The solution to the error “Windows has stopped this device because it reported problems. (code 43)»

One of the most outstanding features of Windows is that it is a really easy operating system to use. However, it is also necessary to consider that it can sometimes become a real headache on certain occasions. For example, when you plug in a USB device and receive the error “Windows has stopped this device because it reported problems. (code 43)». If this is your case, we are going to show you how to solve it so that you can use the peripheral in question or determine that it is defective.

When Windows throws errors, it shows a message that many times as users we do not fully understand, accompanied by a code. In that sense, we are going to take advantage of this last piece of information to know exactly what the problem is about.

Why do I get the error “Windows has stopped this device because it reported problems. (code 43)”?

Windows error code 43 refers to a problem involving hardware devices and their drivers.. When we connect a USB peripheral to the computer, it must have a controller that serves as a bridge to communicate with the operating system. That is, the driver in question causes the device to be recognized and read by the system. However, when error 43 appears, Windows indicates that there is a driver or hardware problem.

This implies that we must make a series of checks in order to determine where exactly the problem is.. If it is software, i.e. the driver, then we will go through a review and reinstall process. On the other hand, if you verify that the fault is indeed in the hardware, you will have to replace it.

The main cause of this error is found in drivers that are corrupted, outdated or not compatible with the device in question.

How to fix Windows error code 43

Restart the system

The first step of the troubleshooting processes is usually the simplest, however, it is necessary to carry it out because, if it works, it will save us a lot of time. In that sense, restart the computer so that the system loads all the drivers and services involved in the operation of the USB device again. This might fix the problem if there was a problem running the driver in the previous session.

Disconnect and connect the device

If after restarting the problem persists, we will go to another very simple step, but that can be useful: disconnect and connect the device again. Generally, USB peripherals usually install their drivers as soon as they are plugged into the computer. In that sense, this step is likely to launch a new installation that will be successful and allow the device to work.

When performing this step, be sure to also test all USB ports on your computer to rule out any compatibility issues. There are particular peripherals that require USB 3.0, so if you connect it in the previous version, it might not work.

Hardware troubleshooter

This is a little-known Windows tool that allows you to do a general check for problems with hardware devices. In that sense, can be very helpful in resolving the error “Windows has stopped this device because it reported problems. (code 43)».

To run it, open a Command Prompt with Administrator privileges, enter this command and press Enter:

msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic

Immediately, the wizard window will be displayed and you just have to click next for the verification to begin.

Upon completion, the scan results will be displayed with some suggested solutions that might help the computer recognize the device in question.

Uninstall and reinstall driver

The last option we have to solve the error “Windows has stopped this device because it reported problems. (code 43)» is to point directly to the driver of the device in question. In that sense, we must go to the Device Manager and for this, you must right click on the start menu and then select the option of the same name.

This will open a window where all the hardware connected to the computer will be displayed. Find the one you are connecting and that generates error 43, select it and right click. This will bring up a series of options, choose “Uninstall the device”. If the system asks for confirmation for this action, grant it and wait for it to finish.

Now, click on the “Action” menu on the top bar of the interface and select “Scan for hardware changes”.

This will cause the system to read the connected devices again, find the one that is causing problems and start the driver reinstallation. When the installation of the new device is confirmed, reboot the system for the changes to take effect and test its operation.

Try the hardware on another computer

If none of the above gave positive results, then we have the alternative of testing the hardware on another computer. This will let you know right away if the device is faulty or if the problem is completely on your side. If the peripheral works on the other computer, then you will need to check the requirements it asks for in order to determine if your computer is compatible.