Device Manager code Code 43: Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems
Updated
Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on .
What the code means
"Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)" (Code 43 - CM_PROB_FAILED_POST_START)
Code facts for Code 43
| Code as Windows shows it | Code 43 |
|---|---|
| Type | Device Manager code |
| Symbolic name | CM_PROB_FAILED_POST_START |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0x2B |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 43 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | 43 |
| Group | Device Manager and device errors |
Read with care
- Device Manager codes are decimal problem numbers (CM_PROB values), not Win32 or HRESULT codes. Win32 error 43 is not even defined in the System Error Codes list. (Device Manager Error Messages)
Code facts: Code 43 - CM_PROB_FAILED_POST_START (Microsoft Learn, CC BY 4.0), checked Nov 14, 2026.
Code facts: Device Manager Error Messages (Microsoft Learn, CC BY 4.0), checked Nov 14, 2026.
Where this error shows up
This code shows up in Device Manager, in the status box of a device that has a problem, or in an app that cannot use a device (such as the Camera app).
Applies to
Windows 11 and Windows 10 (Device Manager page). The graphics Code 43 page lists Windows 10 only; Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025 (note on that page).
Try these first
These steps carry no risk flag in the data. They keep the order of the full list below, which is not reordered. A step without a flag is not a promise that it is safe for your computer.
5 steps to try, in order
Steps are grouped by the Microsoft page they come from. The page lists only what those pages give; other causes of Code 43 are not covered. 2 steps are flagged.
If this page and Microsoft's page differ, follow Microsoft's page.
Microsoft also gives general steps that cover this code: see the general steps in the Device Manager and device errors group. Each block there says which codes its Microsoft page gives the steps for.
From: Error codes in Device Manager in Windows
Source: Error codes in Device Manager in Windows (Microsoft Support), checked Nov 14, 2026. Summary in our own words; Microsoft's page has the full steps.
Check the hardware documentation
Look in the hardware documentation, or ask the maker how to diagnose the problem.
Reinstall the driver
Disables or removes driversOpen Device Manager (search for device manager from Start), right-click the device and choose Uninstall.
When the device is gone from the list, open the Action menu and choose Scan for hardware changes so Windows reinstalls the driver.
If Windows asks where the driver files are and you don't have them, download the newest driver from the hardware maker's website.
Microsoft advises: Save your work and close all apps first. If Windows doesn't reinstall the driver after the restart, update the driver from Device Manager. (Update drivers through Device Manager in Windows)
From: Fix graphics device problems with error code 43
Source: Fix graphics device problems with error code 43 (Microsoft Support), checked Nov 14, 2026. Summary in our own words; Microsoft's page has the full steps.
Microsoft's page for graphics cards (display adapters) showing Code 43; it lists Windows 10.
Update the driver
Windows 10 only.
In Device Manager, right-click the device (it often shows a yellow exclamation mark), open Properties > Driver and choose Update Driver > Search automatically.
If Windows finds nothing, look for a driver on the device maker's website.
Roll back the driver
Windows 10 only.
If the problem started after a driver update, open Properties > Driver and choose Roll Back Driver.
Uninstall and reinstall the driver
Windows 10 only.
Disables or removes driversRight-click the device, choose Uninstall and confirm with OK.
Right-click the PC's name at the top of the Device Manager list and choose Scan for hardware changes.
Check that the General tab now says the device is working properly; if not, see the device documentation or contact the maker.
Microsoft advises: Save your work and close all apps first. If Windows doesn't reinstall the driver after the restart, update the driver from Device Manager. (Update drivers through Device Manager in Windows)
Stop and get help
If these steps do not fix the problem, or you are not sure about a step, stop and get help from Microsoft Support or from the maker of your PC. Stop at once if the data on this computer is at risk: back up your files first, or ask a professional before you go on.
Dates and review
| Automated checks | first check: ; second check: ; third check: ; fourth check: |
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| Microsoft pages read |
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| Review status | Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on . |