth option in Windows and only enable it when needed. Active communication on any device is a security risk these days. But if you have Bluetooth turned in normal circumstances, you can opt to use the Airplane mode in Windows to disable all communication when traveling.
In both Windows 10 and Windows 11, the Airplane mode can be enabled or disabled by clicking the network icon in the taskbar and selecting the Airplane mode in the quick access popup window.
Note that the Airplane mode will show active when enabled (blue in this example but that will depend on the active Windows theme). Airplane mode should be disabled for Bluetooth to work.
If you prefer to use the Windows Settings, follow these steps.
Open the Settings window from the Start menu.
In the Settings window, click the Network & internet option.
Next, click the Airplane mode option.
Now make sure both switches are in the Off position. In Windows 11, you have the option to disable the Airplane mode directly, or like in Windows 10, select the Airplane mode option to control the individual settings. Windows 11 remembers which communication was on when you enable and disable Airplane mode. So, if only Wi-Fi was on and Bluetooth was off when airplane mode was activated, Bluetooth would remain off when airplane mode is disabled again. This is why it is a good idea to check this setting.
Close the Settings window when done.
After this, the network and Bluetooth devices should be working. There is no need to restart the computer, the changes take effect immediately.
Reset the hardware devices
Windows keeps configuration information for all devices in the computer. In rare cases, the configuration of a device can be a problem. Installing similar devices with similar drivers, or installing additional USB devices on the same controller can result in a BCM20702A0-based device to stop working.
To fix the issue, it is possible to reset the device by removing it and letting Windows reinstall the device with the proper configuration settings. These steps need to be executed from within the Device Manager.
Follow the steps to update the BCM20702A0 driver from the Device Manager, but instead of picking the Update driver option, select the Uninstall option. In the Uninstall Device confirmation window, click the Uninstall button (1). This will remove the device from Windows. After this reboot to let Windows automatically detect and reinstall the device.
First, try the uninstall option and keep the drivers installed. If that does not fix the issue, use the option Delete the driver software for this device when uninstalling it (2). That will force Windows to reload the driver for the Bluetooth device.
If the BCM20702A0 device is a USB dongle, it can also help to uninstall the USB Host Controllers in the Universal Serial Bus controller category. These controllers ensure that all connected USB devices are detected are installed. Resetting them can solve problems caused by the USB interface itself.
If things are still not working after this, then you might still be able to get things working again. That partly depends on whether the BCM20702A0 device was working on your system previously. If it was, a system restore or system recovery can bring back the working BCM20702A0 driver.
For help in finding the right drivers for your Windows devices, including the BCM20702A0 device, you can use the DriverFinder program. By scanning the hardware present, it will locate and offer the required device drivers.
If your ScanSnap iX500 scanner stopped working on Windows 10 or Windows 11, it is most likely due to a driver problem. Fujitsu updated their scanner software from ScanSnap Manager to ScanSnap Home. The latest software will also install the latest ScanSnap iX500 driver. Even though the iX500 model was introduced quite a few years ago (2013), it is still a popular and useful device.
The ScanSnap iX500 is a duplex color scanner for A4/Letter/Legal paper sizes with an automatic document feeder. Using the latest Fujitsu scanner software will allow you to to keep it working on the latest Windows versions.
Download the ScanSnap software
You can download the software driver from the Fujitsu support website to get the ScanSnap iX500 working on Windows 10 or Windows 11. Follow the steps below.
Under Discontinued scanners, click the ScanSnap iX500 This will open the ScanSnap iX500 software downloads page.
Next, select the Windows version in the dropdown list (1), and then click the Display software list button (2).
Under Setup Programs, click the Download link next to the SnapScan Home Download Installer 2.7.0 (the version number might be higher when you visit the page).
This will open a new page to download the installer. Make sure your browser does not have a popup blocker active, or the new window will not open. Select your location and then click the Download Installer
Read the license agreement and click the Agree button to start the software download.
The software installer will be downloaded (depending on your browser you may need to select a download location).
Open a File Explorer window and navigate to the download location on your PC.
Double-click the downloaded installer to execute it. Note: If you cannot execute the file, you may need to unblock it.
Right-click the file, and in the popup menu, select Properties.
In the General tab, select the checkbox Unblock (next to Security in the bottom of the window).
Click the OK button.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install the ScanSnap Home software. Note: Additional files are downloaded during installation, so make sure your Internet connection is active. Also check available disk space, as he fully installed software takes over 740 MB.
Restart your computer when finished.
Reinstalling the software can also help if are facing problems scanning directly to email (like Outlook). Make sure to fully uninstall the existing version first.
Install the ScanSnap iX500 driver
After installing the ScanSnap Home software, the ScanSnap iX500 driver for the device can be installed.
Execute the ScanSnap Home software.
In the setup window, select the iX500 model and click the Start setup button. Tip: The software not only allows installation of the iX500 driver, but also supports the ScanSnap iX1600 driver and all iX models in between.
Make sure the scanner power is connected and that the scanner is connected to the computer via a USB cable.
Click Next to continue.
Ensure the device is powered on (blue or purple Scan button), and then click Next.
Wait for the device to be installed.
Click the Finish button.
After the connection setup finishes, the Windows driver for the iX500 will be installed and you can use the scanner with your Windows PC. Click the Scan button in the top-left corner to start scanning.
Need to find or update more device drivers for Windows? Download our DriverFinder program to automatically check your Windows PC for missing or outdated drivers.
For generic troubleshooting regarding the SnapScan IX500 device, you can also have a look at the Ricoh support page.
FAQ
Can I still use the ScanSnap Manager with the iX500?
Yes, the ScanSnap Manager software can still be used for the iX500 for Windows 7 up to Windows 11. There will however be no new features and no updates with this software.
Can I keep my old scan settings?
Yes, if you switch from the ScanSnap Manager software to the ScanSnap Home software, you can keep your old scan settings. This entails creating a profile in the ScanSnap Home software and migrating the settings. For details on the migration, please see the instructions on the website.
Can I Install ScanSnap Home when I have ScanSnap Manager installed?
Yes, it is possible to have both the old and new software installed on the same configuration. When you install the new software, make sure the installation path is different (use the Custom install option). After installing the new version, you can safely delete the old software. Settings -> Apps -> ScanSnap Manager -> Uninstall.
How to fix the “Unable to connect with SnapScan” error?
First, make sure the latest version of the ScanSnap software is installed. Also, check that the Windows Image Acquisition service is running (starts automatically), and try changing the Log on as to a Local System account with the checkbox Allow service to interact with the desktop enabled.
The steps:
Press the Windows + R keys to bring up the Run window.
Enter services.msc and press Enter or click OK.
In the Services window, scroll down to the Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) service.
Double-click the service.
Make sure the Startup type is Automatic, and if the service is not running, click Start.
Select the Log On tab.
Select the Local System account radio button and mark the checkbox to Allow service to interact with the desktop.
Click the OK button to confirm, and close the Services window.
If this does not fix the connection error, try disabling all other Imaging devices in the Device Manager.
How to fix “Make sure that ScanSnap is not being used by another user or application, and then try again.” error
This error may show in the ScanSnap software if the program cannot access the scanner. First, try the steps from the connect error.
If that does not work, try connecting the scanner directly to a (different) USB port on the computer. Don’t use a USB hub or a WiFi connection. Also, test the USB cable if you suspect it may be faulty.
If you are using the ScanSnap Manager software, you can run the ScanSnap support tool to check the access privileges for the scanner device. Start the support tool from the Start menu in the ScanSnap Manager group. In the support tool, select the Recover tab (1) and then click the Check button (2).
After this, click the Recover button to find out if the problem has been resolved.
If the ScanSnap iX500 still supported by Fujitsu?
Even though the iX500 is considered a discontinued product, it is still being supported until January 31, 2024. Until this date software updates will still support the iX500. The recommended successor model is the iX1500, but even that model is scheduled to be discontinued by December 31, 2025.
Can I use other scanning software with my ScanSnap iX500?
Unfortunately, not. The scanner uses a driver that does not support the common TWAIN or ISIS standards for scanning devices. As a result, the iX500 will not show up as a scanning or imaging device in other scan applications. The ScanSnap Manager or ScanSnap Home software is required, which uses the Windows Imaging Acquisition driver.
A company called JSE Imaging Solutions has a TWAIN driver (SnapTwain) that works in combination with Fujitsu ScanSnap Home software. At EUR 99, it is a relatively expensive solution, but if you really need TWAIN support, you could try this option.
