How to Fix Code 43 USB Error on Windows 7, 8 and 10

The Code 43 error in the device manager indicates that Windows found an error with a USB device, and has therefore shut it down for usage within the operating system. The error means that one of the drivers which control the device, informs the operating system that the device has in some way failed. Possible causes are something wrong with the drivers, or when the device hasn’t been unplugged properly previously (via ejecting). It also might happen because one of the loaded drivers is corrupted, and it can be solved by flushing the driver cache.

Even though Windows might tell you that the device is malfunctioning, in the majority of cases this isn’t true and the problem can be easily fixed. People usually get this error with USB flash drives and external hard drives, however the possibility of getting it with another USB-connected device, such as a smartphone or a mouse, shouldn’t be excluded.

Before you go out to buy a new device thinking it’s damaged or not functional anymore, only to get the same error message when you come back, read through the following methods and try them, as they have solved this problem for a number of people.

Method 1: Turn of your PC, and remove its battery (only applies to laptop users)

Flushing the driver cache can’t be simply solved by unplugging your computer, as it holds battery and that doesn’t have any effect. However, there is another thing you can do.

1. Unplug all USB devices from the computer. This includes any flash drives, external storage, mice and keyboards etc.
2. Turn off your PC. Wait for it to shut down, and take out the battery.
3. Leave the PC to set for about 5 minutes, leaving the battery out, and afterwards put it back in.
4. Turn on your PC again.
5. When it’s on, start plugging in your USB devices again, one at a time, making sure they work.

After you’re done, you shouldn’t have the Code 43 error anymore, and you can use your USB devices again.

Method 2: Plug the device in another computer and eject it properly

If you have another computer at your disposal, you can make use of it.

1. Plug in the device in to the other computer.
2. Let it load, and make sure it works.
3. Once you’re sure it works, from your taskbar, click on your device and select Eject from the menu.
4. You can now put it back in your computer, and it will work without giving you the error.

Method 3: Run the Windows Troubleshooter

1. Click Start
2. Type Troubleshooting
3. Choose “Configure a Device” under Hardware and Sound
4. Click Next
5. Click Apply This Fix

Even though seeing this error will make you believe that there’s something wrong with your hardware device, by following the methods described above you will see that you can easily fix it. You can now continue using your USB device without any errors.