Skip to content
littleden.blogEvidence-led Windows troubleshooting, without the guesswork
FixesError codesComponentsCommandsWindows updatesWindows 11
Research statusMethodology
Devices & drivers · scoped error record
Code 31

Device Manager Code 31: Windows cannot load the required drivers

Code 31 is a device-driver loading failure; keep the troubleshooting scoped to the affected hardware.

Applies to: Windows 11 Device ManagerReviewed: 2026-09-17

What it means in this context

Microsoft describes Code 31 as Windows being unable to load the drivers required for a device. The recommended resolution is driver-focused rather than a broad Windows reset.

Start here
  1. Confirm Code 31 in Device Manager.
  2. Record the device and current driver provider/version.
  3. Check current Windows and optional driver updates.
  4. Use the manufacturer’s support page when a model-specific driver is required.
1

Update or reinstall the affected device driver

Medium risk

Why: Microsoft directs Code 31 troubleshooting to the device driver.

  1. Open Device Manager and the affected device.
  2. Use Update Driver or the manufacturer’s documented reinstall process.
  3. Restart Windows.
  4. Recheck Device status after the driver loads.
Scope boundary

When not to use this record

If the same device repeatedly returns Code 31 with the correct current driver, investigate device-specific compatibility or hardware failure.

If it persists

Check the vendor’s release notes and hardware support rather than applying unrelated registry edits from generic forums.

Evidence

Reviewed source

Related authority records

Continue with the same failing system

These links share the same component or repair context; they are not generic keyword suggestions.

ErrorCode 10 — Device Manager Code 10: “This device cannot start”

Code 10 means the device could not start; Microsoft’s primary resolution begins with the device driver.

ErrorCode 12 — Device Manager Code 12: Windows cannot find enough free resources for the device

Code 12 is a resource-allocation problem; confirm the exact device before changing other hardware or firmware settings.

ErrorCode 22 — Device Manager Code 22: the device is disabled

Code 22 means Windows sees the device but it has been disabled; enable the device before reinstalling drivers.

ErrorCode 28 — Device Manager Code 28: drivers are not installed

Code 28 means Windows does not have the driver installed for the device; reinstall the device driver rather than applying unrelated fixes.

ErrorCode 43 — Device Manager Code 43: Windows stopped a device after it reported a problem

Code 43 means a driver controlling the device told Windows that the device failed in some way; driver and hardware context both matter.

ErrorCode 45 — Device Manager Code 45: hardware is not connected

Code 45 is a connection/presence state; reconnect or power the hardware before changing drivers.