Code 43 is a Device Manager error that indicates Windows has detected a problem with your graphics device driver or another hardware component. When this error occurs, you’ll see the message:
“Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43).”
This issue can be triggered by faulty hardware, corrupted or outdated drivers, or conflicts within your system. To resolve it, you must diagnose whether the issue stems from a defective graphics driver or another problematic component.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through effective troubleshooting steps to fix the Code 43 error and restore your device’s functionality. Let’s get started!
What Are the Causes of the Code 43 Error?
A Code 43 error usually occurs when your hardware device experiences a failure. It can also appear if the device driver becomes outdated, corrupted, or the firmware requires an update.
The most common reason for this error is when Windows fails to recognize the hardware due to an incorrect entry in the Windows registry. Additionally, an outdated or faulty device driver can trigger a Code 43 error.
Typically, Code 43 errors are encountered on video cards and USB-connected devices like printers, web cameras, iPhones, and other similar peripherals. However, this issue can affect any hardware connected to your computer. The solutions provided below will help you resolve the issue and restore your device to full functionality.
How to Resolve a Code 43 Error on Windows
1. Restart Your Computer to Fix Code 43 Error
The first step in resolving the Code 43 error is to restart your computer. A simple reboot can refresh the system and clear any temporary files that may be causing the issue. Many common errors, including Code 43, can often resolve themselves after restarting.
To restart your computer:
- Click on the Start menu icon in your taskbar.
- Locate the Power button and click it to expand the menu.
- Select Restart from the available options (ensure to save your work before restarting).
- Wait for your system to reboot and check if the Code 43 error persists.
If the error remains, proceed with the next troubleshooting solution.
2. Test the Device on Another Computer
If restarting doesn’t resolve the issue, try connecting the device to another computer. This will help you determine whether the problem is with the device or your computer.
- Plug the device into a different computer and check if it works normally.
- If the Code 43 error appears on the new system as well, the issue is likely with the device itself.
- If the device functions correctly on another computer, the problem may be related to your computer’s configuration or hardware.
3. Disable and Re-enable the Device to Fix Code 43 Error
Another effective method to resolve the Code 43 error is by disabling and then re-enabling the device. This process works similarly to restarting your computer and can help reset the device’s functionality.
To disable and enable the device:
- Press Windows + R on your keyboard simultaneously to open the Run utility.
- Type “devmgmt.msc” (without quotes) and click OK to open Device Manager in a new window.
- Find and expand the category of the device with the Code 43 error.
- Right-click on the device and select Disable device from the context menu.
- A prompt will appear asking for confirmation—click Yes to proceed.
- Wait for about a minute, then right-click on the same device and choose Enable device.
- Restart your computer and check if the Windows has stopped this device (Code 43) error is resolved.
This simple action can help reset the device and potentially fix the Code 43 error.
4. Reinstall the Device Drivers to Fix Code 43 Error
A common cause of the Code 43 error is faulty or outdated device drivers. To resolve this issue, you can try reinstalling the device driver using the following steps:
- Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run utility.
- Type “devmgmt.msc” (without quotes) and hit OK to open Device Manager in a new window.
- Expand the category containing the problematic device. Right-click on the device (e.g., audio adapter) and select Uninstall device from the context menu.
- When prompted, click Uninstall to confirm. Wait for Windows to completely remove the device driver.
- Next, click on the Action menu in Device Manager and select Scan for hardware changes, or use the shortcut icon (as shown in the image).
- After the driver is reinstalled, check if the Code 43 error is still appearing for your device in Device Manager.
Reinstalling the device driver can often fix issues caused by outdated or corrupted drivers, resolving the Code 43 error efficiently.
5. Update the Device Drivers to Resolve Code 43 Error
If reinstalling the device drivers didn’t fix the Code 43 error, updating them to the latest version may help resolve any compatibility issues or bugs causing the problem.
Follow these steps to update device drivers:
- Press Windows + X simultaneously on your keyboard and select Device Manager from the menu.
- Expand the section where your faulty device is listed by clicking the arrow icon next to it. Right-click on the device and choose Update Driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software to let Windows search for the most recent driver updates compatible with your device. Make sure you have an active internet connection to complete this step.
- Once the new driver is downloaded and installed, restart your computer. Check if the Code 43 error is resolved after updating the drivers.
Updating the device drivers is a powerful way to fix issues related to outdated or incompatible drivers, helping to eliminate the Code 43 error.
6. Roll Back the Device Driver to Fix Code 43 Error
If updating the driver didn’t solve the problem, rolling back to a previous device driver version can be a useful solution. Newer drivers sometimes cause issues that weren’t present in older versions, and rolling back can help resolve them.
Follow these steps to rollback the device driver:
- Press Windows + X on your keyboard and select Device Manager from the menu.
- Expand the category where your problematic device is located by clicking on the arrow next to it. Right-click on the device and choose Properties.
- In the Properties window, navigate to the Driver tab and click the Rollback Driver button (if available).
- After performing these steps, you may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Once your system reboots, check if the Code 43 error still persists.
Rolling back the device driver to a previous version can resolve driver-related issues that may have triggered the Code 43 error, helping to restore normal functionality.
7. Install the Latest Windows Service Pack to Resolve Code 43 Error
Installing the latest Windows service pack can often resolve a variety of system problems, including Code 43 errors. Service packs come with updated device drivers and system fixes that could address issues causing device malfunctions.
To download the latest service pack for your system:
- Visit the Service Pack and Update Center.
- Select your operating system and follow the instructions from Microsoft to install the latest service pack compatible with your version of Windows.
8. Update Your BIOS to Fix Code 43 Error
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a firmware program stored on your motherboard that controls the hardware components of your PC. Updating your BIOS may resolve the Code 43 error if it’s related to hardware issues.
To check and update your BIOS:
- Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run utility.
- Type cmd and press Enter to launch the Command Prompt.
- Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
systeminfo | findstr /I /c:bioswmic bios get manufacturer, smbiosbiosversion
- These commands will help you identify your current BIOS version. Use this information to download the latest BIOS update from your motherboard’s manufacturer website.
9. Use System Restore to Undo Changes and Fix Code 43 Error
If the Code 43 error persists after trying the above solutions, using System Restore might help revert any recent changes that caused the issue. System Restore will not affect your personal files, but it may uninstall recently installed programs or drivers.
To perform a System Restore:
- Open the Search bar by clicking the magnifying glass icon or pressing Windows + S.
- Type System Restore and click on Recovery from the search results.
- In the Control Panel, click on Open System Restore under the Advanced recovery tools section.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point, and click Finish. Windows will restore your system to a previous state.
Conclusion
The Code 43 error typically indicates an issue with hardware or device drivers. We hope the solutions outlined in this article help you successfully resolve the error. If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us at SoftwareKeep for any additional support!
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