Code 43 means Windows stopped a device because the device reported a problem. It often appears after a driver issue, USB power hiccup, bad connection, or hardware fault.
This applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11, especially for graphics cards, USB devices, webcams, controllers, external drives, and network adapters.
Does This Affect You?
Unlike errors where Windows cannot find a driver, Code 43 means the device or driver signaled failure. Start with a clean restart and reconnection, then reinstall drivers before assuming the hardware is bad.
Restart and Reconnect the Device
- If it is USB, unplug the device completely.
- Restart the PC fully.
- Plug the device into a different USB port if possible.
- Open Device Manager and check whether the warning icon disappeared.
Update or Reinstall the Driver
- Open Device Manager.
- Right-click the device showing Code 43.
- Choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
- If that fails, right-click it again and choose Uninstall device.
- Check Attempt to remove the driver for this device if offered, then confirm.
- Restart so Windows redetects and reinstalls the device.
- For graphics cards, install the latest driver from NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, or the PC maker.
Scan for Hardware Changes
- Open Device Manager.
- Use Action > Scan for hardware changes, or click the scan icon.
- Wait while Windows redetects connected hardware and reloads drivers.
More Code 43 Checks
Disable USB Power Saving
In Device Manager, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers. For each USB Root Hub, open Properties > Power Management and clear Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
Check Optional Driver Updates
Open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates and look for a driver matching the device.
When Hardware Is Likely Failing
If the same device shows Code 43 across multiple ports, after a driver reinstall, and on another PC, replacement is often more practical than more driver work.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Fix Device Manager error codes
- Microsoft Learn: Device Manager error codes in Windows
- NVIDIA: Troubleshooting Code 43 errors