What is unknown USB driver code 43?

Unknown USB driver code 43 is a common error message displayed in Windows Device Manager, indicating that the operating system has stopped a USB device because it has reported an unspecified problem. This error prevents the USB device from functioning correctly and communicating with your computer.

Understanding Unknown USB Driver Code 43

When you see "Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)" accompanied by error code 43 in Device Manager, it means Windows could not properly identify or communicate with the connected USB device. This status often implies that Windows has halted the device's operation due to an internal issue reported by the device itself, making it unusable.

What Does Code 43 Mean?

Specifically, for USB devices, Code 43 signals a general hardware or driver issue. It's a broad error code that points to a problem preventing the device from being recognized or functioning. The core of the problem is that the USB device cannot establish proper communication with the computer. This could stem from a physical connection issue, or more commonly, the device's drivers are outdated, incompatible, lost, or corrupted, directly leading to these communication failures.

Common Causes of Code 43 for USB Devices

Several factors can lead to an "Unknown USB Driver Code 43" error, ranging from simple connection glitches to more complex driver conflicts or hardware malfunctions.

• Driver Issues: This is one of the most frequent culprits.
  • Outdated Drivers: The drivers for your USB device may not be compatible with your current Windows version.
  • Corrupted Drivers: Driver files might have become damaged or incomplete due to improper shutdowns, malware, or disk errors.
  • Incompatible Drivers: Incorrect drivers might have been installed, or the device might be trying to use a generic driver that doesn't fully support its features.
  • Missing Drivers: Necessary driver files could be absent, preventing the device from being properly installed or recognized.
• Connection Problems: Physical issues can hinder communication.
  • Faulty USB Port: The USB port on your computer might be damaged or not supplying enough power.
  • Damaged USB Cable: A worn or broken cable can lead to intermittent or no connection.
  • Loose Connection: The USB device might not be fully plugged in.
• Hardware Malfunction: The USB device itself might be faulty.
  • Device Damage: The USB device could be physically damaged or have internal component failures.
  • Insufficient Power: The device might require more power than the USB port can supply, especially for high-power external drives.
• Operating System Glitches: Sometimes, Windows itself can experience temporary issues.
  • System Bugs: Minor software bugs can interfere with device recognition.
  • Power Management Settings: Windows might be configured to turn off the USB device to save power, leading to recognition issues.

Troubleshooting Steps for Code 43

Resolving an "Unknown USB Driver Code 43" typically involves a systematic approach to identify and fix the underlying problem.

1. Basic Checks

Always start with the simplest solutions.

• Restart Your Computer: A simple reboot can often clear temporary glitches that cause device errors.
• Try a Different USB Port: Plug the USB device into another port on your computer. If it's a desktop, try ports on the back of the case directly connected to the motherboard.
• Use a Different USB Cable: If possible, try connecting the device with a different USB cable to rule out a faulty cable.
• Connect to Another Computer: Test the USB device on a different computer to determine if the issue lies with the device itself or your original PC. If it works elsewhere, the problem is with your computer.

2. Driver-Related Solutions

Addressing driver issues is crucial for Code 43 errors.

• Update Drivers:
  1. Open Device Manager (right-click Start button > Device Manager).
  2. Locate the "Unknown device" or the problematic USB device (it might be under "Universal Serial Bus controllers" or "Other devices" with a yellow exclamation mark).
  3. Right-click the device and select "Update driver."
  4. Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software." If Windows doesn't find one, visit the device manufacturer's website to download the latest drivers manually.
• Reinstall Drivers:
  1. In Device Manager, right-click the problematic USB device.
  2. Select "Uninstall device." Confirm the action.
  3. Restart your computer. Windows will typically attempt to reinstall the driver automatically upon startup.
• Roll Back Drivers: If the error appeared after a recent driver update, you might need to revert to a previous version.
  1. In Device Manager, right-click the device and select "Properties."
  2. Go to the "Driver" tab and click "Roll Back Driver" if the option is available.
• Disable and Re-enable Device: A quick toggle can sometimes resolve minor driver conflicts.
  1. In Device Manager, right-click the device.
  2. Select "Disable device," then "Enable device."

3. Power Management

Sometimes Windows' power-saving features can interfere with USB device stability.

• Disable USB Selective Suspend:
  1. Search for and open "Edit power plan" in Windows.
  2. Click "Change advanced power settings."
  3. Expand "USB settings" and then "USB selective suspend setting."
  4. Change both "On battery" and "Plugged in" to "Disabled."
  5. Click "Apply" and "OK."
• Disable Power Management for USB Hubs:
  1. In Device Manager, expand "Universal Serial Bus controllers."
  2. For each "USB Root Hub" or "Generic USB Hub" entry, right-click and select "Properties."
  3. Go to the "Power Management" tab.
  4. Uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."
  5. Click "OK." Repeat for all relevant entries.

4. Hardware Investigation

If software fixes don't work, the issue might be hardware-related.

• Check Device Power: Ensure the USB device is receiving adequate power. For external hard drives, confirm external power adapters are plugged in and functioning.
• Test on Another PC: As mentioned in basic checks, if the device consistently shows Code 43 on multiple computers, the device itself is likely faulty and may need replacement.

Summary of Causes and Solutions

By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you can often pinpoint and resolve the "Unknown USB Driver Code 43" error, restoring your USB device's functionality.