What is Error Code 31?
Device Manager error code 31 pops up when Windows prevents the driver for a particular hardware device from loading. The error code 31 is almost always presented in the following format:
“This device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device.” Code 31
This error can occur with any hardware device; however, in most cases, it occurs with Ethernet cards. The good news is that it belongs in the easy-to-resolve category. So repairing it should not be difficult.
Solution
Download Available to Completely Repair Error Code 31
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Error Causes
Error code 31 is related to driver problems, and the most common causes include:
- Outdated drivers
- Missing drivers
- Mis-configured drivers
- Corrupt drivers
Further Information and Manual Repair
To resolve error code 31 on your system, try the methods given below. We have listed down some of the most effective and easy-to-perform DIY methods for fixing Device Manager code 31 on your PC.
Method 1 – Rollback the Driver to its Previous State
This simply means to return the driver back to its previous state – to the version last installed. Try this method to resolve error code 31. This is probably the easiest way to return your PC to its previous working state.
However, by doing so, you will not be able to update your drivers and run new driver versions on your system. In other words, this is a temporary method to fix this issue.
You may still want to try other methods given below to ensure you have the latest drivers installed on your system.
You can rollback the driver to its previous version by accessing the Driver Rollback feature located in the driver settings within the Device Manager. Or another way to perform a rollback is to use the Windows System Restore Utility.
It is a recovery tool built-in the new Windows versions like Vista and 7 to name a few. To access it, simply go to the start menu and type System Restore Utility in the search menu.
Access it and pick a point in the past, also referred to as the restore point, to return your PC to its previous state before the error code 31 occurred.
However, to resolve the problem permanently, try method 2.
Method 2 – Update the Driver
Error code 31, as discussed above, may occur due to outdated, mis configured or corrupted drivers. Whatever the reason may be, to ensure proper functioning of your hardware device, it is important to update the drivers on your system frequently.
To start driver updates, first it is important to find out and identify problematic drivers. You need to identify the drivers that are corrupt, mis configured and outdated. For this, go to the Device Manager and then look for devices with yellow exclamation marks.
The yellow exclamation marks next to the devices show that these device drivers are problematic. Once you’ve identified the problematic drivers, simply update them by finding the latest and compatible versions on the manufacturer’s website.
This process is time consuming and can be frustrating at times, especially when doing it for the first time.
Also, once you’ve updated the drivers, you need to update them time to time to ensure they don’t get outdated or else you will have to encounter Device Manager error codes again.
Method 3 – Download Driver Assist to Update Drivers Automatically
To avoid the hassle and stress involved in updating drivers manually, it is advisable to download and install Driver Assist.
Driver Assist is a smart, innovative and a feature-filled software embedded with an intelligent algorithm that quickly detects problematic drivers, matches them with latest and compatible versions, and updates them immediately and automatically in just a few seconds and a couple of clicks.
It’s as simple as it can be. Furthermore, with this software installed on your PC, you don’t have to stress and worry about when your drivers need to be updated again.
Driver Assist ensures all drivers are continuously and regularly updated before they become outdated.
Click here to download Driver Assist to repair Device Manager error code 31 and update drivers automatically and regularly.
