Graphics · high

How to fix Graphics card Code 43 (Windows has stopped this device)

Error code: CODE-43-GPU

What this error means

Device Manager shows "Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)" for the graphics card. Microsoft explains that one of the device's drivers told Windows that the device failed, and its recommended resolution is to uninstall and reinstall the device. Code 43 can appear for any device, including USB and Bluetooth. For graphics cards, the cause is often a damaged driver installation, but it can also be power, connection, firmware or a failing card.

Updated

Applies to
Windows 11 and Windows 10, NVIDIA, AMD and Intel graphics
Difficulty
Beginner to intermediate
Before changes
Low; the screen may switch to basic resolution while the driver is removed

Reviewed by Matyáš Rada · Documentation checked: 2026-10-31 · Checked against Microsoft's Device Manager error documentation; not tested on every graphics card.

Before you begin

If the dedicated card is the only display output, the screen may use basic resolution during these steps. Keep the driver installer downloaded before you start. If Windows cannot start, see the startup guide.

Work through these checks

0 of 7 complete
01Confirm the error in Device Manager

It is important to know which device shows Code 43, because the fix depends on it.

  1. Right-click Start > Device Manager and expand Display adapters.
  2. Open the device with a yellow warning sign and check the Device status on the General tab for Code 43.
What to expect

You see which graphics device reports Code 43.

If it does not help

If the device is under Universal Serial Bus controllers or Bluetooth instead, the same uninstall and reinstall step applies, but the driver comes from that device's maker.

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02Shut down fully and restart

A complete power cycle resets the graphics card, which clears a one-time failure.

  1. Hold Shift and click Start > Power > Shut down (this skips Fast Startup).
  2. On a desktop, switch off the power supply or unplug the PC for 30 seconds, then start it again.
What to expect

Device Manager shows the card working normally.

If it does not help

If Code 43 is back, continue with step 3.

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03Uninstall and reinstall the device

This is Microsoft's recommended resolution for Code 43.

  1. In Device Manager, right-click the graphics device > Uninstall device.
  2. If offered, tick the option to remove the driver for this device, then click Uninstall.
  3. Restart the PC; Windows detects the card again and installs a driver.
What to expect

The device works after the restart.

If it does not help

If Windows installs a basic driver or Code 43 returns, install the driver manually in step 4.

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04Install the graphics driver cleanly

A damaged driver installation is the most common software cause for graphics cards.

  1. Download the current driver for your exact card from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel; for laptops, also try the laptop maker's driver.
  2. Run the installer with its clean installation or factory reset option.
  3. If Code 43 started after a driver update, install the previous driver version instead.
What to expect

The card works with the new driver.

If it does not help

If it continues, remove all graphics drivers in Safe Mode with Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) and install again.

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05Check the card's power and seating

A card that does not get stable power or a good connection can report failure to its driver.

  1. Switch off and unplug the PC.
  2. Reseat the graphics card in its slot and make sure the slot latch clicks.
  3. Check that every PCIe power connector on the card is plugged in firmly, using cables from the power supply.
  4. If you use a PCIe riser cable, test without it.

Touch a metal part of the case before handling the card.

What to expect

The card is seated and powered correctly, and Code 43 is gone.

If it does not help

If possible, also try a different PCIe slot.

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06Update or reset the BIOS

Firmware bugs and changed PCIe settings can stop the card from initialising correctly.

  1. Install the latest BIOS/UEFI from your PC or motherboard maker.
  2. If you changed PCIe or graphics settings in the BIOS, choose Load optimized defaults.

Do not switch off the PC during a BIOS update.

What to expect

The card works after the update or reset.

If it does not help

After a BIOS reset, check the boot settings and memory profile again.

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07Test the card in another PC

If Code 43 survives a clean driver installation and correct power, the card itself may be failing.

  1. Install the card in another PC with a suitable power supply and install its driver.
  2. Or test a known-good graphics card in your PC.
What to expect

You know whether the problem follows the card.

If it does not help

If the card shows Code 43 in another PC too, contact the card maker about warranty or repair.

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Possible causes

  • A damaged or incompatible graphics driver installation
  • A driver update that went wrong
  • Loose card or missing PCIe power cable
  • BIOS settings or outdated BIOS
  • A failing graphics card

Useful Windows tools

These commands open Windows tools. Review changes before applying them.

devmgmt.msc
dxdiag

Sources & further reading