Error code 43 is an issue that can occur with USB devices in Windows. It appears when Windows has stopped or failed to recognize a USB device that was connected. The error message usually states “Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems (Code 43)”. This prevents the USB device, like a mouse, keyboard, webcam etc, from functioning properly. It’s an annoying problem that can prevent users from using their USB devices and negatively impact their productivity. The error occurs due to various reasons like driver issues, hardware problems, power issues etc. Understanding the causes and applying the right solutions is key to resolving error code 43.
Causes of Error Code 43
Error code 43 can occur for several reasons on a Windows PC when a USB device is connected but not recognized properly. The main causes include:
- Driver issues – Outdated, corrupted or missing drivers for the USB device can result in code 43 errors. Windows may fail to load the correct driver.
- Hardware problems – Faulty USB ports, a damaged USB cable, or issues with the connected USB device itself can lead to connectivity problems. This prevents Windows from recognizing the device.
- Power issues – If the connected USB device is not getting sufficient power from the port, it may not function properly. This can show up as error code 43.
According to Microsoft forums, corruption in a loaded driver or the driver cache can also cause code 43 errors when a USB is not recognized properly.
Fixing Driver Issues
One of the most common causes of Error Code 43 is a problem with the device driver for the USB device. Here are some steps you can take to fix any driver issues:
First, try updating the drivers. Go to Device Manager, find the device, right-click it and select Update Driver. This will search for the latest version of the drivers online and install them. You can also try downloading the latest drivers directly from the device manufacturer’s website and manually updating them.
If updating the drivers doesn’t work, try uninstalling the device drivers completely, rebooting your PC, and reinstalling the latest drivers. This can reset any corrupt driver files.
Another option is to try plugging the USB device into a different USB port. The drivers may have become corrupted for just that specific port. Switching to another USB port can sometimes fix Code 43 errors.
As a last resort, you can uninstall the device completely in Device Manager. Reboot your PC and then plug the USB device back in to reinstall the drivers. This is essentially resetting the USB drivers for that device.
See: Fix graphics device problems with error code 43 and How to Fix Code 43 Errors
Hardware Problems
One of the most common causes of error code 43 on a USB port is a hardware failure with the USB device, cable, or port itself [1]. The USB device may have a faulty component or loose connection that is causing it to malfunction. Similarly, the USB cable connecting the device could be frayed, bent, or otherwise damaged in a way that interrupts the connection. Finally, the USB port on the computer itself could have a hardware issue, like bent pins or physical damage, that prevents proper communication.
Hardware problems like these cause disruptions in the USB data transfer between the device and computer. The computer detects the faulty connection and throws the error code 43 to indicate the device is not working properly. Testing with a different USB device, cable, and port can help isolate the source of the hardware failure. For devices, look for visible damage or try updating firmware/drivers. For cables, swap in a new high-quality cable. For ports, inspect pins for damage or try a USB hub if an integrated port is causing issues.
Resolving any hardware defects with the USB components is key to fixing error code 43 problems stemming from physical or connection problems. Unless the hardware issue is addressed, the code 43 errors will persist even after trying all the software troubleshooting steps.
Power Issues
One potential cause for error code 43 is that the USB port is not receiving enough power. USB ports provide power to connected devices, but sometimes the power supply can be insufficient, faulty, or unable to deliver stable power to the USB ports.
If the USB port encounters a power surge, droop, or interruption when trying to communicate with a connected device, this can cause error code 43. A faulty or inadequate power supply may not provide enough steady power through the USB data lines.
Power issues tend to cause intermittent connection problems and error code 43 rather than complete failure of the USB device. Troubleshooting steps for a potential power issue include:
- Try connecting the USB device to a different USB port, ideally directly on the motherboard.
- Use a different USB cable, especially if the cable is damaged or excessively long.
- Disable unnecessary peripherals to reduce power draw on the power supply.
- Update the BIOS and chipset drivers.
- Replace the power supply if it is weak, inadequate, or unstable.
If these steps do not resolve error code 43, then there may be a deeper hardware issue with the USB controller or ports themselves.
Windows Registry
Errors in the Windows registry are a common cause of Code 43 errors on USB devices. The registry stores information and settings for hardware devices. If corruption occurs in the registry, it can prevent devices like USB ports from working properly. As a result, Code 43 errors may appear.[1]
To fix registry issues, you can edit the registry to delete corrupted keys and restore proper settings. Follow these steps:
- Open the Run command by pressing Windows Key + R.
- Type “regedit” and click OK to open the registry editor.
- Navigate to key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E966-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
- Look for any keys related to the problem USB device and delete them.
- Close regedit and restart the computer.
Editing the registry can enable Windows to rebuild the proper drivers and settings for the USB device when the system boots up again. This often resolves Code 43 errors related to registry corruption. Be very careful when editing the registry, as any mistakes can cause system instability.
[1] https://www.lifewire.com/43-errors-explained-2619238
USB Controllers
Outdated USB controller drivers can sometimes cause Error Code 43. The USB controllers manage communications between the USB ports and connected devices. If the drivers are outdated, buggy, or corrupted, the communication can break down, leading Windows to report the Error 43 warning Error Code 43: How To Fix USB Device Not Recognized.
To fix this, you’ll want to update your USB controller drivers to the latest available version. You can check for driver updates in Windows Device Manager. Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section, right-click each device, and select Update driver. This will search for and install the latest driver software automatically. A driver update often resolves the Error Code 43 on USB ports.
Disable USB Selective Suspend
One potential fix for error code 43 is to disable the USB selective suspend feature in Windows. Selective suspend is designed to conserve power by cutting power to USB ports when they are not in active use. However, this can sometimes cause USB devices to disconnect and reconnect, resulting in error code 43.
To disable selective suspend:
- Open Power Options in Windows 10 by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting Power Options.
- Click “Change plan settings” next to your active power plan.
- Click “Change advanced power settings.”
- Expand the USB settings and open “USB selective suspend setting.”
- Change the setting to “Disabled.”
- Click OK to apply the changes.
Disabling USB selective suspend prevents your USB ports from powering down when not in use. This keeps a constant power supply to your USB devices and can prevent error code 43 from happening (source). If the issue persists, you may need to look at other potential causes.
System File Corruption
One potential cause of error code 43 is corruption in critical system files like .dll files. Over time, important system files can become damaged through improper shutdowns, failed Windows updates, malware infections, or hard drive errors. This prevents device drivers from loading properly.
To fix system file corruption issues, first run the System File Checker (SFC) tool. This scans Windows system files for problems and can automatically restore corrupted files from a cache. Open an elevated Command Prompt and type “sfc /scannow” to run SFC. After this completes, restart your computer.
You can also try using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to repair the Windows image. Open an elevated Command Prompt and type “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” to run DISM. Restart after it finishes.
For more serious system file damage, you may need to repair your Windows installation from a recovery drive or reinstall Windows. Back up important data first. A clean install can replace corrupted system files with fresh versions.
Properly shutting down your computer and avoiding malware is key to preventing system file corruption issues over time. Check Disk can also detect and repair some early system file damage.
Conclusion
In summary, error code 43 on a USB port is generally caused by driver issues, hardware problems, power management settings, or corruption in system files. The main fixes include:
- Updating, rolling back, or reinstalling drivers for the USB controller and devices.
- Checking hardware connections, trying different USB ports, replacing defective cables or devices.
- Adjusting power management settings for USB in Power Options.
- Editing the Windows registry to resolve software conflicts.
- Disabling USB selective suspend feature.
- Using System File Checker to scan for and replace corrupted system files.
Error code 43 often indicates a software driver issue that can usually be resolved by updating or reinstalling drivers. Hardware problems like loose connections or defective USB ports/devices may also cause the error. Adjusting power management settings, updating system files, and editing the registry are other common fixes. Persistent error code 43 issues may require further troubleshooting of root causes.