[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "I%27m%20trying%20to%20launch%20a%20program%20on%20my%20PC%20and%20it%27s%20failing%20with%20the%20error%20Windows%20returned%20error%20code%2031.%20What%20does%20error%2031%20typically%20mean%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "The meaning of **\u201cError Code 31\u201d** in Windows depends heavily on the context, but it most frequently refers to a device driver issue -- usually from *Device Manager*. Below are some typical meanings, how to identify what you're dealing with, and steps to fix it.\n\n---\n\n## What \u201cError Code 31\u201d Usually Means\n\nIf you see this error in **Device Manager**, it typically says the following:\n\n> \u201cThis device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device. (Code 31)\u201d ([drivereasy.com](https://www.drivereasy.com/knowledge/code-31-in-device-manager-fixed/?utm_source=openai))\n\nWindows maps \u201cCode 31\u201d to the internal status **CM_PROB_FAILED_ADD**, meaning:\n\n- The function driver for the device failed to load during the process where Windows \u201cadds\u201d or starts up the driver. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/install/cm-prob-failed-add?utm_source=openai))  \n- Windows couldn\u2019t find the driver files, or the driver is incompatible, corrupted, missing, or otherwise fails to start correctly. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/networking/code-31-error-device-manager-for-wan-miniport?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## Is It Always a Driver Error?\n\nMostly, yes\u2014but not exclusively.\n\n**Driver-related causes**:\n\n- Corrupted or missing driver files. ([drivereasy.com](https://www.drivereasy.com/knowledge/code-31-in-device-manager-fixed/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Outdated or incompatible drivers (especially after a Windows update). ([drivers.com](https://www.drivers.com/update/pc-fix-tips/how-to-fix-network-adapter-error-code-31/?utm_source=openai))  \n- The driver\u2019s \u201cAddDevice\u201d routine in a Windows Driver Framework (WDF) fails. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/install/cm-prob-failed-add?utm_source=openai))\n\n**Less common causes**:\n\n- Hardware faults (rare, but possible).  \n- Disabled devices.  \n- Conflicts with other drivers or software.  \n- Device driver security integrity features blocking the driver (e.g. Memory Integrity).  \n\n---\n\n## How to Know Exactly What\u2019s Going On\n\nHere are helpful clues to determine the exact cause:\n\n- Look in **Device Manager**: which device shows error 31?\n- On its **Properties \u203a General tab**, read the \u201cDevice status\u201d text. It usually shows the exact error message.  \n- Check the \u201cDriver\u201d tab: whether \u201cRoll Back driver\u201d is active, if \u201cUpdate driver\u201d works, etc.  \n- If this happened after a recent driver update or Windows update, that\u2019s a strong hint.  \n\n---\n\n## What To Do to Fix It\n\nHere are the common fixes; try them in order since some are easier than others:\n\n1. **Restart your computer**  \n   Simple but effective for temporary glitches. ([drivereasy.com](https://www.drivereasy.com/knowledge/code-31-in-device-manager-fixed/?utm_source=openai))\n\n2. **Update the driver**  \n   - Open Device Manager \u2192 find affected device \u2192 Update driver.  \n   - If Windows can\u2019t find a newer driver, check the manufacturer\u2019s site. ([drivers.com](https://www.drivers.com/update/pc-fix-tips/how-to-fix-network-adapter-error-code-31/?utm_source=openai))\n\n3. **Roll back the driver**  \n   If the error appeared after installing or updating the driver. ([drivers.com](https://www.drivers.com/update/pc-fix-tips/how-to-fix-network-adapter-error-code-31/?utm_source=openai))\n\n4. **Uninstall and reinstall the driver**  \n   Remove the driver via Device Manager and let Windows reinstall it or install a fresh one manually. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/networking/code-31-error-device-manager-for-wan-miniport?utm_source=openai))\n\n5. **Run Windows Update**  \n   Sometimes Microsoft includes fixes for drivers or related system issues. ([intel.la](https://www.intel.la/content/www/xl/es/support/articles/000087644/graphics.html?utm_source=openai))\n\n6. **Check security settings**  \n   Features like Memory Integrity under Windows Security can block drivers. If this is enabled, try temporarily disabling it to see if it\u2019s the cause.  \n\n7. **Inspect hardware and BIOS settings** (in rarer cases)  \n   If you suspect a hardware issue, or if a device is disabled in BIOS or firmware settings, confirm those too.\n\n---\n\nIf you want, I can walk you through troubleshooting steps specifically for the program/device you're having trouble with\u2014just let me know which device or app is showing the error (e.g. graphics card, USB dongle, etc.)."
    }
]