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Error code
31

Code 31 means Windows cannot load the drivers the device needs. It differs from Code 28, where drivers are missing, and Code 10, where the device cannot start. Before installing another package, establish which hardware is present, which driver it is trying to use and whether failure began with a version change.

Device Manager Code 31

Windows cannot load the drivers the device needs. Check for an appropriate update before removing it from the system.

Try this first

1 quick checks · ~3 min

  1. Record status and versionKeep the information that determines the path.

Find your situation

See all the clues. Choose the one that matches what you observe.

Worked before an update

Comparing with the previous version is more useful than trying another at random.

Generic name or uncertain package

Identify hardware and driver source before installation.

Correct model and package, but 31 remains

Targeted repair with recovery prepared, not repeated removals.

Diagnostic signals

ObservationProvider and version are not the model
Microsoft as provider does not prove the driver is wrong: some devices use the one included with Windows.
ObservationReturns after working
Comparing versions before and after can show whether the package was replaced; recurrence alone does not establish failed hardware.

Step-by-step solutions

01

Record status and version

  • Estimated time: 3 min
  • Easy
  • Low risk

Keep the information that determines the path.

  1. Open Device Manager > device > Properties > General. Confirm 31 and keep the message. Under Driver record provider, version and when it was installed or changed.

  2. If it shows 22, 28 or 10, choose that related guide. If 31 remains, distinguish a recent change, uncertain identity or an already confirmed package before continuing.

Sources:
02

Check whether a new version started the failure

  • Estimated time: 15 min
  • Easy
  • Low risk
  • Administrator required
  • Restart required

  1. If it previously worked and failure coincides with that driver change, consider Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver with authorization. The package date alone does not establish when it was installed.

  2. Save work and restart if prompted. If 31 disappears, give both versions to the manufacturer. If it returns later, compare whether Windows or another tool replaced the package. If no previous version is available, do not force a similar driver: continue by identifying the correct source.

Sources:
03

Identify the hardware and choose its source

  • Estimated time: 5 min
  • Easy
  • Low risk

  1. Under Properties > Details select Hardware Ids and copy them without editing. They let the OEM confirm your variant; they are not a reason to download from any website matching a search.

  2. For integrated networking, audio or Bluetooth, start with the PC model’s official page and its Windows version/architecture. For an added card, consult the card manufacturer. If documentation specifies a Windows-included driver, use Update driver; do not replace Microsoft merely because of the provider name.

  3. For Intel Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, compare with Intel’s error guide and the OEM package. Without a clear match, give those identifiers to support. Once the correct package is confirmed, proceed to targeted repair.

Sources:
04

Confirm which repair makes sense

  • Estimated time: 15 min
  • Easy
  • Low risk
  • Administrator required
  • Restart required

  1. If model and package are confirmed, check whether the manufacturer offers an update or repair for that state. Microsoft directs Code 31 to the Update driver wizard: it does not require deleting every package first.

  2. Install only the indicated compatible correction, with work saved and alternate access prepared. If function and status recover, stop. If unchanged, prepare the message and result for support; reinstalling needs a specific reason to repair that installation.

Sources:
Next step

Still not working?

If 31 persists, provide model, hardware IDs, provider/versions and what changed. Do not use third-party updaters, registry permissions or forced drivers. If the code changes, follow the new diagnosis; without a new hypothesis, do not repeat removals.

Sources

Documentation behind this guide. Editorial recommendations are identified separately.

Source review: . A documentation review, not a physical hardware test.

Related problems

windows
Error code

Windows Code 28: drivers not installed

Identify the device missing its driver and obtain the appropriate official package before removing its entry.

View solution
windows
Error code

Windows Device Manager Code 10

Identify the device that cannot start and check its specific driver, keeping Code 10 separate from Code 43.

View solution
windows
Error code

Device Manager Code 32

A device driver or service is disabled. Check whether the device still works before preparing a reinstall.

View solution