If you have received the error “Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems”, it likely means there is an issue with one of your hardware devices. This can occur for a variety of reasons, such as faulty drivers, connection issues, or device malfunctions.
Some common questions when this error occurs include:
- Why did I get this error message?
- How can I figure out which device is causing the problem?
- What are some solutions to try to fix this issue?
In this guide, we will cover the potential causes for this error, how to identify the problem device, and the steps you can take to resolve the issue and get your hardware functioning again.
What Causes This Error Message?
There are a few common culprits that can trigger the “Windows has stopped this device” error message:
Outdated or Faulty Drivers
Device drivers act as the software “translators” between your hardware and operating system. If the drivers are outdated or corrupted, it can cause conflicts and make devices unusable. This is one of the most common reasons for this error message.
Connection Issues
Problems with connections such as loose cables, wireless interference, or damaged ports/slots can prevent proper communication between devices and your PC. This loss of connectivity can lead to the error.
Faulty or Failing Hardware
If a piece of hardware like a USB device, hard drive, or graphics card has become defective or damaged, Windows may have trouble recognizing it or using it properly. The hardware failure triggers the error message.
Power Issues
If your devices are not receiving proper power from your PC or outlets, they may malfunction or lose connectivity with your system, resulting in the error.
Incompatible Components
Sometimes hardware components like RAM, CPU, or motherboard chipsets are not fully compatible with each other or the installed Windows version. This mismatch can also lead to the error.
Identifying the Problem Device
To resolve the error, you first need to figure out which connected device Windows has stopped. There are a few methods to help determine this:
Check Event Viewer
Event Viewer provides detailed system logs that can point to the source of hardware errors. Look in the System or Hardware Events logs around the time of the error for clues.
Unplug Non-Essential Devices
Unplug or disconnect any external devices like printers, USB drives, cameras, etc. and restart your PC. If the error goes away, plug the devices back in one at a time until the error recurs to isolate the problem device.
Update Drivers
Use Device Manager to update any outdated drivers, especially for components like network adapters, audio devices, printers, etc. An outdated driver could be the issue.
Check Connections
Carefully check the connections to all your devices like video cables, USB ports, wireless adapters etc. A loose connection can cause the error.
Test Hardware
Run hardware diagnostics like built-in Windows tools or manufacturer apps to test components like RAM, hard drives, GPUs, etc. Hardware failures can trigger the error.
How to Fix the Issue
Once you’ve identified the problem device, here are some troubleshooting steps to resolve the error and get the hardware working properly again:
Update Drivers
If the drivers are outdated, download the latest versions from the device manufacturer’s website and install them.
Reconnect Devices
For issues like loose cables or connections, simply re-connecting the device properly should resolve it.
Try a Different USB Port
Use a different USB port on your PC if possible. Some ports may have become damaged.
Disable/Re-Enable Device
In Device Manager, try disabling the device, restarting your PC, then re-enabling the device to re-establish the connection.
Uninstall Device
Uninstall the device/driver from Device Manager, restart, then let Windows reinstall it automatically.
Reset Device
Refer to the device manufacturer’s instructions to reset the device to factory default settings if available.
Update Windows
Make sure Windows is completely up to date, as the issue could be fixed in a newer update.
Clean Install Drivers
Use a trusted driver removal tool to do a clean uninstall/reinstall of the device drivers.
Replace Hardware
If all else fails, the hardware device may need to be replaced if it is defective or malfunctioning.
Preventing Future Errors
Here are some tips to help avoid this issue going forward:
- Keep Windows and all device drivers up-to-date
- Do not disconnect devices while they are actively in use
- Properly eject external devices before unplugging them
- Ensure all cables/connections are secure and undamaged
- Do not overload power strips or outlets
- Use good surge protectors to avoid electrical damage
- Handle devices carefully to prevent physical damage
Conclusion
The “Windows has stopped this device” error can be frustrating, but is usually fixable. The key steps are identifying the problematic hardware, troubleshooting the driver and connection issues, and replacing defective parts if needed. With the right device isolation and a few fixes, you can get your PC hardware working properly again.
To recap, common troubleshooting fixes include:
- Update drivers
- Reconnect devices properly
- Try different USB ports
- Disable/re-enable device
- Uninstall/reinstall device
- Reset device to factory settings
- Update Windows
- Clean install device drivers
- Replace defective hardware
Following proper device management and connection protocols can also reduce future errors. With the steps in this guide, you should be able to resolve the “Windows has stopped this device” issue when it arises and get your PC hardware working smoothly again.
| Error Message | Potential Cause | Troubleshooting Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43) | Outdated or corrupted drivers |
|
| Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 10) | Hardware failure |
|
| Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 45) | Loose connections |
|