How to fix the error code 43 in Windows 11
- The error code 43 in Windows 11 is caused when either the device or its driver crashes or fails to respond.
- To verify that, you will have to check for the error in the Device Manager. It's listed under Device Status in the General tab of driver properties.
- To fix it, update Windows 11, reinstall the driver or roll back to the previous version, disable fast startup, amongst other methods listed here.
As time passes by, more and more errors that were encountered in the previous iteration are now witnessed in Windows 11. So, the latest iteration may look a lot more user-friendly and advanced, but it’s not completely immune to errors. One of these is the error code 43 in Windows 11.
The error is usually encountered with external USB devices or the graphics card, but it could happen with other pieces of hardware as well. And the error message that accompanies it reads, Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems (Code 43).
Also, the device with which the issue is encountered crashes. Which makes it imperative to eliminate the error code 43 in Windows 11 to get things up and running like before.
Why am I encountering error code 43 in Windows 11?
When the error is encountered, it indicates three things, either there is an issue with the device and it has stopped working, the relevant driver has crashed, or it has notified Windows that the device has run into a problem.
Since the error has largely got to do with the device driver, we will explore almost every troubleshooting method that deals with it. And by the time you are done with this guide, error code 43 in Windows 11 the problematic device would be eliminated.
How do I fix error code 43 in Windows 11?
1. Some basic checks
The first thing you can do here is to reconnect the device, if it was an external one. For instance, if you faced the error code 43 in Windows 11 with a USB storage, remove and then connect it to another port on the same system.
Also, there’s a possibility that another device is conflicting with the current one and you may run into the error. In this case, shut down the computer, unplug all non-critical peripherals with just the mouse, monitor, and keyboard connected.
Once done, connect the other devices one at a time and turn on the computer after each. As soon as you encounter error code 43 in Windows 11, the last connected device is causing it. Just keep it removed for the time being, or get in touch with the manufacturer for a resolution.
2. Update Windows 11
- Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app, and select Windows Update from the tabs on the left.
- Click on the Check for updates button on the right.
- Now, if an update is listed after the scan, click on Download & install.
3. Reinstall the driver
- Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Device Manager in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result.
- Locate the malfunctioning device, right-click on it, and select Uninstall device from the context menu.
- Tick the checkbox for Attempt to remove the driver for this device and click on Uninstall.
If it’s a corrupt driver behind the Windows 11 error code 43, it can be easily fixed by reinstalling the device. Also, it’s easy to identify one. A device with a corrupt driver will have a warning sign at the corner of its icon.
4. Update the driver
- Press Windows + X or right-click on the Start icon to launch the Quick Access/Power User menu, and select Device Manager from the list of options.
- Locate the problematic device, right-click on it and select Update driver from the context menu.
- Now, click on Search automatically for drivers from the two options that appear in the Update Drivers window.
- Wait for the system to find the best available driver and install it for the problematic device.
In many cases, it was an outdated driver that caused the Windows 11 error code 43 for users. This could be a bug in the current version or a one-time crash. But to be on the safe side, you should update the driver.
With each update, the manufacturer will be various new features, performance enhancements, and patches for previously known bugs. Therefore, it’s recommended that you always have the latest driver version installed.
In case the Device Manager method is unable to get the update process through, you can always manually install the latest driver version.
Or, you can use a reliable third-party app to automatically update the installed drivers. We recommend using DriverFix, a dedicated tool that will automatically look for out any available updates, and install them on your computer, thus keeping all the drivers up-to-date.
⇒ Get DriverFix
5. Roll back the driver update
- Press Windows + R to launch the Run command, enter devmgmt.msc in the text field, and either click on OK or hit Enter to launch the Device Manager.
- Right-click on the malfunctioning device, and select Properties from the context menu.
- Navigate to the Driver tab and then click on the Roll Back Driver option.
- Now, select a reason for rolling back the driver update, and click on Yes at the bottom.
If the error code 43 in Windows 11 started ever since you updated the driver, you can roll back to the previous version. When you update a driver, Windows will save the files for the currently installed version, in case things don’t work out and you want to reinstall it.
6. Disable Fast Startup
- Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Control Panel in the text field at the top, and click on the relevant search result that appears.
- Click System and Security.
- Next, click on Change what the power buttons do under Power options.
- Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Untick the checkbox for Turn on fast startup (recommended), and then click on Save changes at the bottom.
Fast Startup is a feature in Windows that lessens the boot time of the OS by keeping certain critical drivers and the kernel in an active state, such that they can quickly load when the computer is turned on.
However, it’s known to affect the functioning of the system, and can cause the drivers to malfunction. After disabling fast startup, check if Windows 11 error code 43 is eliminated. In case it persists, head to the next method.
7. Change power settings for the malfunctioning device
- Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu, enter Device Manager in the text field, and then click on the relevant search result.
- Next, right-click on the problematic device, and select Properties from the context menu.
- Navigate to the Power Management tab.
- Untick the checkbox for Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power and click on OK at the bottom to save the changes.
- Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.
If the computer is allowed to turn off a device, it might lead to issues when restarting and cause the Windows 11 error code 43. So, it’s best that you disable the feature.
These are all the ways you can fix the error and get the malfunctioning device up and running. In case none of the methods listed here work, you are left with no option but to reset Windows 11 to its factory settings.
Also, several users have reported that Windows 11 is not recognizing USB devices, another similar error that can be easily fixed. So, if you ever encounter it, just go through the methods listed in the linked guide.
Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.
