Windows Has Stopped This Device Because It Has Reported Problems. (Code 43)

You use your computer regularly and try to plug in an external device like a flash drive. Suddenly an error message appears, Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (code 43).

This error is one of the many error codes many Windows Operating System users encounter, regardless of whether the machine runs on Windows XP, Windows 7, etc. Now you cannot access your files because windows won’t read them.

There are a couple of reasons why this may happen, but it’s usually because of corrupted device drivers or broken USB devices. Follow the guide below to help you fix this problem on your computer. We cover another similar error in the post device cannot start code 10.

Common Reasons for Code 43 Issues

Understanding the reasons behind code 43 issues can help you effectively troubleshoot and resolve the problem. Here are some common reasons that might lead to this error on your Windows computer:

1. Corrupted, outdated, or faulty drivers: One of the primary reasons for code 43 errors is when a device driver gets corrupted, outdated, or is not working correctly. Drivers can sometimes become incompatible with new updates or get damaged due to malware or other software conflicts.
2. Hardware issues: Code 43 errors can also arise due to hardware problems, including improperly connected or installed devices, damaged hardware components, or incompatible devices. In some cases, faulty USB ports or connectors can also contribute to code 43 issues.
3. Insufficient power supply: Some USB devices demand more power than a USB port can provide, which may result in code 43 errors. In such cases, using an externally powered USB hub can help resolve the problem.
4. Software conflicts: Occasionally, software conflicts might cause code 43 errors. If two or more software applications are trying to access the same device at the same time, it may cause a code 43 error to occur.
5. Windows registry issues: Incorrectly modifying your Windows registry or having a corrupted registry can also lead to code 43 errors. In this scenario, using a reliable registry cleaning tool might help fix the issue.

To effectively resolve the code 43 issue on your computer, it is essential to understand the underlying problem. Once you identify the cause, you can follow the methods provided in this article or seek professional help to fix the error and regain access to your device.

First Step: Figure Out Which Device Causes the Code 43 Error

The first thing you should do if you encounter the Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (code 43) is to find out what device is causing the error code 43 on your computer. To do these, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Press on the Windows key + S and search for “Device Manager.”

Step 2: Select Device Manager.

Step 3: Expand “Universal Serial Bus Controllers” and find a device driver with a yellow logo on its side.

Now that you have identified what device causes the code 43 error, you can proceed and fix the problem.

How to Repair Windows Has Stopped This Device Because It Has Reported Problems. (Code 43)

Method 1: Reinstall/Update the Device Driver

Reinstalling or updating your device driver is especially helpful when the code 43 error results from outdated, incompatible, or corrupted drivers. By installing the latest compatible driver, you’re ensuring that your device can communicate properly with your computer, ultimately resolving the error. It’s important to keep your drivers updated regularly to prevent similar issues from happening in the future.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + S, type “Device Manager,” and press enter.

Step 2: Open Device Manager.

Step 3: Select the hardware you want to update.

Step 4: Right-click on the device you want to update and select Update Driver.

Step 5: A window will appear; select Search Automatically for updated Driver Software.

Step 6: The tool will search online for the latest version of the driver and install it automatically.

Step 7: Wait for the process to finish (usually 3-8minutes) and reboot your computer.

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Method 2: Restart Your Computer With the Device Plugged In

This method helps to address any configuration errors that might have occurred between your computer and the device. It can also help get rid of any temporary glitches that might be preventing the device from functioning properly. If this method doesn’t solve the issue, try the other methods described in this article for a more in-depth approach to resolving error code 43.

Step 1: Plug in the device with the code 43 error message.

Step 2: Press Windows Key + S and search for “Device Manager“

Step 3: Open the Windows Device Manager.

Step 4: Find the device with the yellow device status logo on it.

Step 5: Right-click and select uninstall.

Step 6: Reboot Windows without removing the USB device.

Now try using the device and see if Windows can adequately detect it and if the code 43 error has been removed.

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Method 3: Change Power Management Configuration

Sometimes, Windows may automatically turn off a device to save power, which can lead to code 43 errors. Adjusting your power management settings can help resolve this issue and ensure the device remains operational.

This method can be particularly helpful in cases where the problem occurs when connecting USB devices, such as external hard drives or USB-based peripherals. Let’s now go through the steps to change the power management configuration on your computer.

Step 1: Press Windows Key + S and search for “Device Manager.”

Step 2: Open Device Manager.

Step 3: Find Universal Serial Bus Controller.

Step 4: Expand it; now right-click on USB ROOT HUB and select properties.

Step 5: On Properties, click on the power management tab.

Step 6: Make sure to uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” and click Ok.

Now try to plug in your device, click on the “Scan for hardware changes” icon and see if the code 43 error has been fixed and if you can access it properly.

Method 4: Use Windows Troubleshooter

Using the Windows Troubleshooter is an easy and convenient way to identify and resolve various hardware issues, including the code 43 error. This built-in tool scans your system for potential issues and offers solutions to fix them without requiring much technical know-how. By following the steps outlined below, you can use the Windows Troubleshooter to address the code 43 error related to your device.

Step 1: Press Windows Key and Click on Settings.

Step 2: On Windows Settings, search for Troubleshooting.

Step 3: On the troubleshooting menu, click on “Configure a Device.”

Step 4: Click Next.

Step 5: Wait for the scan to finish.

Step 6: Click on Apply this fix and reboot your computer.

Step 7: Try to plug in your USB device and see if the error has been fixed and if Windows can read correctly.

If your device is still having problems after performing the fix above, your USB device could be corrupted or broken. We suggest using an externally powered USB hub, as some USB devices require more power.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Effective Troubleshooting for Code 43 Errors

In summary, encountering the code 43 error on your Windows computer is a common issue that many users face due to various reasons, including driver-related problems, hardware faults, software conflicts, and more.

By understanding the possible causes and utilizing the methods outlined in this guide, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve this error. Remember that keeping your drivers and operating system up to date, ensuring proper hardware connections, and regularly scanning your computer for potential issues will help prevent code 43 errors from occurring in the future.

With diligence and a responsive approach, you can maintain your computer’s performance and keep such issues at bay.