Wi-Fi 6 AX203 – Code 43 / Wi-Fi Adapter Not Working

Upputholla Gnanendra 0 Reputation points
2026-08-20T10:23:51.6+00:00

Wi-Fi 6 AX203 – Code 43 / Wi-Fi Adapter Not Working

I’m facing a Wi-Fi problem on my Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15IRH. The built-in Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX203 adapter suddenly stopped working and showed Code 43 in Device Manager.

I have already tried:

  • Updating/reinstalling the Wi-Fi driver
  • Network Reset
  • Windows troubleshooting and repair commands
  • BIOS update
  • Windows updates
  • Restarting and shutting down the laptop

Could this be a Windows/driver software issue, or does it indicate a hardware problem with the Intel AX203 adapter? What is the recommended way to diagnose it before replacing the Wi-Fi adapter: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX203 Error: Code 43

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Internet and connectivity
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  1. Alexandr S 106K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-20T11:09:00.0333333+00:00

    Hello, Upputholla Gnanendra.

    Lenovo provides hardware and software diagnostic packages for its devices. On the page*: https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/laptops-and-netbooks/ideapad-s-series-netbooks/ideapad-slim-3-15irh10/troubleshoot download and run the package "Full Hardware Diagnostics Suite" and "Operating System Diagnostics". According to the diagnostic results, the source of the problem may be found. If this is a hardware problem, you should contact an authorized Lenovo service center.

    *Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-20T10:24:10.2766667+00:00

    Code 43 means one of the drivers controlling the device reported to Windows that the device failed in some manner. After the basic steps already tried—driver reinstall/update in Device Manager, network reset, BIOS update, Windows Update, and normal restart—the next diagnostic split is:

    1. Reinstall the device driver manually again, but verify the result in Device Manager
      • Open Device Manager.
      • Right-click the Intel Wi-Fi adapter.
      • Select Uninstall.
      • In Device Manager, select Action > Scan for hardware changes.
      • Check whether the adapter returns normally or still reports Code 43.
    2. Check whether the Wi-Fi adapter is present and enabled, and whether WLAN AutoConfig is running
      • If the adapter is missing or Wi-Fi controls are missing, confirm the adapter is present in Device Manager.
      • Confirm the WLAN AutoConfig (WlanSvc) service is running. If it is stopped, Wi-Fi controls can be hidden and netsh wlan commands report that the service is not running.
    3. Collect baseline evidence before more disruptive changes Before resetting the network stack again, deleting wireless profiles, removing the adapter/driver again, or restarting, collect:
      • Device Manager status
      • WlanSvc service state
      • netsh wlan show drivers
      • netsh wlan show interfaces
      • Relevant System events
    4. Compare current driver/firmware with the device manufacturer’s recommended versions If the issue started after an update, sleep/resume event, firmware change, or driver change, compare the installed driver and firmware versions with the versions recommended by the laptop manufacturer.
    5. Interpretation of Code 43 in this case Based on the documented meaning of Code 43, it can be a driver-related problem, but if it continues after the manual uninstall/reinstall path and after BIOS/Windows/driver updates already completed, the next step is to check the hardware documentation or contact the manufacturer for device-specific diagnosis.
    6. Practical diagnosis before replacement A reasonable order is:
      1. Confirm the adapter is consistently detected in Device Manager.
      2. Manually uninstall and rescan for hardware changes.
      3. Confirm WlanSvc is running and collect netsh wlan output.
      4. Review whether the failure began after an OS, driver, firmware, BIOS, sleep, or resume change.
      5. Compare against the laptop manufacturer’s recommended wireless driver/firmware.
      6. If Code 43 persists, use the hardware documentation or manufacturer support for further diagnosis before replacing the adapter.

    That means this is not enough to conclude hardware failure immediately, but persistent Code 43 after the documented driver reinstall path and update checks does justify hardware-focused diagnosis with the manufacturer.

    References:

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