Device Manager Error Codes: 10, 28, 31, 39, 43, 45, 52

The Windows Device Manager is the central tool for diagnosing driver problems. When a device shows a yellow exclamation mark or red X, an error code is hidden in the device's Properties dialog. We explain the most important codes and the matching solutions.

Where to find the error code

1. Press Win + X → Device Manager
2. Right-click the marked device → Properties
3. "General" tab → "Device status" — there's the code

The most common error codes

Code 10: This device cannot start

Most common error code. Meaning: Windows can't start the device — usually a driver problem.

Solutions:

1. Update driver — preferably from manufacturer website
2. Roll back driver — if the problem started after a recent update
3. Uninstall and reinstall device
4. BIOS update — for chipset/USB issues
5. Check hardware — for stubborn cases

Code 28: The drivers for this device are not installed

Self-explanatory: no driver loaded for the device. Usually after a fresh Windows installation or after manually uninstalling a driver.

Solution: Right-click the device → Update driver → Search automatically. If unsuccessful: identify the device via Hardware-ID (Properties → Details → Hardware-IDs) and search the manufacturer's site.

Code 31: This device is not working properly

Driver loaded but not functioning. Often after Windows updates that disturbed driver registry entries.

Solution: Uninstall driver completely (also "Delete the driver software for this device"), reboot, reinstall.

Code 39: Windows cannot load the device driver

Driver file corrupted or unsigned. Windows refuses to load.

Solution: Reinstall driver. For Windows 11 with HVCI: the driver may be unsigned and rejected — install a signed version.

Code 43: Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems

Hardware reports an error. Common with USB devices or graphics cards. Often points to actual hardware damage but can also be driver issue.

Solution:

1. Test the device on another PC
2. Try another USB port (especially USB 3.x vs 2.0)
3. Update or roll back driver
4. Disconnect device, restart PC, reconnect

Code 45: Currently, this hardware device is not connected

Device unplugged but still listed. Normal — only an issue if the device is physically connected.

Solution if connected: Check the cable, try another port. For internal devices: contact issue (RAM, expansion card).

Code 52: Windows cannot verify the digital signature

Driver is unsigned or has invalid signature. Windows refuses load by default.

Solution: Install a signed version of the driver. As a last resort: Windows Test Mode (not recommended).

Showing hidden devices

Some problems only show up with hidden devices — for instance, ghost devices from previous hardware that block IRQs.

1. Device Manager → View → Show hidden devices
2. Greyed-out devices = formerly installed, no longer present
3. Right-click → Uninstall — for actually removed hardware