Device Manager Code 43:common causes and safe steps

What Code 43 means

The driver loaded, asked the device to start, and the device answered that something is wrong. Windows then stopped it. Because the message comes from the device, the same code appears for graphics cards, USB devices, Wi-Fi adapters and virtual devices.

Driver problem or something else?

Think about what is different from the last time it worked:

• A driver update or Windows update happened just before: a driver cause is likely.
• A new cable, hub, dock, adapter or power setting: check that first, especially for USB devices.
• A graphics card after a power or cooling change: power and temperature are common causes.
• It fails on every driver version and on another PC: the device itself is likely faulty.

Check what changed before Code 43 appeared

Look at the order of events. Windows keeps a record of installed updates and driver installs (Settings → Windows Update → Update history, and Event Viewer → System). If Code 43 started right after a specific driver install, that is a useful clue, although timing alone does not prove the cause.

Safe driver reinstall and rollback

Try these in order and stop when the device works:

• Unplug and replug the device, or restart the PC (a full shutdown, not only restart, if fast startup is on).
• Try another USB port or cable; avoid unpowered hubs.
• In Device Manager open the device's Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver if that button is available.
• Install the driver the device's own maker provides for your exact model, then restart.
• Restore a restore point from before the problem if the above do not help.

When a driver update will not fix it

If Code 43 appears on several driver versions, on another PC as well, or together with crashes and artefacts, the hardware or its firmware is the likely cause. Laptop graphics in particular can need a BIOS or firmware update from the PC maker, which is outside normal driver tools. At that point contact the maker or seller.