Windows 11 Error Code 43: 10 Ways to Fix It

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Seeing “Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)” in Device Manager can be confusing. The problem may affect a USB device, graphics card, Bluetooth adapter, webcam, network adapter, or another hardware device.

In many cases, Code 43 Windows 11 is caused by a driver problem. However, Windows can also display this error when the device itself, its cable, port, power supply, or connection has a problem.

This guide shows you 10 ways to fix Error Code 43 in Windows 11, starting with simple checks and moving to more advanced troubleshooting.

Quick Answer:

To fix Code 43 in Windows 11, first restart your PC and reconnect the affected device. Then try another USB port or cable, update or reinstall the device driver, install available Windows updates, and test the device on another computer. If the device keeps disconnecting or Code 43 appears on multiple computers, the device, cable, power supply, or hardware may be faulty.

What Is Error Code 43 in Windows 11?

Windows Error Code 43 is a Device Manager error. It means that one of the drivers controlling the device has reported to Windows that the device has failed in some way.

Microsoft describes Code 43 as a situation where a driver has notified Windows that the device has encountered a problem. This does not automatically mean that the hardware is permanently damaged.

You can also check Microsoft's explanation of Device Manager error codes for the official description of Code 43.

Which Devices Can Show Code 43?

Code 43 can affect many different types of hardware, including:

  • USB flash drives
  • External hard drives and SSDs
  • USB keyboards and mice
  • Graphics cards
  • Bluetooth adapters
  • Wi-Fi adapters
  • Webcams
  • Printers
  • Game controllers
  • Other USB, PCI, and connected hardware devices

If the problem involves a USB device, you may also want to read our guide on how to fix a USB device that is not recognized in Windows .

How to Find the Device With Code 43

Windows 11 Device Manager showing Code 43 in Device status

Before applying a fix, identify which device is reporting the error.

  1. Press Windows + X.
  2. Select Device Manager.
  3. Look for a device with a yellow warning icon.
  4. Right-click the device and select Properties.
  5. Open the General tab.
  6. Check the Device status box.

If the device shows Code 43, continue with the fixes below.

1. Restart Your Windows 11 PC

Restarting Windows is the simplest fix and should be tried first. Temporary driver or hardware communication problems can sometimes disappear after a restart.

  1. Save your work.
  2. Open Start.
  3. Select Power.
  4. Click Restart.

After Windows starts again, check Device Manager to see whether Code 43 has disappeared.

2. Disconnect and Reconnect the Device

USB device connected to a Windows 11 laptop for troubleshooting

If Code 43 affects a USB or external device, disconnecting and reconnecting it can restore the connection.

  • Disconnect the affected device.
  • Wait several seconds.
  • Connect it directly to the computer.
  • Avoid using a USB hub while troubleshooting.
  • Check whether Windows detects the device again.

If Windows still does not recognize the device, see our guide on how to fix a USB device that is not recognized in Windows .

What to Do If Windows Says “Device Disconnected”

If Windows shows “Device disconnected” or the device keeps disappearing and reconnecting, the problem may be more than a normal Code 43 driver error.

Common causes include a loose connection, damaged USB cable, faulty USB port, driver problems, insufficient power, USB power-saving settings, overheating, or a hardware fault.

  1. Reconnect the device. Disconnect it completely and connect it again.
  2. Check the cable. If possible, test the device with another known-good cable.
  3. Try another USB port. Connect the device directly to another port on the computer.
  4. Avoid USB hubs. Connect the device directly to the PC while testing.
  5. Check USB power management. Open Device Manager, locate the affected USB device or USB Root Hub, open Properties, and check the Power Management tab if it is available. If Windows allows it, you can test by disabling the option that lets Windows turn off the device to save power.
  6. Check the driver. A damaged or incompatible driver can cause the device to disconnect repeatedly.
  7. Check power and heat. Some external devices may disconnect if they do not receive enough power or become too hot.
  8. Test the device on another computer. If the same problem occurs on another PC, the device, cable, or its hardware is more likely to be the cause.

Important: The Power Management tab is not available for every device or driver. If you do not see it, simply skip that step.

If the device contains important files, avoid repeated disconnect/reconnect attempts until you have considered the possibility of a failing drive. You can also read our guide on how to fix a corrupted or unresponsive USB drive on Windows .

3. Try the Device on Another Computer

Testing the device on another computer is one of the best ways to determine whether the problem is caused by Windows or the hardware.

  • If the device works normally on another computer, the problem may be related to Windows, drivers, settings, or the original PC.
  • If Code 43 appears on another computer too, the device, cable, power supply, or hardware may be faulty.

4. Update the Device Driver

Windows 11 Device Manager update driver options

A damaged, outdated, or incompatible driver is one of the main things to check when Windows reports Code 43.

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Right-click the device showing Code 43.
  3. Select Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers.
  5. Install the available driver if Windows finds one.
  6. Restart the computer.

Microsoft provides additional instructions in its guide to updating drivers through Device Manager .

If the problem is related to a network adapter, you may also find our guide on how to fix Wi-Fi not working in Windows 11 useful.

5. Install Driver Updates Through Windows Update

Windows Update can provide driver updates for many hardware devices.

Windows 11 Windows Update showing available driver updates

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Windows Update.
  3. Click Check for updates.
  4. Install available updates.
  5. Restart Windows if requested.

If Windows Update itself is causing problems, see our guide on how to fix Windows 11 Update not working .

6. Roll Back the Device Driver

If Code 43 started immediately after a driver update, rolling the driver back to the previous version may solve the problem.

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Right-click the affected device.
  3. Select Properties.
  4. Open the Driver tab.
  5. Select Roll Back Driver if the option is available.
  6. Restart the computer.

The rollback option may be unavailable if Windows does not have a previous driver stored.

7. Uninstall and Reinstall the Device Driver

If the driver is damaged, uninstalling and reinstalling it can clear Code 43.

Windows 11 Device Manager showing Uninstall device and Scan for hardware changes

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Right-click the device showing Code 43.
  3. Select Uninstall device.
  4. Confirm the uninstall.
  5. Restart Windows.
  6. Open Device Manager again.
  7. If Windows does not automatically detect the device, select Action > Scan for hardware changes.

Microsoft also recommends using Device Manager to uninstall and reinstall a problematic device driver when troubleshooting Device Manager errors.

8. Check the Device Manufacturer's Driver

Sometimes Windows cannot provide the correct driver. Check the manufacturer's official support website for the exact model of your device or computer.

  • Use the exact device or computer model.
  • Download the driver designed for your Windows version.
  • Prefer drivers supplied by the hardware manufacturer.
  • Restart Windows after installation.

Graphics card warning: If Code 43 affects an NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel graphics device, the problem may be caused by either software/driver issues or hardware. Microsoft has a specific guide for graphics device problems with Error Code 43 .

9. Check for Hardware or Connection Problems

Checking PC hardware connections to troubleshoot Windows 11 Error Code 43

If driver troubleshooting does not solve the problem, check the physical hardware and connections.

  • Check the USB cable for damage.
  • Try another USB port.
  • Check for loose connections.
  • Avoid damaged or unreliable USB hubs.
  • Check whether the device receives enough power.
  • Check for excessive heat.
  • Test the device on another computer.
  • Test another known-good device on the same port.

For internal hardware such as a graphics card, check whether the card is properly seated and whether its required power connectors are securely connected. If you are not comfortable opening a desktop PC, consider getting professional assistance.

For Bluetooth-related problems, you can also read our guide on how to enable Bluetooth on Windows 10 and Windows 11 .

10. Use System Restore or Windows Recovery

If Code 43 started after a recent driver installation, Windows update, or software change, System Restore may help return system settings to an earlier working state.

  1. Press Windows + R.
  2. Type rstrui.exe.
  3. Press Enter.
  4. Choose an available restore point from before the problem started.
  5. Follow the instructions to complete System Restore.

Microsoft explains how System Restore works in Windows .

If System Restore is not available, check Microsoft's Windows recovery options before considering more disruptive recovery methods.

What to Do If Error Code 43 Still Appears

If none of the fixes above work, use another computer to narrow down the cause.

Windows 11 USB device repeatedly disconnecting during troubleshooting

  • Device works on another computer: the problem is more likely related to Windows, drivers, settings, or hardware compatibility on the original PC.
  • Device fails on multiple computers: the device, cable, power supply, or hardware is more likely to be the cause.
  • Device repeatedly disconnects: investigate the cable, USB port, power, driver, heat, and hardware condition.

When Is Code 43 Likely a Hardware Problem?

Code 43 does not automatically mean that a device is damaged. However, a hardware problem becomes more likely when several warning signs appear together.

  • The device shows Code 43 on more than one computer.
  • The device repeatedly disconnects.
  • A different cable does not solve the problem.
  • A different USB port does not solve the problem.
  • The device becomes unusually hot.
  • The device is not detected reliably.
  • The device stopped working after physical damage or a power-related incident.

If important data is stored on the affected device, avoid unnecessary formatting or repeated repair attempts until the data has been protected.

Windows 11 Error Code 43: Quick Fix Order

If you want to troubleshoot Code 43 as quickly as possible, follow this order:

  1. Restart Windows 11.
  2. Disconnect and reconnect the device.
  3. Try another USB port or cable.
  4. Test the device on another computer.
  5. Update the device driver.
  6. Install available Windows updates.
  7. Roll back the driver if the problem started after an update.
  8. Uninstall and reinstall the driver.
  9. Install the correct manufacturer driver.
  10. Check hardware, power, connections, and System Restore.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Error Code 43 mean in Windows 11?

Error Code 43 means that a driver controlling the device has reported a problem to Windows. It can be caused by software, drivers, connections, power, or hardware.

How do I fix Code 43 in Windows 11?

Start by restarting Windows and reconnecting the device. Then try another port or cable, update or reinstall the driver, install Windows updates, and test the device on another computer.

Why does my device keep disconnecting and showing Code 43?

Repeated disconnections can be caused by a faulty cable, USB port, driver, insufficient power, power-saving settings, overheating, or failing hardware.

How do I fix a device that keeps disconnecting in Windows 11?

Try another cable and port, connect the device directly to the PC, check its driver, test USB power settings if available, and test the device on another computer.

Can a bad USB cable cause Code 43?

Yes. A damaged or unreliable USB cable can interrupt communication between Windows and the device and may contribute to Code 43 or repeated device disconnections.

Why does my USB device disappear from Device Manager?

A USB device may disappear because of a bad connection, power problem, USB controller issue, driver problem, or failing hardware.

Does Code 43 always mean the device is damaged?

No. Code 43 can be caused by a driver or software problem. Hardware failure becomes more likely when the same device fails on multiple computers or continues disconnecting after driver and connection troubleshooting.

Should I replace the device if I see Code 43?

Not immediately. First try the driver, connection, power, and testing steps in this guide. Consider replacing the device only when the problem follows the device to another computer or other hardware tests indicate a fault.

Related Computerdok Guides

Final Thoughts

Windows 11 Error Code 43 can look serious, but it does not always mean that the device has failed. Start with the simple fixes: restart Windows, reconnect the device, check the cable and port, and test the hardware on another computer.

If the problem is caused by a driver, updating, rolling back, or reinstalling the driver may fix it. If the device continues to disconnect or shows Code 43 on multiple computers, hardware failure becomes more likely.

By following the troubleshooting order in this guide, you can usually determine whether the problem is caused by Windows 11, the driver, the connection, or the device itself.

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