Code 43 is one of several Device Manager error codes in Windows. It appears when Device Manager stops a hardware device because that device has reported a problem to Windows. In plain terms, it usually means there is either a fault with the hardware itself or an issue with a driver that Windows cannot properly identify, even though the device is otherwise connected.
The good news is that a Code 43 error is often fixable at home. Work through the steps below in order, starting with the quickest fixes, and check after each one to see whether the error clears.
How to Fix a Code 43 Error
1. Restart your computer
If you have not already, restart the PC. A simple reboot resolves a surprising number of temporary device glitches, so it is always worth trying first.
2. Undo recent changes
Did you install a device or change something just before the Code 43 error appeared? If so, that change may be the cause. Reverse it if you can, restart the computer, and check whether the error persists.
3. Disable and re-enable the device
In Device Manager, disable the affected device and then re-enable it. This prompts Windows to take a fresh look at the device's configuration and can clear the error.
4. Reinstall the drivers
Uninstall the device's drivers and then reinstall them. A clean reinstall often resolves a Code 43 error caused by corrupted or misconfigured driver files.
5. Update the drivers
Install the newest drivers available for the device. Outdated drivers are a common source of Code 43 errors, and an update frequently fixes them.
6. Install the latest Windows updates
Install the latest Windows updates and patches. A cumulative update may include a fix for whatever is triggering the Code 43 error, so make sure the system is fully up to date.
7. Update the BIOS
In some cases an outdated BIOS is to blame. Updating to the latest BIOS from your motherboard or PC manufacturer can resolve the underlying conflict that Windows is reporting.
8. Replace the data cable
If the device connects with a data cable, try swapping it for another one. This is an effective fix for external devices such as USB or FireWire hardware, where a faulty cable can cause the error.
9. Check the hardware manual
Consult the manual for the device and follow any manufacturer-specific troubleshooting steps it provides.
10. Use a powered USB hub
If the Code 43 error is on a USB device, the device may need more power than your computer's built-in USB ports can supply. Plugging it into a powered USB hub can resolve the issue.
11. Replace the hardware
The error may stem from a fault in the device itself. If nothing else works, replacing the hardware is a reliable way to rule out and fix the problem.
12. Check for compatibility
Finally, the device may simply be incompatible with your version of Windows. Check the manufacturer's compatibility information to confirm the hardware is supported.
The Code 43 error can appear on any device in Device Manager, but it most often shows up on USB hardware such as webcams, printers, iPhones, and iPods. Working through the steps above should clear the error in the vast majority of cases.