Fix Hardware device is not connected (Code 45) error permanently

by Ivan Jenic

Troubleshooting Expert

Last update:May 12, 2020

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Are you getting the error message “Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer. (Code 45) ? Don’t be alarmed, this post is meant just for you.

Several peripheral devices may be connected to the PC such as USB, mouse, keyboard, and other USB connected devices. Error code 45 pops up most especially on Windows 10 PC when the OS is unable to communicate with the connected device. The error implies that the connected hardware device is not being recognized by Windows, hence the error message.

However, this error can also be caused by corrupt Windows registry keys, outdated device drivers, or faulty hardware. Meanwhile, we have come up with applicable solutions for the error code 45 problem.

Windows 10 won’t recognize hardware? Try these solutions

1. Repair PC Registry
2. Try performing a DISM scan
3. Update Drivers
4. Run Windows Update
5. Uninstall and Reinstall Driver
6. Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
7. Replace the USB Device

Solution 1 – Repair PC Registry

The simplest way to repair your Windows registry is to use a dedicated tool, such as CCleaner. Alternatively, you can also use Microsoft’s System File Checker to check for system file corruption. The utility program verifies the integrity of all system files and repairs files with problems when possible. Here’s how to run an SFC scan on all Windows’ versions:

1. Go to Start > type cmd > right-click Command Prompt > select Run as Administrator.
2. Now, type the sfc /scannow command.
3. Wait for the scanning process to complete and then restart your computer. All corrupted files will be replaced on reboot.

Solution 2 – Try performing a DISM scan

If the previous method didn’t fix the problem for you, perhaps you might want to try running a DISM scan. This is fairly simple to do, and you can do it by following these steps:

1. Start Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Once the Command Prompt opens, enter DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter to run it.
3. The DISM scan will now start. This scan can take about 20 minutes or more, so don’t interfere with it or interrupt it.

Once the scan is finished, your installation should be repaired and the issue will be gone.

Solution 3 – Update Drivers

Obsolete or old device drivers may cause error code 45. Follow the steps below to update the driver:

1. Go to Start > Type Device Manager and hit Enter key.
2. Click on the category of the affected device (such as USB, mice, keyboards, etc) to expand it.
3. Right-click on the affected driver and click on Update Driver Software.
4. Follow the prompts to update the device driver.

If you want to update all your drivers automatically, you can always use third-party solutions such as TweakBit Driver Updater. By using this tool, you’ll update all your drivers automatically with just a couple of clicks.

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Solution 4 – Run Windows Update

In addition, you can fix code 45 error problem by updating your Windows 10 OS to the latest version. Microsoft constantly releases Windows updates so as to improve the system’s stability and fix various issues and errors associated with the startup error. Follow these steps to update Windows 10 OS:

1. Go to Start>type update in the search box and then click on Windows Update to proceed.
2. In the Windows Update window, check for updates and install the available updates.
3. After the update is complete, restart your Windows PC.

Solution 5 – Uninstall and Reinstall Driver

Windows users reported that they were able to solve the code 45 error problem by trying out this fix. Here’s how to do this:

1. Right-click on Start > Select Control Panel.
2. Double-click System > Click on the Hardware tab, and then select Device Manager.
3. Click on the category of the affected device (such as USB, mice, keyboards, etc) to expand it.
4. Right-click on the affected driver > Click Uninstall, and then follow the prompts.
5. Restart your PC. Windows automatically detects the change in your hardware.
6. Download and install the hardware’s driver from the official manufacturer’s website or Microsoft’s driver download center.

Solution 6 – Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

One of the simplest ways of fixing the hardware device connectivity problem is to run Hardware and Devices troubleshooter. This feature checks for occurring issues and enables the correct installation of new hardware devices. Here’s how to run the troubleshooter:

1. Go to Start > Select Control Panel.
2. Now, go to View by option at the top right corner, click the drop-down arrows, and then select Large icons.
3. Click Troubleshooting > Click on the View all option at the left pane.
4. Hence, click on Hardware and Devices. Follow the prompts to run the troubleshooter.

Solution 7 – Replace the USB Device

If you are still experiencing the code 45 error problem after trying all the fixes above, it is most likely that the device may be faulty. Some hardware devices are not genuine, hence, they do not last long. You fix the faulty device if you have good technical knowledge or consider consulting a computer engineer to help you fix it.

However, we do recommend that you purchase a new device and install it on your Windows PC normally. This will prevent the “currently this hardware device is not connected to the computer. (code 45) error” on your PC.

We’d love to hear from you if these solutions helped. Let us know your experience by leaving your comment in the section below.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in November 2017 and has been since revamped and updated in May 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.

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