ERRORDevice ManagerCode 43
Device Manager Code 43Windows stopped this device (problem reported)
Device Manager Code 43 means the device reported a problem to Windows, so Windows stopped it. It is common with graphics cards and USB devices. The cause can be a driver fault, a firmware or power issue, or genuinely failing hardware. Reinstalling the driver and reseating or re-powering the device resolve many cases; a card that fails everywhere may be dying.
What it means
Code 43, CM_PROB_FAILED_POST_START, shows the message "Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems." The distinction from Code 10 matters: here the device started and then reported a fault, and Windows shut it down in response. Graphics cards and USB devices are the most common to show it.
Because the device is reporting the problem, Code 43 is more often associated with genuine hardware or firmware issues than Code 10, though driver faults still cause it.
Fixes
1. Reinstall the driver cleanly. For a GPU, remove the driver with Display Driver Uninstaller in Safe Mode, then install the latest from the vendor. For other devices, uninstall in Device Manager and reinstall the vendor driver.
2. Reseat and re-power the device. Reseat a graphics card and its PCIe power connectors; check GPU temperatures. For USB, change ports and cable and avoid hubs.
3. Power-cycle fully. Shut down, remove power for a minute (unplug a desktop, or the device), and restart. Some devices clear a reported fault only on a full power cycle.
4. Update firmware and the BIOS, which occasionally resolves device-reported faults on newer hardware.
5. Test elsewhere. Move the device to another PC or the port to another device. A device that fails everywhere is likely failing; one that works elsewhere points to the original system's slot, port, power or drivers.
Frequently asked questions
What does Code 43 mean?
The device itself told Windows it had a problem, and Windows responded by stopping it. Unlike Code 10, which is Windows failing to start the device, Code 43 is the device reporting a fault after starting. It can be a driver issue or a real hardware failure.
How do I fix Code 43 on a graphics card?
Clean-reinstall the GPU driver (remove it with DDU, then install the latest from the vendor). Reseat the card and its power connectors, and check temperatures. If it works in another PC, the problem is local; if it fails everywhere, the card may be failing.
How do I fix Code 43 on a USB device?
Unplug it and try another port and cable; power it directly rather than through a hub. Uninstall the device and the "USB Root Hub" entries in Device Manager and reboot. A device that fails on every port and PC is likely faulty.