Code 31: Windows Cannot Load the Drivers for This Device

What causes Code 31

• The device's function driver returned an error from the routine Windows calls to add a device to it (Microsoft Learn).
• For drivers built on the Windows Driver Framework, Microsoft notes the error can come from the driver's device-add callback; the ProblemStatus property records the exact error.

How to fix Code 31, safest step first

The steps follow Microsoft's recommended resolution for this code, in its order, with a reversible step first. Each one says how to put back what it changed.

1. 01

   Before you change anything: note the driver and make a restore point

   Open the device's Properties > Driver tab and write down the driver provider, date and version. Then select Start, type Create a restore point, open it, and on the System Protection tab choose Create. Microsoft notes that System Protection is not turned on by default; if Create is greyed out, choose Configure and turn it on for the system drive first.

   To undo: A restore point changes nothing by itself. To go back later, run System Restore and pick it: Microsoft says it reverts system files, the registry and installed programs, and leaves your personal files alone.

2. 02

   If it started after a driver update, roll the driver back

   In Device Manager, right-click the device, choose Properties, open the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver, then give a reason and confirm. Microsoft notes that you need administrator rights, and that going back to the previous driver often fixes a problem that appeared after an update. The button is greyed out when Windows kept no earlier driver for the device.

   To undo: Rolling back is the undo for the update. To return to the newer driver, install it again with Update driver or from the manufacturer's package.

3. 03

   Update the driver (Microsoft's recommended fix)

   In Device Manager, right-click the device, choose Update driver and let Windows search, or point it at a driver you downloaded from the hardware manufacturer. Microsoft's own tip is that Windows Update is the usual way drivers arrive.

   To undo: Open the device's Properties > Driver tab and choose Roll Back Driver, or apply the restore point.

4. 04

   Uninstall the device, then scan for hardware changes

   In Device Manager, right-click the device and choose Uninstall device, confirm, then choose Action > Scan for hardware changes (or restart). Windows detects the device again and installs a driver for it. Keep the manufacturer's driver package to hand first: Windows may ask for it if it has no driver of its own.

   To undo: If Windows puts back a driver you did not want, use Roll Back Driver when it is offered, or install the driver you kept. The restore point from the first step brings back the whole driver configuration.

Check it yourself

1. 01

   List every device with this code (Command Prompt or PowerShell)

   Available from Windows 10, version 1903. Each device is listed with its instance ID and the problem code with its name, CM_PROB_FAILED_ADD. No administrator rights needed; nothing is changed.

   pnputil /enum-devices /problem 31

   cmdCopy
2. 02

   Or with PowerShell

   Device Manager shows the same code on the General tab of the device's Properties, in the Device status box.

   Get-PnpDevice | Where-Object { [int]$_.ConfigManagerErrorCode -eq 31 } |
     Format-Table Status, Class, FriendlyName, Problem

   PowerShellCopy