Seeing the error “Hardware Device is Not Connected” with Code 45 can be frustrating, especially when your device was working just fine moments ago. This common Windows error appears when your computer can’t detect a hardware device that should be connected.
Whether it’s your Bluetooth mouse, USB printer, or network adapter showing this error, don’t worry – Code 45 is usually fixable with the right steps. In this guide, you’ll learn what causes this error and exactly how to fix it, from simple reconnection methods to advanced system repairs.
Key Takeaways
- Code 45 means Windows thinks a hardware device is disconnected, even when it should be connected
- Common causes include driver issues, physical connection problems, or software conflicts
- Most fixes involve reconnecting the device, updating drivers, or running system tools
- The error can affect various devices: Bluetooth, USB, network adapters, printers
- Solutions range from simple reconnection to advanced system repairs
What is Code 45 Error?
Code 45 is a specific error message that appears in Windows Device Manager. When you see this error, it means Windows is having trouble detecting a hardware device that should be connected to your computer.
The full error message usually reads: “Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer. (Code 45) To fix this problem, reconnect this hardware device to the computer.”
This error can happen with any type of hardware device, but it’s most common with:
- Bluetooth devices (mice, keyboards, headphones)
- USB devices (printers, external drives, webcams)
- Network adapters (Wi-Fi and Ethernet cards)
- Audio devices (sound cards, microphones)
The error typically occurs after a Windows update, when you unplug and replug a device, or when there’s a problem with device drivers. Understanding what causes Code 45 is the first step toward fixing it.
Why Does Your Device Show Code 45?
Several factors can trigger the Code 45 error on your Windows computer. Knowing these causes can help you choose the right solution:
Driver Issues: Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible drivers are the most common cause of Code 45. When drivers don’t work properly, Windows can’t communicate with your hardware device.
Physical Connection Problems: Sometimes the issue is as simple as a loose cable, faulty USB port, or damaged connector. Even wireless devices can have physical connection issues with their receivers.
Software Conflicts: Other software on your computer might interfere with device detection. This can happen after installing new programs or during Windows updates.
Windows Update Problems: Recent Windows updates can sometimes break device connections, especially if the update includes driver changes or system file modifications.
Hardware Failure: In rare cases, the device itself might be damaged or failing, causing Windows to detect it as disconnected.
How to Fix Code 45: Basic Solutions?
Start with these simple solutions before moving to more complex fixes. These basic steps resolve most Code 45 errors:
Reconnect the Hardware Device to Computer
The error message itself tells you to reconnect the device. Follow these steps:
- Disconnect the device from your computer completely
- Wait 10-15 seconds to allow the system to clear its memory
- Reconnect the device firmly to the same port
- Check Device Manager to see if the error is resolved
If you’re dealing with a wireless device like Bluetooth, turn it off and on again, or remove and re-pair it with your computer.
Check Physical Connections and Cables
Physical connection issues are common causes of Code 45 error:
- Inspect the cable for any visible damage or fraying
- Try a different USB port on your computer
- Test the device on another computer to rule out device failure
- Replace the cable if you have a spare available
For wireless devices, check that batteries are charged and the device is within range of your computer.
Restart Your Computer
Never underestimate the power of a simple restart:
- Save all your work and close all programs
- Click Start and select Restart
- Wait for the computer to reboot completely
- Check Device Manager to see if the Code 45 error is gone
A restart can clear temporary glitches and reset device connections, often resolving the error immediately.
How to Reinstall Drivers for Code 45 Error?
If basic solutions don’t work, the problem might be with your device drivers. Reinstalling drivers is often the most effective fix for Code 45 error:
Uninstall the Device in Device Manager
- Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager
- Find the device with the Code 45 error (look for a yellow exclamation mark)
- Right-click the device and select Uninstall device
- Check the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device”
- Click Uninstall to confirm
Scan for Hardware Changes
- In Device Manager, click Action in the menu bar
- Select “Scan for hardware changes”
- Wait for Windows to detect and reinstall the device
- Restart your computer to complete the installation
Windows will automatically reinstall the device with fresh drivers, which often resolves the Code 45 error.
Update Drivers Manually
If Windows doesn’t install the correct drivers automatically:
- Visit the manufacturer’s website for your device
- Download the latest drivers for your Windows version
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions
- Restart your computer after installation
For [code 45 how to fix] issues, driver reinstallation solves the problem in about 70% of cases.
How to Fix Code 45 Bluetooth Windows 10 Issues?
Bluetooth devices are particularly prone to Code 45 errors in Windows 10. Here’s how to fix [code 45 bluetooth windows 10] issues specifically:
Check Bluetooth Settings
- Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices
- Make sure Bluetooth is turned on
- Remove the problematic device by clicking it and selecting “Remove device”
- Restart your computer
- Re-pair the device by putting it in pairing mode and adding it again
Restart Bluetooth Services
- Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog
- Type services.msc and press Enter
- Find “Bluetooth Support Service” in the list
- Right-click it and select Restart
- Set the startup type to “Automatic” if it’s not already
Update Bluetooth Drivers
- Open Device Manager (Windows key + X > Device Manager)
- Expand “Bluetooth” in the device list
- Right-click your Bluetooth adapter and select Update driver
- Choose “Search automatically for drivers”
- Follow the prompts to install any available updates
For [windows 10 code 45] Bluetooth issues, these steps usually resolve the problem within a few minutes.
Advanced Solutions for Code 45 Error
If the basic solutions haven’t worked, try these more advanced methods to fix [error code 45 hardware device] issues:
Run Windows Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in tool that can automatically detect and fix hardware problems:
- Press Windows key and type “troubleshoot”
- Select “Troubleshoot settings”
- Click “Additional troubleshooters”
- Select “Hardware and Devices” and click Run the troubleshooter
- Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any recommended fixes
System File Checker (SFC) Scan
Corrupted system files can cause device detection issues. SFC can find and fix these files:
- Press Windows key and type “cmd”
- Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
- Type sfc /scannow and press Enter
- Wait for the scan to complete (this may take 15-30 minutes)
- Restart your computer when finished
DISM Scan for System Image Repair
If SFC doesn’t fix the issue, DISM can repair the Windows system image:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator (see steps above)
- Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter
- Wait for the process to complete (this can take 20-40 minutes)
- Restart your computer after the scan finishes
CHKDSK for Disk Issues
Sometimes disk errors can cause device detection problems:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator
- Type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter
- Type Y to schedule the check for the next restart
- Restart your computer and let the check complete
These advanced solutions can fix even stubborn [currently this hardware device is not connected to the computer code 45] errors.
How to Prevent Code 45 Error in the Future?
Once you’ve fixed the Code 45 error, take these steps to prevent it from happening again:
Keep Drivers Updated
Outdated drivers are a common cause of Code 45. Regular updates can prevent future issues:
- Check for driver updates monthly
- Use Windows Update to get the latest drivers
- Visit manufacturer websites for device-specific updates
- Consider driver update software for automatic updates
Safely Remove Hardware
Always use the “Safely Remove Hardware” feature before unplugging devices:
- Click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the system tray
- Select the device you want to remove
- Wait for the confirmation message before unplugging
- Never unplug devices while they’re in use
Regular System Maintenance
Keep your system running smoothly with regular maintenance:
- Run Windows Update regularly
- Perform disk cleanup monthly
- Scan for malware weekly
- Create system restore points before making major changes
Backup Working Drivers
If you have devices that work perfectly, backup their drivers:
- Use Device Manager to export working drivers
- Create a drivers folder on an external drive
- Document which drivers work with which devices
- Restore from backup if problems occur
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Currently this hardware device is not connected to the computer code 45” mean?
This error message means Windows cannot detect a hardware device that should be connected to your computer. Code 45 specifically indicates that the device was previously connected but is now showing as disconnected. This can happen due to driver issues, physical connection problems, or software conflicts. The error suggests you should reconnect the device, but sometimes the solution requires more than just plugging it back in.
How do I reconnect a hardware device to my computer?
To [reconnect hardware device to computer], first completely disconnect the device from your computer. Wait about 10-15 seconds, then firmly reconnect it to the same or a different port. For wireless devices, turn the device off and on again or remove and re-pair it through Windows Bluetooth settings. If this doesn’t work, you may need to reinstall the device drivers or run Windows troubleshooting tools.
Why does my Bluetooth device show code 45 error?
Bluetooth devices often show [code 45 bluetooth windows 10] errors due to driver corruption, Bluetooth service issues, or pairing problems. Windows 10 Bluetooth connections can be disrupted by system updates, other software conflicts, or power management settings. The error typically occurs when the Bluetooth service stops working properly or when the device driver becomes corrupted. Reinstalling Bluetooth drivers or restarting Bluetooth services usually fixes this issue.
Can code 45 error damage my computer?
No, [code 45 error] itself cannot damage your computer. It’s simply an error message indicating that Windows cannot detect a connected hardware device. However, if the underlying cause is hardware failure (like a damaged USB port or failing device), that hardware issue could potentially cause problems. The error is more of an inconvenience than a threat to your system’s health.
How long does it take to fix code 45 error?
The time to fix [code 45 how to reconnect] issues varies depending on the solution needed. Simple reconnection fixes take just a few minutes. Driver reinstallation might take 10-15 minutes. Advanced solutions like DISM scans can take 30-40 minutes. Most users can resolve Code 45 errors within 15-30 minutes using the methods in this guide. The key is to start with the simplest solutions first.
What if none of the code 45 fixes work?
If you’ve tried all the solutions in this guide and still see the [error code 45 hardware device] message, the issue might be hardware failure. Test the device on another computer to confirm it works. If it doesn’t work on other computers, the device itself may need replacement. If it works elsewhere but not on your computer, you might need to contact technical support or consider a system restore to a point when the device was working.
Is code 45 a serious hardware problem?
Code 45 is usually not a serious hardware problem. In most cases, it’s a software or driver issue that can be fixed with the solutions in this guide. However, if you’ve tried all software fixes and the device still doesn’t work, there might be a physical hardware problem with either the device or your computer’s ports. In such cases, you may need to replace the affected hardware component.
Conclusion
Dealing with a [Hardware Device is Not Connected] error can be frustrating, but as you’ve learned, Code 45 is usually fixable with the right approach. Start with the simple solutions like reconnecting the device and checking physical connections. If those don’t work, move on to driver reinstallation and system troubleshooting tools. Most Code 45 errors can be resolved within minutes using the methods outlined in this guide.
Remember to keep your drivers updated and practice safe hardware removal to prevent future Code 45 errors. If you’ve tried all the solutions and still can’t resolve the issue, don’t hesitate to seek professional technical support or consider hardware replacement. Your devices should be working smoothly again in no time!
