Device Manager is a built-in utility in Windows that lists relevant information about the hardware devices installed on a computer. If there’s a problem with a hardware device, the Device Manager window provides useful insight into what may be the cause of the problem and how to go about fixing it.

When there is something wrong with a hardware device, an error code is generated in its Properties dialog box, which can be accessed via Device Manager. Different error codes denote different things and, as such, each may have a different resolution.

Before looking at the top two Windows drivers error codes, let us learn how to see the generated error code in case a hardware device is not working properly.

How to view an error code:

To view an error code, perform the following steps:

1. Open Device Manager
2. Locate the hardware device that has encountered a problem. An exclamation point, a question mark, or a yellow mark against a device indicates that it has a problem
3. Double-click the device that is not working
4. Note the error code that appears in the Device Status box under the General tab

The two most common Windows Drivers Error Codes are: Error Code 1 and Error Code 3

Code 1: The error message, its cause, and how to resolve it

Error message
The following error message appears: This device is not configured correctly. (Code 1)
Its cause
The aforementioned code occurs when any of the following is true:

• Drivers for this device are not installed on your computer
• Drivers installed are not properly configured

How to resolve
Solution 1: If you have the required driver on your computer, install it via Device Manager. To do this, perform the following steps:

1. Open Device Manager
2. Open the Properties dialog box of the hardware device that has encountered an issue
3. Click the Driver tab
4. Click the Install button, and follow the onscreen instructions
5. Restart Windows if you are asked to do so

Solution 2: If you don’t have the required driver on your computer, download the driver from its manufacturer’s website and install it. Alternatively, you can also run a free driver scan on your computer using our driver update tool, this software will automatically update all your outdated, missing, or corrupt drivers.

Code 3: The error message, its’ cause, and how to resolve it

Error Message
The driver for this device may be corrupted, or your system may be running low on memory or other resources. (Code 3)
Its cause:
The aforementioned code occurs when any of the following is true:

• Your computer has insufficient memory to run the device
• Your device driver is corrupt

How to resolve:
Solution 1: Close a few running programs, and then try to run the device
Solution 2: Uninstall and re-install the device driver. You should do this through Device Manager. To do so, perform the following steps:

1. Open Device Manager
2. Open the Properties dialog box of the hardware device that has encountered an issue
3. Click the Driver tab
4. Click the Uninstall button, and follow the onscreen instructions
5. Restart Windows
6. Open Device Manager again, and then open the Properties dialog box of the hardware device, and click the Driver tab
7. Click Install, and follow the onscreen instructions
8. Restart Windows

Solution 3: Download the driver from the manufacturer’s official website and install it.

Solution 4: Download Driver Update Tool to automate your Driver Updates

If you know the device that is causing the driver errors, you can try to download updated drivers from the manufacturers website. If these drivers are not available or you do not feel comfortable updating them, you can download a driver update tool.

If you are unsure of the driver you need, then you can use a driver update tool to run a free scan of your PC and identify the problem Drivers(s).