How to Fix Code 45 Error in Device Manager (August 2026)

Few things are more frustrating than seeing your device suddenly display an error that makes no sense. You glance at Device Manager and there it is: Code 45 with a message saying your hardware device is not connected, even though it is sitting right there on your desk. This perplexing error has ruined countless work sessions and sent users down rabbit holes of troubleshooting that go nowhere.

The good news is that Code 45 is one of the more solvable Device Manager errors you can encounter. Whether you are dealing with a Bluetooth mouse that will not respond, a network adapter that vanished after a Windows update, or a USB printer that Windows insists is disconnected, the fix is usually simpler than it appears. This guide covers every solution from the quickest reconnections to advanced system repairs, so you can get your hardware working again.

Key Takeaways

• Code 45 means Windows detects a hardware device as disconnected, even when it should be connected
• Most Code 45 errors stem from driver problems, physical connection failures, or software conflicts after updates
• Quick fixes like reconnecting devices and restarting your PC resolve the majority of cases
• The error affects many device types including Bluetooth peripherals, USB accessories, network adapters, and audio equipment
• Advanced tools like SFC and DISM scans can repair underlying system issues causing persistent Code 45 errors

What is Code 45 Error?

Code 45 is a specific error code that appears in Windows Device Manager when the operating system cannot communicate with a hardware device that should be present. The full message typically reads: “Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer. (Code 45) To fix this problem, reconnect this hardware device to the computer.”

Despite the message asking you to physically reconnect the device, Code 45 often persists even when the hardware is firmly plugged in. This happens because the error is usually a software or driver communication problem rather than an actual physical disconnection. Windows is essentially saying it cannot see the device through its driver interface, regardless of whether the cable is actually connected.

This error can affect virtually any hardware category in Windows:

• Bluetooth devices including mice, keyboards, headphones, and game controllers
• USB devices such as printers, external hard drives, webcams, and flash drives
• Network adapters for both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections
• Audio devices including sound cards, microphones, and speakers
• Graphics cards and GPU components
• Storage controllers and disk drives

The error commonly appears after Windows updates change driver configurations, when you move a device to a different port, or when driver files become corrupted for any reason. Understanding that this is primarily a communication issue rather than a physical one helps you approach the fix correctly.

Why Does Your Device Show Code 45?

Several underlying issues can trigger Code 45 to appear in Device Manager. Identifying the root cause helps you choose the most effective solution:

Driver Problems: Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible device drivers represent the most frequent cause of Code 45. When driver files become damaged or do not match the current Windows version, the communication channel between Windows and your hardware breaks down entirely.

Physical Connection Failures: While the device may appear connected, loose cables, worn connectors, faulty USB ports, or damaged receivers can prevent proper data transmission. Even wireless devices have physical components that can fail, such as USB Bluetooth dongles or wireless receivers.

Software Conflicts: Other programs or services running on your computer can interfere with device detection. This interference commonly occurs after installing new software, particularly security tools, system utilities, or virtual machine applications that claim hardware resources.

Windows Update Changes: Recent Windows updates frequently modify driver frameworks and system files. If a Windows update changes related system files, previously working devices may suddenly appear with Code 45 until drivers are refreshed or rolled back.

Hardware Failure: In limited cases, the device itself may be malfunctioning. USB ports can fail, Bluetooth adapters can burn out, and network cards can stop working entirely. If software fixes do not resolve the issue, testing the device on another computer helps determine if hardware replacement is necessary.

If a Windows update triggered the problem, you might also encounter related errors like Windows Update Error 0x80070005 alongside Code 45. Addressing both issues may be necessary for full resolution.

How to Fix Code 45: Basic Solutions

Start with these straightforward solutions before progressing to more complex repairs. Most Code 45 errors resolve at this level without needing advanced troubleshooting.

Fix 1: Reconnect the Hardware Device

The error message itself suggests reconnecting the device. Follow these steps carefully for the best chance of success:

1. Completely disconnect the device from your computer, removing all cables and receivers
2. Wait 15-30 seconds to allow the system to clear cached connection data
3. Inspect the connection port for debris, damage, or bent pins before reconnecting
4. Reconnect firmly to the same port, ensuring a secure physical connection
5. Check Device Manager to see if the error clears automatically

For wireless Bluetooth devices, turn the device completely off, wait ten seconds, then turn it back on and place it in pairing mode. If the device has a USB dongle, try connecting the dongle to a different USB port after removing the paired connection through Windows Settings.

Fix 2: Check Physical Connections and Cables

Physical inspection often reveals problems that software cannot detect:

1. Examine all cables for visible damage, fraying, or bent connectors
2. Try the device on a different USB port to rule out a specific port failure
3. Test the device on another computer to determine if the problem is the device or your system
4. Replace the cable with a known-good cable if one is available
5. For wireless devices, check that batteries are charged and the device is within proper range of the receiver

Reddit users have reported that network adapter Code 45 sometimes resolves simply by disabling the adapter in Device Manager, waiting thirty seconds, and re-enabling it. This refreshes the connection without requiring a full system restart.

Fix 3: Restart Your Computer

Never underestimate a simple restart, which clears temporary glitches and refreshes device connections:

1. Save all work and close every open application
2. Select Start Menu and click the power icon
3. Choose Restart rather than Shut Down for a complete refresh
4. Wait for Windows to fully boot and load all services
5. Open Device Manager and check whether the Code 45 error persists

A restart resets device drivers, clears cached data, and reinitializes hardware detection processes. Many users find that their Code 45 errors disappear after a single restart without any additional troubleshooting.

How to Reinstall Drivers for Code 45 Error

When basic solutions do not resolve the issue, reinstalling device drivers is often the definitive fix. This process removes the corrupted driver files and allows Windows to install fresh copies.

Uninstall the Device in Device Manager

Removing the device driver completely forces Windows to recognize the hardware fresh:

1. Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager from the menu
2. Locate the device showing the Code 45 error, which typically displays a yellow warning icon
3. Right-click the device and choose Uninstall device from the context menu
4. Tick the box labeled “Delete the driver software for this device” when prompted
5. Click Uninstall and wait for the process to complete

Scan for Hardware Changes

After uninstalling, Windows needs to rediscover and reinstall the device:

1. In Device Manager, click Action in the top menu bar
2. Select Scan for hardware changes from the dropdown menu
3. Allow Windows to detect the device and install generic drivers
4. Restart your computer to ensure the new driver loads properly on startup

Windows will install a baseline driver that should at least recognize the hardware. For full functionality, you may need to install manufacturer-specific drivers from the device maker’s website.

Update Drivers Manually

When Windows generic drivers do not provide adequate functionality:

1. Identify the device manufacturer and model number from the Device Manager listing
2. Visit the manufacturer website and navigate to their support or downloads section
3. Download the latest driver specifically designed for your Windows version and architecture
4. Run the installer and follow all on-screen prompts to completion
5. Restart your computer after the installation finishes successfully

Keeping drivers updated prevents Code 45 and other device manager errors from occurring in the future. For related Device Manager issues, our guide to Device Manager Error Code 28 covers another common driver-related problem.

How to Fix Code 45 Bluetooth Windows Issues

Bluetooth devices suffer from Code 45 more frequently than most other hardware types. The wireless nature of Bluetooth connections creates additional points of failure between driver software and physical hardware.

Fix Bluetooth Issues in Windows 10

Windows 10 Bluetooth problems with Code 45 typically require adjusting Bluetooth services and drivers:

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I
2. Navigate to Devices and select Bluetooth & other devices
3. Verify Bluetooth is turned on at the top of the settings page
4. Remove the problematic device by clicking it and selecting Remove device
5. Restart your computer completely to refresh Bluetooth services
6. Re-pair the device by placing it in pairing mode and adding it again through Windows Settings

Fix Bluetooth Issues in Windows 11

Windows 11 reorganized Bluetooth settings, requiring a different approach:

1. Open Settings using Windows key + I
2. Click Bluetooth & devices in the left sidebar
3. Toggle Bluetooth on if it is currently disabled
4. Select Devices to view paired Bluetooth hardware
5. Remove the device showing Code 45 by clicking the three dots menu and selecting Remove device
6. Navigate to Quick Settings by pressing Windows key + A
7. Turn Bluetooth off and on again to reset the Bluetooth radio
8. Restart Windows before attempting to pair the device again

Windows 11 users have reported that the redesigned Bluetooth stack occasionally loses device recognition after system updates. A clean re-pairing process typically restores full functionality. For more detailed Bluetooth troubleshooting, see our guide on fixing Bluetooth issues in Windows.

Restart Bluetooth Services

If the Bluetooth Settings approach does not work, restart the Bluetooth service directly:

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box
2. Type services.msc and press Enter to open Services
3. Scroll down and find Bluetooth Support Service in the list
4. Right-click the service and select Restart from the context menu
5. Double-click the service to open its properties
6. Set Startup type to Automatic to ensure it runs on every boot

Update Bluetooth Drivers

Outdated Bluetooth drivers commonly cause Code 45 errors in both Windows 10 and Windows 11:

1. Open Device Manager using Windows key + X and selecting it from the menu
2. Expand the Bluetooth category by clicking the arrow beside it
3. Right-click your Bluetooth adapter and choose Update driver
4. Select Browse my computer for driver software
5. Choose Let me pick from a list of available drivers
6. Select the manufacturer driver if multiple options appear and complete the installation

How to Show and Fix Hidden Devices in Device Manager

Device Manager hides devices that are not currently present by default. However, Code 45 errors can appear on hidden devices that Windows remembers from past connections. Accessing these hidden entries helps you fully resolve persistent errors.

Revealing Hidden Devices in Device Manager

Windows stores records of previously connected devices even after they are removed. These hidden entries can sometimes show Code 45:

1. Open Device Manager as administrator by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Device Manager
2. Click View in the top menu bar
3. Select Show hidden devices from the dropdown menu
4. Look for devices shown with faded or greyed-out icons, which indicate previously connected hardware
5. Right-click any hidden device showing Code 45 and select Uninstall device

Removing these ghost entries from past connections eliminates phantom Code 45 errors and prevents them from cluttering your device list. Forum users have confirmed that hidden devices showing Code 45 often persist until explicitly removed through this process.

Using the Command Prompt to Show All Devices

For deeper access to hidden device records, use the Windows command prompt:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator by searching for cmd in the Start menu, right-clicking, and selecting Run as administrator
2. Type set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1 and press Enter
3. Type start devmgmt.msc to launch Device Manager with hidden devices visible
4. Click View in Device Manager and enable Show hidden devices
5. Find non-present devices (typically greyed out) and uninstall them

This method reveals devices that were previously connected but are no longer physically present, including devices that showed Code 45 before being unplugged. Removing these entries cleans up your Device Manager view and eliminates orphaned error states.

Advanced Solutions for Code 45 Error

When standard fixes do not resolve the issue, these advanced troubleshooting methods address underlying system problems that may be causing persistent Code 45 errors.

Run Windows Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter specifically designed for hardware detection issues:

1. Press Windows key and type “troubleshoot” in the search box
2. Select Troubleshoot settings from the search results
3. Click Additional troubleshooters near the bottom of the page
4. Find and select Hardware and Devices from the list
5. Click Run the troubleshooter and wait for it to detect issues
6. Apply any recommended fixes that the troubleshooter suggests

System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Corrupted Windows system files can interfere with device detection and cause Code 45 errors. The SFC tool scans and repairs these files:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator by searching for cmd, right-clicking, and selecting Run as administrator
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter to begin the scan
3. Wait for the scan to complete, which typically takes 15-30 minutes depending on your system
4. Review the results to see if any corrupted files were repaired or could not be fixed
5. Restart your computer when the scan finishes completely

Many Reddit users have reported that running sfc /scannow followed by a restart resolves WiFi adapter and network adapter Code 45 errors that persisted through driver reinstallation. This happens because the scan repairs system files that the drivers depend on for proper communication.

DISM Scan for System Image Repair

When SFC does not fully resolve the issue, DISM can repair the Windows system image that underlies all device operations:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator
2. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter
3. Allow the process to complete, which can take 20-40 minutes on most systems
4. Run sfc /scannow again after DISM finishes to ensure all system files are healthy
5. Restart your computer to apply all repairs

The DISM tool repairs the Windows deployment image that SFC draws from. When this image is corrupted, even fresh driver installations can fail, leading to persistent Code 45 errors. Running both scans in sequence often resolves issues that neither tool can fix alone.

CHKDSK for Disk and Storage Issues

Storage device errors can cascade into device detection problems throughout Windows:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator
2. Type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter to schedule a disk check
3. Type Y when prompted to schedule the check for the next restart
4. Restart your computer and allow the check to run before Windows loads
5. Wait for completion, which may require an hour or more depending on drive size

While CHKDSK might seem unrelated to device detection, fixing disk errors resolves underlying storage system problems that can prevent proper device enumeration during Windows startup.

How to Prevent Code 45 Error in the Future

After resolving Code 45, adopting preventive practices reduces the likelihood of recurrence. These habits keep your system stable and devices properly recognized.

Keep Drivers Updated

Regular driver updates prevent compatibility issues that cause Code 45 and other device errors:

1. Check for driver updates through Windows Update at least monthly
2. Visit manufacturer websites for critical devices like graphics cards, network adapters, and Bluetooth hardware
3. Enable automatic updates where manufacturers offer this option
4. Test new drivers before fully committing, as updates can occasionally introduce new problems

Safely Remove Hardware

Always use proper removal procedures to prevent device driver corruption:

1. Click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the Windows system tray
2. Select your device from the list of connected hardware
3. Wait for the confirmation message before physically disconnecting
4. Avoid unplugging devices while data is being written or applications are actively using them

Regular System Maintenance

Routine maintenance keeps Windows running smoothly and prevents cumulative issues:

1. Run Windows Update regularly to keep system files current
2. Perform monthly disk cleanup to remove temporary files and free up space
3. Scan for malware weekly using Windows Security or a trusted antivirus
4. Create system restore points before installing new software or driver updates

Backup Working Drivers

Having backups of working drivers speeds recovery if problems occur:

1. Export drivers from Device Manager for critical devices while they are working
2. Store backups on an external drive or cloud storage
3. Document device models and driver versions in a simple text file
4. Restore from backup if updates cause Code 45 or other issues

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Code 45 errors can be alarming when they first appear, especially when the affected device is sitting right there connected to your computer. However, this error is one of the more manageable Device Manager problems you can encounter. The majority of cases resolve with simple reconnection, driver reinstallation, or a system restart.

Working through the solutions in order from basic to advanced ensures you find the fastest fix without overcomplicating the process. Start with reconnecting the device and restarting, move to driver reinstallation through Device Manager, and progress to SFC and DISM scans only if necessary. For Bluetooth devices, restarting the Bluetooth Support Service often provides the breakthrough needed.

Once you have resolved Code 45, keeping drivers updated, practicing safe hardware removal, and maintaining regular system care prevents the error from returning. If you have tried all the solutions in this guide and still experience issues, the underlying problem may require professional assessment or hardware replacement.

For other Windows device errors you might encounter, explore our guides on Device Manager Error Code 28 and Bluetooth troubleshooting for additional help with common Windows hardware issues.