What does HRESULT 0x800F023D (SPAPI_E_INF_IN_USE_BY_DEVICES) mean?

Status / error code:

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Constant name:

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Facility:

Operating System:

Description:

One or more devices are currently installed using the specified INF.

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SPAPI_E_NOT_AN_INSTALLED_OEM_INF	SPAPI_E_DI_FUNCTION_OBSOLETE

SPAPI_E_INF_IN_USE_BY_DEVICES

SPAPI_E_INF_IN_USE_BY_DEVICES (0x800F023D) is a Windows SetupAPI driver-installation error. This code means the driver package is still in active use by one or more devices. Removing it without handling those devices can leave them without a usable driver after restart or re-enumeration.

What to check

Identify the published INF and list devices currently using the corresponding package.
Update or uninstall the dependent device drivers through a supported workflow before deleting the package.
Do not delete package files directly from the Driver Store.

pnputil /enum-drivers

Microsoft: Uninstall devices and driver packages

Microsoft: PnPUtil command syntax

Microsoft: SetupAPI device installation log

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