Windows: error code 31 - what to do?

This practical tip shows you how to fix error code 31 in Windows.

Error code 31 - what is it?

The following message is hidden behind error code 31: "The device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for the device." Most often, this problem occurs with network or wireless network cards. However, you can also receive this error message with other hardware components.

What to do with error code 31?

To eliminate the error code, the following steps are necessary, which you can also understand in the picture gallery:

1. Download the latest driver for your device from the manufacturer's website. If this is not possible, you can also use the standard drivers that Windows provides.
2. If you are not yet in Device Manager, start the "System" application with the key combination "Windows + Pause". At the top left you will find the link to "Device Manager". Alternatively, you can also open the Device Manager via Start - Control Panel - Device Manager.
3. Open the faulty device in the "Device Manager" (identified by a yellow circle with an exclamation mark) with a double click.
4. Switch to the "Driver" tab and click on "Update driver".
5. Now choose between "Automatically search for current driver software" or "Search for driver software on the computer". You can use the first option if you want to use the Windows standard drivers and the second option if you have the driver from the manufacturer. In this case you must now specify the folder in which your driver files are located.
6. Complete the installation and restart your PC. The driver is now successfully installed.

Another practical tip will tell you how to fix the "0xc0000135" error under Windows 8.1.

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Open the device manager.

Find the faulty software and open it.

Click "Update Driver".

Select the update method you want.