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You probably connected a hardware device – such as a mouse, keyboard, or even Bluetooth headset – to your computer, but Windows failed or refused to recognize it. Subsequently, an error message came up to inform you that something had gone wrong. The standard notification is usually in this form:

Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer. (Code 45).

Or perhaps, you saw the error message when you accessed the Properties window for the troubled hardware device (from the Device Manager application).

In that case, the message probably continues or ends with this sentence:

To fix this problem, reconnect the hardware device to the computer.

What are the causes of Error Code 45?

We have come to associate the manifestation of the error where Code 45 appears as a key term in the message with the events where Windows struggles to recognize a connected hardware device. In most cases, the affected hardware device is likely to have been previously connected to the computer, disconnected for some time, and then connected to the same computer.

At some point, perhaps, the system, for some weird or unknown reason, fails to recognize the device. Subsequent attempts or trials to get Windows to recognize the device again typically end up in failure – and the known error message is sometimes a feature of those events.

Error 45 is most likely triggered by irregularities in the Windows operating system environment. It might be connected to a system glitch or malfunction. Inconsistencies or poor code in drivers have also been reported as possible causes of Error 45.

We will now move on to the other part of this guide where we show you how to remove the Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer error message. You are probably here for the solutions, after all.

How to fix Error Code 45 in Device Manager on a Windows 10 computer

For efficiency purposes and other benefits, we advise that you begin the troubleshooting operations with the first procedure on the list. If it fails to do enough to resolve Error 45 – if you must continue troubleshooting – then you have to move to the second fix and go through the rest of the solutions in that order (the way they are listed).

  1. Check the physical connection between your computer and the hardware device; reconnect the device:

First, you will do well to check the contact between your PC and the hardware device to confirm that everything is in order. If the physical connection is not good enough, then even the software operations that we are about to describe will not do enough to fix things.

Perhaps, your computer is struggling to detect the hardware device because the connection that should trigger the recognition facility is not good or secure enough. If you are not sure of things as regards the state of the connection, then we advise that you go through the steps below:

  • First, you have to completely disconnect the affected or troubled hardware device from your computer.
  • Now, you have to check the connecting ports and cable. You might want to run some tests on them to confirm that they work well.
  • For example, you can try to use the same cables to connect the hardware device to another computer to see how things play out.

If the same problem persists on the second machine, then there is a good chance that all is not well with the cables. You have to run further tests to confirm your findings. You might have to replace the cables and try to connect the devices involved again.

However, if the second PC recognizes the hardware device and gets on with it, then the cables are probably in decent working condition. In that case, you have to continue with these steps:

  • Reconnect the hardware device to your computer again.
  • Wait briefly. Give Windows as much time as it needs to detect and recognize the connected hardware device.

If nothing changes or if you want to check the status of the connection, then you must continue with the instructions below:

  • Right-click on the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your PC’s display to see the Power User menu programs and options.
  • Click on Device Manager.
  • Now, you must find the device category housing the driver for the hardware device and then click on the expansion icon.
  • Assuming the troubled hardware device is now visible on the Device Manager window, you have to double-click on it.

The Properties window for the troubled hardware device will be displayed now.

  • On the General tab, you must check the box under Device status.

If you see the This device is working properly text, then you must take it as confirmation that the issue has been resolved. Otherwise – if you see the same error message with Code 45 as a key term – you must try out the software solutions below.

  1. Run the Windows Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter:

In Windows, troubleshooters are programs specially designed to diagnose problems affecting a certain device, utility, or setup and also propose solutions to the issues or resolve them outrightly where possible. Microsoft embedded a good number of troubleshooters in Windows 10, which means users are always likely to find a troubleshooter than can help regardless of the event or scenario involved.

Since you are struggling with Error 45 – which defines issues affecting a hardware device connected to your computer – the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter is the troubleshooter most suited to your needs and the one likely to help you. You have to locate it and run it.

Anyway, these are the instructions you must follow to run the required troubleshooter:

  • Tap the Windows logo button on your device’s keyboard to get to the Windows Start screen (or you can click on the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your device’s display for the same outcome).
  • Input Control Panel into the text box, which appears the moment you begin to type, to perform a search task using those keywords as the query.
  • Once the Control Panel window comes up, you have to set the View by parameter to Large icons or Small icons (in the top-right corner of the program window).
  • Click on Troubleshooting, which is one of the main menu screen options.
  • Assuming you are now on the Troubleshoot computer problems screen in Control Panel, you have to click on Hardware and Sound.
  • On the screen or dialog that follows, you have to click on Hardware and Devices.

The troubleshooter wizard window for Hardware and Devices is supposed to pop up now.

  • Click on the Next button to proceed.

At this point, we have taken you as far as we should.

  • You are better off following the on-screen directions (as they appear) and monitoring the proceedings of the troubleshooting operation.
  • Perform the required or recommended tasks – if this step applies.
  • Now, you have to close the troubleshooter window, terminate all active applications, and then restart your PC.
  • Test the troubled hardware device to confirm that it now functions well with your computer.

If you could not locate the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter in the Control Panel application – which means you did not get to apply the fix we just described – then your computer is probably running Windows 10 1809. In that build, Microsoft hid or removed certain troubleshooters from the regular menu in Control Panel.

Well, you have to run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter through an alternative procedure, which we will now describe below:

  • First, you have to open the File Explorer application by clicking on its icon on your taskbar or using the Windows logo button + letter E keyboard shortcut.
  • Once the File Explorer window comes up, you have to click or double-click on This PC to get inside.
  • Now, you have to double-click on your system disk (C:) to enter this drive.
  • At this point, you have to navigate briefly through these directories:

Windows \ System32

  • In your current location – inside the System 32 folder – you have to go through the items there or scroll down a bit to locate msdt.exe.
  • Double-click on msdt.exe to run this executable.
  • You will have to enter the passkey demanded – if the Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool dialog or window appears.

Otherwise – if you do not know the passkey – you have to bypass the passkey block by following these instructions:

  • Use the Windows logo button + letter S keyboard shortcut to access the Search function.
  • Type PowerShell into the text box provided to run a search task using this keyword as the query.
  • Right-click on Windows PowerShell (App) – which should be the primary entry on the results list – and then click on Run as administrator.
  • Assuming the PowerShell admin window has been brought up, you have to execute the following command by typing the code in first and then hitting Enter on your keyboard:

msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic

The Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter window is supposed to appear now.

  • Click on the Next button to continue.

We will go no further with you.

  • You will do well to follow the on-screen directions as they come up and monitor the troubleshooting processes.
  • Perform the appropriate tasks – if this step applies.
  • Close the troubleshooter window and all active programs. Restart your computer.
  • Try to use the troubled hardware device to see how it operates now.

If the same problem persists, then you will do well to disconnect the hardware device from your computer, restart your PC, and then connect the hardware device again to test things.

  1. Run a scan using the System File Checker:

The System File Checker (sometimes abbreviated as SFC) is an incredibly popular utility that can scan system files for corruption and related issues. The utility will also work to repair the broken or damaged files by either resolving the inconsistencies in them or replacing them with healthy cache versions of the same files.

If the manifestation of the issues that triggered Error 45 has anything to do with your computer struggling with corrupted or bad files, then the procedure here is likely to do enough to make things right. After the repair operations, if everything goes well, your computer will start recognizing the hardware device as it is supposed to.

Go through these steps to run the required scan using the System File Checker:

  • First, you have to bring up the Power User menu by right-clicking on the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your display.
  • From the applications and options displayed, you must select Command Prompt (Admin).
  • You might have to click on the Yes button on the UAC dialog or window – if User Account Control brings up a prompt to get some form of confirmation for the elevated program launch task.

The admin Command Prompt window will be displayed now.

  • Now, you have to execute the following command by typing it first and then hitting the Enter button on your keyboard:

sfc /scannow

Windows will now initiate proceedings for the scan operation.

  • You will do well to observe the processes. Follow the on-screen instructions where applicable.
  • After everything involving the scan gets done, you have to close the Command Prompt window and put down other active applications.
  • Restart your computer.
  • Reconnect the hardware device you have been struggling with to see if Windows recognizes it properly this time and works with it.

  1. Run a scan using the CHKDSK tool:

The CHKDSK (Disk Check) tool is the command-line utility used to check file systems and drives for errors, bad sectors, and similar issues that threaten or affect the integrity of disks. It can be accessed using commands executed in Command Prompt. There is a good chance that your computer’s hard drive shortcomings caused the problems that triggered Error 45.

We are considering the described possibility and looking to resolve things for that case of the error. CHKDSK might just do enough to make your hard drive function as it is supposed to, which means your machine provides a better environment where the chances of Windows recognizing the connected hardware devices become higher.

Do this:

  • Right-click on the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your machine’s screen to see the applications and options that constitute the Power User menu.
  • From the items on the list, you must choose Command Prompt (Admin).
  • Click on the Yes button on the User Account Control dialog or window – if Windows brings up a prompt to get some form of confirmation for the operation.
  • Assuming the admin Command Prompt window is now on your screen, you have to type this command into the text field there:

chkdsk /f

  • Hit the Enter button on your keyboard to force your system to execute the code.

Now, you are likely to see a message stating that Windows can only run CHKDSK upon a reboot. You will also be prompted to restart your computer.

  • If you are ready to reboot your PC, then you have to type y into the field and then hit the Enter button to run this code.

Otherwise, you have to leave the Command Prompt window, save your work, close all apps, and then initiate the reboot procedure on your own.

If everything goes well, after the recommended reboot, Windows will come up and start scanning your hard drive automatically. You must be patient and allow CHKDSK to work its magic.

After everything gets done, you have to boot your computer normally to get into the regular Windows operating system environment. You will then have to connect the troubled hardware device and run some tests to see if Error 45 is still in play.

  1. Reinstall the driver for the affected hardware device:

Here, we are considering the possibility that the driver for the troubled device is malfunctioning because something is wrong with its settings, setup, or code. If our assumption holds true, then you may be able to fix things by simply reinstalling the driver.

The reinstallation operation for drivers is one of the most effective procedures used to resolve driver problems. The reinstallation operation consists of the uninstallation and installation processes, which means a wide variety of changes are induced in the driver composition.

Anyway, these are the instructions you must follow to reinstall the driver:

  • Open the Device Manager app by right-clicking on the Windows icon on your desktop and then selecting Device Manager from the list of programs and options.
  • Once the Device Manager window appears, you have to go through the device categories. Try to recall the category under which the troubled device is housed.
  • Now, you have to click on the expansion icon for the relevant category to see the troubled device.
  • Here, you must click on the troubled device to get it highlighted and then right-click on it to see the available options.
  • From the list displayed, you must click on Uninstall device.

Windows is now supposed to bring up the Uninstall Device dialog or window.

  • Click on the checkbox for Delete the driver software for this device (to select this parameter).
  • Click on the Uninstall button to continue.

Windows will now work to get rid of the device driver in view.

  • Now, you must leave the Device Manager window, close other active application windows, and then restart your PC.

Windows will come up, reach stability, and then it will realize an important driver is missing. It will then act to find and install the needed driver software.

Otherwise – if things do not go as expected – you have to connect the hardware device affected by Error 45 back to your machine to let Windows detect it.

If the same issues defined by Error code 45 persist or if you could not reinstall the driver for the affected device for any reason, then you have to update the driver (see the next fix below).

  1. Update the driver:

Sometimes, the reinstallation procedure for a driver fails to do enough to get rid of irregularities or inconsistencies that are causing the driver to malfunction. Or perhaps, the driver is permanently broken and unsalvageable, which might explain why the reinstallation operation did not deliver the needed results. To this end, you have to install a new driver for the device.

When you install a new driver for a device, you get to introduce fresh settings, code, and setup, which means the current driver problems become a nonfactor. Well, the driver update procedure is the ultimate solution to serious driver problems. And now, you are going to take advantage of it to make things right.

First, we want you to try to install a new driver through the regular update procedure involving the automatic driver function (accessed from the Device Manager app). These are the instructions you must follow:

  • Press and hold down the Windows logo button on your PC’s keyboard and then give the letter X key a tap to see the Power User menu list.
  • Click on Device Manager.
  • Here too, you must go through the categories carefully, locate the category housing the troubled device, and then click on the expansion icon.
  • Assuming the troubled device is now visible, you have to click on it to get it highlighted and then right-click on it to see the available context menu.
  • Click on Update driver.

Windows is now supposed to bring up the Update driver dialog to ask you how you want to go about the driver update operation.

  • Now, you must click on the first option, which is usually Search automatically for updated driver software (or something similar).

Your system will now work to find the needed driver software. It will use your internet connection to go online and search for new drivers released for the device in view. If it finds something, then it will download it and proceed to install it with your permission.

  • If everything goes well, after your computer finishes installing the new driver, you have to close all active programs and then restart your PC.
  • Once Windows comes up and settles down, you have to test the driver affected by Error 45 to confirm that everything is now good.


If you could not update your driver because Windows did not find a new driver version, or if the issues defined by Error code 45 persist, then you have to perform the driver update task through a different procedure. For the work ahead, you will need Auslogics Driver Updater, so you may want to download and run this app now.

The recommended application will handle all the driver update processes on your behalf and ensure everything works out well this time. It will first initiate a scan to identify the corrupted, broken, old or outdated, and malfunctioning drivers on your computer. After gathering the necessary information on the bad drivers, it will then go online to search for the needed drivers.

Eventually, the program will download and install the newest stable drivers (manufacturer-recommended driver versions) as replacements for the bad drivers. In fact, your computer will end up with drivers in excellent condition for all its components, never mind just the driver for the troubled hardware device. In any case, after the installation processes for the new drivers reach completion, you have to restart your PC to finish things.

Once Windows comes up and reaches stability – which means your computer has taken all the changes resulting from the installation of new drivers into account – you must try to use the troubled hardware device to see how it functions now.

Other things you can try to resolve Error 45 on a Windows 10 PC

If you are yet to apply a fix that does enough to make the hardware device work properly (and not cause Error 45 to come up), then you have to give the solutions on our final list a try:

  1. Run a scan using the DISM utility:

Here, we want you to use the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) utility to run checks on your system files, Windows image, and similar installation packages. The tool will eliminate or resolve errors and discrepancies. If Error 45 has anything to do with the poor composition of important system files used by your computer, then the recommended procedure will turn out to be the ideal fix.

  1. Download and install Windows updates:

Perhaps, your computer is struggling to recognize the hardware device affected by Error code 45 and make arrangements for its operations because you are yet to download and install certain updates. You will do well to open the Settings application, go to the Update menu there, and then click on the Check for updates button. Ideally, you should download and install all the Windows updates released for your computer.

  1. Create a new Windows account, sign in to your computer using the new profile, and then test the hardware device.

  1. Replace the troubled hardware device; use an alternative device.