[FIXED] Error Code 45: Currently, This Hardware Device Is Not Connected to the Computer

The error code 45 occurs for several reasons, such as a corrupt or outdated driver, temporary system glitch, damaged Windows registry keys, faulty hardware, etc. 

Under normal circumstances, the error code 45 should resolve itself. You don’t need to do anything. The error code is just to show the device’s disconnected status. 

So, the error should automatically resolve itself when you connect the related device to your computer. 

However, if the code 45 error still occurs, follow the solutions discussed in this guide to resolve the problem. 

Let’s begin. 

What Are the Causes of the Error Code 45?

The Windows error code 45 is simply a connection problem. It comes up when Windows can’t recognize a hardware device you connected to your computer.

In other words, you have plugged a particular device into one of the computer’s ports but can’t use it.

The error is not an issue of the device incompatibility with your computer. It’s more like Windows can’t use it or attach the device’s functionality to the operating system.

The error code 45 revolves around two factors: the device you are trying to connect to and the Windows OS. 

This means that your computer ports are fine, but something prevents the device from working on Windows.

However, most of the time, Windows itself is responsible for the inability to connect to the device. Sometimes, the problem occurs because software drivers are damaged in some form or are outdated. 

Other times, the error code pops up because registry keys are missing or a large section of the registry is corrupted.

How to Fix the “Currently, This Hardware Device is Not Connected to the Computer” Error

There are several fixes for the error code 45 in Windows. Here are 10 such ways to resolve the error:

Solution 1: Restart Windows

Restarting Windows is usually advertised as a one-stop solution for many software (and even hardware) problems, including the error code 45.

This is valid because restarting your Windows computer lets it shut down its processes, cool down, and start over.

Windows should recognize the device you are trying to connect to and allow you to use it. If it doesn’t work, proceed with the next solution.

Solution 2: Check and Reconnect Your Device

Another simple thing you can try to fix the “Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer. (Code 45)” error is to check the device you are trying to connect.

Many things could have gone wrong between the previous time this device worked on your computer and now.

If you have confirmed that nothing is wrong with the device, plug it into your computer again.

This time, make sure that the port you are plugging it into is working (another reason you should have restarted your computer before anything else).

Also, don’t hurry to conclude that the device is not connecting and wait a few minutes. If Windows still doesn’t recognize the device, plug it into another port and see if it works.

Related: [FIXED] How to Fix USB Ports Not Working in Windows 10 PC?

Solution 3: Manually Uninstall and Reinstall Your Device Driver

Drivers are Windows software components that allow hardware devices, such as the mouse, printers, and headphones, to connect to the system.

So, when you connect any of these devices to a port on your computer, Windows recognizes them and lets you use them.

When the error code 45 occurs, there may be something wrong with the respective device driver.

The first thing you can do to solve this driver problem is to reinstall it manually. By manually, we mean you go to Device Manager, find the device driver, and reinstall it.

Here’s how to do it: 

• Click Windows key + R to start the Run prompt.
• Type devmgmt.msc into the prompt and click OK.
  

• From the list of devices, select the one having problems connecting to the computer.
• Right-click on the device and select the Uninstall device option.
  

• Once Windows has run this process, click Action at the top of the page and select Scan for hardware changes.
  

• Restart your computer and connect the device to your computer port.

This method allows your Windows OS to remove the driver. Once you reconnect the device, you might be asked to download its driver again. 

This is easy to do since Windows can get it for you automatically.

Use Auslogics Driver Updater

Another easy and automatic way to update your drives to fix code 45 error is to use Auslogics Driver Updater.

This tool installs the most recent compatible versions of drivers automatically after scanning your system for missing or outdated ones. 

You can fix the issue and guarantee smooth hardware operation by ensuring your drivers are current. 

Related: Auslogics Driver Updater: New Drivers in One Click!

Solution 4: Update Related Device Drivers

Windows doesn’t always update drivers automatically. This might happen if you didn’t set Windows to update drivers automatically.

Nevertheless, updating the device driver can resolve the error code 45. Here’s how to update your drivers:

• Type devmgmt.msc into the search bar and click to open. 
• Right-click on the driver with the issue, select Update driver, and click Search automatically for drivers on the Update Drivers window.
  

• Once it is done updating, close Device Manager, restart your computer and try to connect the device once again.

Check to see if the error code 45 has been resolved. 

Solution 5: Use the Default Windows Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Apart from reinstalling or updating drivers, you can also solve the error code 45 with the inbuilt Windows troubleshooter.

The hardware and devices troubleshooter is often effective and doesn’t require an internet connection. 

Here’s how to use this troubleshooter: 

• Type Control Panel in the search bar and click to open. 
• Press Ctrl + E to use the search tab that pops up in the Control Panel window.
• Enter troubleshooting into the search tab and tap Enter on your keyboard.
  

• In the Troubleshoot problems – Hardware and Sound page, select the tab that matches the hardware device you are trying to connect to your computer.
  

• Follow the required processes and let the troubleshooter program detect and solve possible problems.

Once the troubleshooter is done, you can restart your computer and connect the hardware device to your computer.

Related: Windows 10 Support: How to Get Help in Windows 10?

Solution 6: Repair Corrupt Registry with System File Checker (SFC)

Remember we said the error code 45 could arise because registry files have been corrupted?

System File Checker (SFC) is one of the most helpful Windows tools that you can use to repair these files.

Once this repair is done, the connection problem often disappears, allowing you to use whatever hardware device you want on your computer.

Here’s how to repair corrupted files using SFC:

• Type Command Prompt in the search bar, right-click, and select Run as administrator. 
• Type sfc /scannow into the command line and press Enter on your keyboard.
  

Let the command run until it’s done. Then restart your PC and plug the device into your computer ports.

Solution 7: Check the Disk with CHKDSK Command

CHKDSK (Check Disk) is another inbuilt Windows tool you can use with Command Prompt to fix the error code 45.

CHKDSK is effective because it clears out hard drive issues that could stop drivers from working. To use it, do the following:

• Run Windows Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Type chkdsk.exe /f /r and press Enter on your keyboard.
• If you are using your computer for something else, Command Prompt will ask if you want to reschedule the CHKDSK process. Just tap Y on your keyboard and restart your computer to run the CHKDSK process.
  

Once you restart your Windows computer, try plugging in the hardware device.

Solution 8: Use DISM Scan

Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is another inbuilt Windows tool that you can use to fix the code 45 problem. 

It’s far more in-depth than SFC and CHKDSK, and it might take a little longer (30 minutes max on average), but it’s also very effective for troubleshooting your computer.

Here’s how to use the DISM:

• Run Windows Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter on your keyboard.
  

Let the DISM process run, and restart your computer afterward.

Solution 9: Check for Windows Update

Lastly, if all these methods fail to fix the “Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer. (Code 45)” error, you may need to use Windows Update to sort it out.

There is no unique way to use this update method. All you need to do is the following:

• Initiate Windows Run prompt (Windows key + R) and enter Update.
• Go to Windows Update, select Check for updates, and let Windows download and install the latest update.

Conclusion

It’s common to run into problems like outdated drivers or system glitches that cause the “Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer. (Code 45)” error.

The article offers practical solutions, beginning with basic actions like checking and restarting the computer.

You can use Device Manager to reinstall drivers manually. However, we recommend using Auslogics Driver Updater to install the driver updates automatically.

Using the Windows troubleshooter, fixing registry files with SFC, doing a CHKDSK disk check, running a DISM scan, etc., are solutions you can try.

You can resolve the error code 45 by following these solutions.