How to Fix Windows Code 31 Error – Full Repair Guide

How to Identify Your Error Code in Device Manager

How often do you come across Windows errors in your daily computer use? These unexpected pop-up message dialogs can be frustrating, as they often lack clear explanations and solutions. As new versions of Windows are released, certain errors may become more prevalent. It is best to learn how to identify specific errors and apply the best fixes to resolve these.

Finding out what error is causing your blue screen is simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Open Device Manager by searching for it in the taskbar or Control Panel.

2. Locate the type of device experiencing the problem and double-click on it to expand the list.

3. Right-click on the specific device with the issue and select Properties.

4. The error code can be found in the Device status area in the Properties dialog box.

Windows Error Code 31

Error code 31, also known as the “missing drivers” error, can occur on Windows computers running version 10, 8, or 7 of the operating system. This error occurs when the appropriate driver is not found, preventing the program from being installed or launched properly. When the error occurs, a yellow exclamation mark may appear next to the related device in the Device Manager.

Code 31 carries the error message:

“This device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device.“

Various issues, such as missing or outdated drivers, corrupt or misconfigured files, etc can cause the error.

To resolve the error, it is necessary to change specific settings related to the various adapters and drivers, such as network adapters.

While Windows updates can be a quick solution, they may not always be effective in resolving the issue. The error can prevent the device from loading properly and cause application issues.

It is important to note that the error can be temporary, so restarting Windows can be a quick fix. More technical methods, such as updating drivers, should be attempted if the problem persists.

Disadvantages of Windows Error Code 31

Error code 31 can prevent a device from functioning properly, which can have various consequences depending on the device. Some possible disadvantages of having this error code include the following:

• Reduced functionality or performance of the device
• Inability to use the device at all
• System instability or crashes
• Conflicts with other devices or software
• Difficulty troubleshooting and identifying the cause of the problem
• Reduced productivity if the device is essential for work or other tasks.
• It is important to address error code 31 as soon as possible to avoid these potential issues.

Common Fixes for Windows Code 31

With a few troubleshooting steps, the Code 31 error can be resolved. In this article, we will outline some of the most common solutions to help you resolve the error and restore the functionality of your device.

Fix 1. Restart Your Computer

The Code 31 error can sometimes result from a temporary hardware issue. One solution to try is restarting your computer to see if it resolves the problem. Additionally, if the issue is with a connected hardware device, unplugging and reconnecting the device and then restarting the computer may also help.

Recommended: Fortect System Repair Tool – Fix Errors & Speed Up Windows Automatically

Reinstall the graphics driver

To reinstall drivers, follow the steps below:

1. In the search box on the taskbar, open the Device Manager by searching for it and selecting it from the results.
2. Locate the device in question, right-click on its name, and select the option to Uninstall it.
3. Restart your computer.
4. Upon reboot, Windows will automatically attempt to reinstall the device driver.

Fix 2. Revert the Driver to a Previous Version Before the Updates

The Code 31 error message suggests that Windows cannot load the necessary drivers for a device. Various issues, such as missing or outdated drivers, can cause this. To resolve this issue, one option is to update the device drivers. This can include updating drivers for devices such as Nvidia or AMD graphics cards. There are two methods to update drivers: manual or automatic update tools.

Update Drivers Manually

For manual drivers update, follow these steps:

1. Open the Device Manager by searching for it in the taskbar.
2. Locate the device you wish to update and right-click on it.
3. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
4. Follow the prompts to update the driver.
5. If Windows cannot find a new driver, you can try searching for one on the manufacturer’s website and follow their instructions for installation.

Update Drivers Automatically

1. Open the Devices and Printers by clicking on the Start button and selecting it from the menu.
2. Right-click on the name of your computer and select Device installation settings.
3. Choose Yes, do this automatically (recommended), and click Save Changes.
4. Administrator permission may be required; if prompted, enter the password or provide confirmation.
5. If the Yes option is already selected, click Cancel to close the dialog box.

Fix 3. Use System Restore to Undo Device Manager-Related Changes Made Recently

System restore is a feature in Windows that allows you to create restore points at various points, such as when you install a new app, driver, or update. These restore points allow you to roll back your system to a previous state in case of issues.

It is important to note that restoring to a previous point will remove apps, drivers, and updates installed after that point. To use System Restore to resolve the error code 31:

1. Search and open Control Panel via the Start menu.
2. Find the Recovery option and choose Open System Restore.
3. Choose a restore point that was created before the installation of the problematic app, driver, or update.
4. Follow the prompts to complete the restore process.

Fix 4. Reinstall the Device Driver via the Hardware Update Wizard

Updating the driver for a device can resolve error code 31. Here are the steps to update a driver through Device Manager:

1. Search and open Device Manager via the Start menu.
2. Right-click on the device with the error.
3. Select Update Driver from the menu to open the Hardware Update wizard.
4. You may be prompted to provide the driver’s location; if you do not have the driver, you may try downloading the latest version from the hardware vendor’s website.

Fix 5. Delete the Upperfilters and Lowerfilters Registry Values

Deleting certain registry values, such as Upperfilters and Lowerfilters, may help to quickly resolve the error code 31, specifically related to a wireless problem on Windows. To do this:

Error Code 31 can be resolved by editing certain registry values, such as Upperfilters and Lowerfilters. To start the edit, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Registry Editor by executing regedit from the Run dialog box or Command Prompt.

2. Navigate to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE hive on the left side of the Registry Editor, expanding the folders until you reach the Class key.

3. Identify the correct Class GUID for the hardware device experiencing the error.

4. Locate the subkey corresponding to the device’s Class GUID.

5. In the right-hand window, find the UpperFilters and LowerFilters values.

6. Delete the UpperFilters value and confirm the deletion.

7. Repeat step 6 for the LowerFilters value.

8. Verify that the values are deleted, close Registry Editor.

9. Restart the computer.

10. Check the device’s status to see if the error code is resolved.

Use Registry Cleaner on Windows

One method to resolve the Code 31 error related to a network adapter on Windows is to use registry cleaner software. This can help fix any issues within the registry that may be causing the problem.

Fix 6. Reinstall the Microsoft Isatap Network Adapter (For MS Isatap- Related Adapter)

Reinstalling the Microsoft ISATAP network adapter may resolve the Code 31 error, specifically if the error is related to the adapter not functioning properly. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Action >> Add legacy hardware screen.
3. Start the wizard and click Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced)
4. Follow the prompts and select Network adapters >> Microsoft >> Microsoft ISATAP Adapter from the list.

Fix 7. Troubleshoot Hardware Device Issues

Windows 10, 8, and 7 have an in-built troubleshooter to help resolve issues with new drivers or hardware devices. To use this troubleshooter to resolve error code 31:

On Windows 10, open Settings >> Update & Security >> Troubleshoot and click on Hardware and Devices.

On Windows 8/7, the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter can be accessed by following these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel >> Hardware and Sound >> Configure a device.
2. The Hardware Troubleshooter will open, and you can choose to fix the detected problems automatically or select the ones you want to fix.
3. Press Next to run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter.
4. After the scan is completed, it will present you with a report.
5. Choose the issues you want to fix and click Next.
6. The Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter will attempt to resolve the problems.

Fix 8. Run the Sfc /Scannow Command

An SFC (System File Checker) scan can quickly resolve the Code 31 error on a Windows PC. To run an SFC scan:

1. Go to the Start menu.
2. Search for and open the Command Prompt.
3. In the Command Prompt >> type sfc/scannow >> Enter.
4. Wait for the scan to complete.
5. Close the Command Prompt once the scan is finished.

Fix 9. Contact Support

If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps and the error code 31 persists, it may be necessary to contact Windows support for further assistance. The Microsoft support team is available to provide help and guidance on resolving this error. You can contact them via phone, email, or chat, and they can walk you through the process of resolving the issue.

They may also provide additional troubleshooting steps or even remote access to your computer to fix the problem. They will also help you find a solution to your specific problem. Having your computer information and error code ready when you contact them is important so they can quickly identify and resolve the issue.

Fix 10. Replace your PC Hardware

If hardware issues do not cause the Code 31 error, you can try repairing Windows problems automatically or doing a clean install of Windows. However, it is important to note that these options should be considered as a last resort after trying to replace the hardware or other troubleshooting steps.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Windows Code 31 error is a common problem that can occur when the appropriate driver is not found on a Windows computer. This can prevent the program from being installed or working properly and cause issues such as reduced device functionality, system instability, and conflicts with other devices or software. Missing or outdated drivers, corrupt or misconfigured files, and other factors can cause the error.

While Windows updates can be a quick solution, they may not always be effective in resolving the issue. Restarting the computer can be a quick fix, but if the problem persists, more technical methods should be attempted, such as updating drivers or using system restore.

It is important to address the error code 31 as soon as possible to avoid potential issues and restore the device’s functionality. The article has provided several solutions that users can try to fix this error.