Multiple "System Devices" in Device Manager are requesting a restart to implement updates.
Multiple "System Devices" in Device Manager are requesting a restart to implement updates.
I use a Windows 10 Pro computer, it is configured to update manually because I often keep it running between reboots, so this was probably not due to Windows Update. While reviewing Device Manager, I saw the System Devices section showing problems. There were multiple devices listed needing attention, each stating a change was required and that a reboot would fix it. I don’t know what updates or changes could have triggered this; the system has been running for some time between checks and restarts, making an automatic update issue unlikely. No one seems to think this is related to malware.
Windows 10 Pro machine specifications:
CPU: [Insert CPU details]
CPU cooler: [Insert cooler info]
Motherboard: [Insert motherboard model]
Ram: [Insert RAM details]
SSD/HDD: [Insert storage info]
GPU: [Insert GPU details]
PSU: [Insert power supply details]
Chassis: [Insert chassis name]
OS: [Insert operating system version]
Monitor: [Insert monitor details]
BIOS version for motherboard: [Insert current BIOS version]
Age of PSU: [Include age and make/model]
CPU model: I7-11700K
Cooler: Noctua HT-D15S
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z490 Aorus PRO AX
Memory: 2x32GB G.Skill DDR4
Storage: 250GB SATA SSD, 500GB SATA SSD, 1TB NVME, 2TB NVME (unformatted ATM), 4TB NVME (unformatted ATM), 3TB SATA HDD, 5x3TB SATA HDDS connected via RAID6 card (some drives are temporary)
GPU: EVGA RTX 2080 Super Black
Power Supply: Seasonic PRIME PX-850
Case: Cooler Master HAF-X
Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 64Bit
Display: Currently connected via remoting
Power supply approximately four years old; BIOS version uncertain but likely around 23. I prefer not to restart now to prevent any changes until I better understand the situation and assess potential risks.
Parts list reference: https://pcpartpicker.com/user/Cyber_Akuma/saved/vJypBm
Upcoming GPU replacement planned with Zotac 4070 Super Twin Edge OC.
Have you checked if the chipset drivers were recently updated? Typically, a system restart is needed afterward. Run a restart. Will the exclamation points disappear after that?
I haven't made any updates recently, aside from possibly GPU drivers. I'm trying not to restart right now to make sure these changes don't cause issues.
How will you proceed?
Perform a restart.
Check if the issue is fixed.
Done.
If exclamation marks remain, remove devices with exclamation marks from Device Manager, go to "Scan for hardware changes" in Device Manager, and restart once more.
If it still doesn’t work, reinstall chipset drivers and restart again. This should resolve the problem.
I believe the problem lies in his lack of understanding about why the driver updates are necessary. He seems more focused on clearing check marks than grasping the reasons behind the sudden surge in driver requests, or whether these issues stem from malware. To the original poster, it seems all drivers are Intel chipset drivers, suggesting Windows has installed a chipset update for your computer. It's improbable that Windows Defender would permit this without proper certification. Intel states they just released updated chipset drivers for your CPU, Dec 2025 v32.0.101.7082
Check Reliability History/Monitor and Event Viewer. One or both tools might have recorded entries just before or when the exclamation marks appeared. Also review Update History for any failed or problematic updates. Clicking entries can provide more details, though they may or may not be useful. Windows relies on many dependencies, so an issue in one area can affect others. Another suggestion: execute "dism" and "sfc /scannow" to locate and repair corrupted files. Fingers crossed a solution will appear through these steps.