Description of the Microcode Update Device (288302)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
This article was previously published under Q288302

SUMMARY

The Microcode Update device is an interface between the operating system and an Intel processor based on the x86 architecture. This device provides the latest microcode updates for the processor if the BIOS does not already contain this information.

MORE INFORMATION

If the computer that you are using does not contain the processor described in the "Summary" section of this article, or if your BIOS is up to date with Intel's latest microcode, the Microcode Update device is not initiated; the device is unloaded to free up resources. Device Manager marks the device with a code 24 status message:

The device is not present, is not working properly, or does not have all its drivers installed.

If the microcode on your computer is current, the drivers are unloaded by design. In this case, the code 24 status message is expected, and it does not indicate a problem. The device is marked as hidden and is not visible by default. Therefore, when the code 24 status message occurs, the message is not displayed when you are using the default configuration.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/15/2006
Keywords:kbHardware kbinfo KB288302
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