How to Fix Code 43 in Windows Device Manager

Code 43 in Windows Device Manager means Windows has stopped a piece of hardware because it reported a problem. It appears as a yellow triangle next to the device, and the device typically stops working. This guide walks you through the most common fixes, from a simple reboot to reinstalling drivers, so you can get the hardware running again.

What You’ll Need

• Administrator access to the Windows PC
• Internet connection (for downloading drivers)
• If fixing a laptop’s internal device, a screwdriver may be needed for a reseat (optional)

Step-by-Step

1. Restart your computer. This clears temporary glitches. If the error disappears after reboot, you’re done. If not, continue.
2. Open Device Manager. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. Look for the device with the yellow triangle and “Code 43” in its Properties.
3. Uninstall the device driver. Right-click the problem device, choose Uninstall device, and check “Delete the driver software for this device” if the option appears. Do not restart yet.
4. Scan for hardware changes. In Device Manager, click the Action menu and select “Scan for hardware changes.” Windows will re-detect the device and reinstall the driver. Check if Code 43 is gone.
5. Update the driver. Right-click the device, select Update driver, then “Search automatically for drivers.” If Windows finds nothing, go to the manufacturer’s website, download the latest driver for your exact model, and install it manually.
6. Roll back the driver. If the problem started after a recent driver update, go to the device’s Properties → Driver tab → Roll Back Driver. If the button is greyed out, skip this step.
7. Check for Windows updates. Go to Settings → Windows Update and install any pending updates, then restart.
8. Reseat the hardware (desktop PCs). For a graphics card or expansion card, shut down, unplug the PC, open the case, remove the card, and firmly reinsert it into its slot. For RAM, remove and reinsert the sticks. For laptops, this is not recommended unless you are comfortable.
9. Check the power connections. For graphics cards, ensure the PCIe power cables are fully plugged in. For external devices, try a different USB port, preferably a rear port directly on the motherboard.
10. Use System Restore. If the error appeared recently, restore Windows to a point before the issue. Search for “Create a restore point” in the Start menu, open System Properties, click System Restore, and follow the prompts.
11. Check the BIOS/UEFI settings. Restart, press the key shown on screen (usually Del, F2, or F12) to enter BIOS. Look for settings related to the device (e.g., “Above 4G Decoding” for GPUs, “VT-x” for virtualization). Reset to defaults if unsure, save and exit.
12. Test the hardware on another computer. If possible, install the device in a different PC. If Code 43 appears there too, the hardware itself is likely faulty and needs replacement.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping the reboot after uninstalling. While not always required, a clean restart after driver removal can prevent conflicts.
• Installing the wrong driver. Always match the exact model and Windows version (e.g., Windows 11 64-bit). A mismatched driver can cause Code 43.
• Using third-party driver updaters. They often install outdated or incorrect drivers. Stick to Windows Update or the manufacturer’s site.
• Forgetting to delete the old driver. If you don’t check “Delete the driver software,” Windows may reuse the corrupted file.
• Reseating hardware without unplugging power. Always disconnect the PC from the wall before touching internal components.

Tips

• Check the event log. Open Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc), go to Windows Logs → System, and look for errors around the time Code 43 appeared. The details can hint at the cause.
• Disable and re-enable the device. In Device Manager, right-click the device, choose Disable, wait a few seconds, then Enable. This sometimes resets the hardware state.
• Use the manufacturer’s diagnostic tool. Many GPU and SSD makers offer free diagnostic software. Run it to test the hardware health.
• Keep a system restore point. Create one before making major driver changes. It gives you a quick undo.
• Update the chipset drivers. Outdated chipset drivers can cause Code 43 on devices connected via PCIe or USB. Install the latest chipset driver from your motherboard or laptop manufacturer.

Troubleshooting

If the steps above didn’t fix it, try these in order:

• Boot into Safe Mode. Restart, hold Shift while clicking Restart, then go to Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart, and press 4 for Safe Mode. In Safe Mode, uninstall the device driver, then reboot normally. If the error is gone in Safe Mode but returns normally, a third-party service or app is interfering.
• Run the hardware troubleshooter. In Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters, run the “Hardware and Devices” troubleshooter. It may automatically detect and fix issues.
• Check for firmware updates. Some devices (SSDs, GPUs, docks) have firmware that can be updated. Visit the manufacturer’s site and install any available firmware update.
• Test with a different cable. For external GPUs, displays, or USB devices, a faulty cable can cause Code 43. Swap the cable and try again.
• Disable Fast Startup. In Control Panel → Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do → Change settings that are currently unavailable, uncheck “Turn on fast startup.” This can fix devices that fail to initialize properly.
• If nothing works, the hardware is likely dead. Code 43 after all software fixes usually indicates a physical failure. Replace the device or take the PC to a repair shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Code 43 be fixed without reinstalling Windows?
A: Yes, in most cases. Driver reinstallation, hardware reseating, and system restore solve the majority of Code 43 errors without a full OS reinstall.

Q: Does Code 43 always mean the hardware is broken?
A: No. It often means a driver issue or a power management problem. Only after exhausting software fixes should you suspect hardware failure.

Q: Why does my GPU show Code 43 after a Windows update?
A: Windows updates can install incompatible generic drivers. Uninstall the GPU driver, then install the latest driver from the GPU manufacturer’s website.

Q: Can a faulty power supply cause Code 43?
A: Yes, especially for graphics cards. If the PSU can’t deliver enough power, the GPU may fail to initialize and report Code 43. Test with a known-good PSU if possible.

Q: Is it safe to ignore Code 43?
A: The device won’t work, but it won’t damage your system. However, if it’s a storage device or network adapter, you may lose data or connectivity, so fix it promptly.

Q: How long does a typical Code 43 fix take?
A: Driver reinstallation takes about 10 minutes. Hardware reseating takes 20-30 minutes. If you need to download drivers or run diagnostics, budget an hour total.

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