Driver missing or not installed

Code 28 Error Message :

The Code 28 error is one of several Device Manager error codes. The Code 28 error will almost always display exactly like this:

"The drivers for this device are not installed. (Code 28)"

Details on Device Manager error codes like Code 28 are available in the Device Status area in the device's properties: How To View a Device's Status in Device Manager.

Important: Device Manager error codes are exclusive to Device Manager. If you see the Code 28 error elsewhere in Windows, chances are it's asystem error code which you should not troubleshoot as a Device Manager issue.

Cause of the Code 28 Error

A Code 28 error is caused by a missing driver for that particular piece of hardware. There are any number of reasons that a driver might not be installed for a device but your troubleshooting of the problem will be the same no matter the root cause.

Error Code 28 Troubleshooting

1. Restart your computer if you haven't done so already.
   
   There is always the slim chance that the Code 28 error you're seeing in Device Manager was caused by a fluke with Device Manager or in your BIOS. If that's the case, a reboot might fix the Code 28.
2. Did you install a device or make a change in Device Manager just before you noticed the Code 28? If so, it's very possible that the change you made caused the Code 28 error.
   
   Undo the change, restart your PC, and then check again for the Code 28 error.
   
   Depending on the changes you made, some solutions might include:
   • Remove or reconfigure the newly installed device.
   • Roll back the driver to the version prior to your update.
   • Use System Restore to undo recent Device Manager changes.
3. Update the drivers for the device. Installing the latest manufacturer supplied drivers for a device with the Code 28 error is the most likely solution to the problem.
   
   Important: Make sure you install the drivers for the correct operating system. For example, if you're using Windows 7 32-bit, install the drivers designed for that specific version of Windows. Many Code 28 errors are caused by attempting to install the wrong drivers for a device.
4. Install the latest Windows service pack. Microsoft regularly releases service packs and other patches for their operating systems, one of which may contain a fix for the cause of the Code 28 error.
   
   Note: I do know that certain service packs for Windows Vista and Windows 2000 have contained specific fixes for some instances of the Code 28 error in Device Manager.
5. Replace the hardware. As a last resort, you may need to replace the hardware that has the Code 28 error.
   
   It's also possible that the device is not compatible with this version of Windows. You can check the Windows HCL to be sure.
   
   Note: If you still think there is still a software/operating system component to this Code 28 error, you could try a repair install of Windows. If that doesn't work, try a clean install of Windows. I don't recommend doing either of those more drastic options before you try replacing the hardware, but you may have to if you're out of other options.

Please let me know if you've fixed a Code 28 error using a method that I don't have above. I'd like to keep this page as updated as possible.

Applies To

The Code 28 error could apply to any hardware device in Device Manager but most Code 28 errors seem to affect USB devices and sound cards.

Any of Microsoft's operating systems could experience a Code 28 Device Manager error including Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP.

If you are not able to understand properly and need help to rectify the problem please comment below or ask us on our Techvity IT Forum or  you can simply Contact Us.

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