Forum Discussion
Two drivers trying to control the same hardware
Hey — Windows can list several compatible driver packages, but only one active function driver should own a device at a time. We’ll need the device name and error code before deleting anything.
In Device Manager, open the problem device > Properties > Details > Hardware Ids, and note the Driver tab provider/version. Enable View > Show hidden devices and remove only stale grey entries for the same physical device. Then uninstall the active device, reboot, and install the correct package from the PC or hardware manufacturer.
I would not delete packages blindly with `pnputil`; removing a storage, network, or chipset driver can make the machine unbootable or disconnect it. If you post the Hardware ID, both driver names, and the Device Manager error code, we can identify which package belongs.