Fix Windows Stopped This Device, It Reported Problems

In this guide, we’ll show you how to fix the following error message: “Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. Error 43.”

This error usually pops up when your device driver has stopped working or crashed. It often affects graphics card drivers, Bluetooth drivers, and external drives.

How to Fix Error 42: Windows Stopped This Device

If unplugging all the peripherals and restarting your computer did not work, continue with the troubleshooting methods below.

Update or Reinstall Your Drivers

Since this is primarily a driver-related error, we’ll start off by updating the problematic driver.

1. Launch the Device Manager.
2. Then right-click on the device that triggered the error.
3. Select Update driver.
4. Restart your computer and check if the error is gone.
5. If it persists, try reinstalling the driver. Right-click on the faulty device and select Uninstall device.
6. Restart your PC again to install the latest drivers.

Rollback the Driver

If this problem occurred shortly after you updated your computer, try rolling back your drivers.

1. Open the Device Manager again.
2. Right-click on the faulty device and select Properties.
3. After that, click on the Driver tab.
4. Select Roll Back Driver (if the option is not greyed out).

Disable Power Saving

If your PC is allowed to stop other devices in order to save power, try disabling this option.

1. Launch the Device Manager.
2. Right-click on the device that triggered error 43. Select Properties.
3. Then click on the Power Management tab.
4. Untick this option: Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
5. Restart your computer.

Run CheckDisk if the Error Affects an External Drive

If you got this error while connecting your external hard drive to your PC, run the CheckDisk utility.

1. Type ‘disk management‘ in the Windows Search bar.
2. Launch the Disk Management app.
3. Right-click on the problematic drive and select Properties.
4. Then, select the Tools tab.
5. After that, hit the Check now button to scan and repair your drive.
6. Restart your computer.

Let us know which method worked for you.