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

When the Windows OS fails to recognize a device, it will show the error message “Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer. (Code 45)”. In fact, error code 45 is a quite common problem among Windows users. Some users also meet the code 45 error while using Bluetooth devices.

Microsoft suggests that: No resolution is necessary. This error code is only used to indicate the disconnected status of the device and does not require you to resolve it. The error code resolves automatically when you connect the associated device to the computer.

However, some users say that the error still exists after unplugging and re-plugging the hardware. Actually, the error code 45 can also occur due to corrupted or faulty Windows registry, outdated device drivers, or faulty hardware. Check the following solutions that can help troubleshoot the hardware device is not connected to the computer problem in Windows 10/8/7.

How to fix error code 45?

First of all, please make sure the physical connection between the device and the computer. Check and make sure the connecting ports and cables work properly. If the error code 45 continues to plague you, then check the following solutions.

Solution 1. Run the Hardware Troubleshooter

Step 1. Type “troubleshooting” in the search box > Click the Troubleshooting option.

Step 2. Troubleshooting windows will appear and click Hardware and Sound.

Step 3. Click Hardware and Devices. Another window will appear and click Next to start the process.

When troubleshooting has completed, close the window and go to have a check whether or not the problem has been resolved. If not, please move on to get other solutions.

Solution 2. Run SFC scan

The System File Checker is a Windows built-in utility that can help scan your system and help repair corrupted system files. You can also have a try to fix the error code 45.

Step 1. Type “cmd” in the search bar > right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

Step 2. Type sfc /scannow in the CMD window and hit Enter to start.

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Restart your computer when the process is done. All corrupted files will be replaced on reboot. It may take about 20 minutes or more to go, please do not interrupt it.

Solution 3. Run DISM scan

Step 1. Type “cmd” in the search bar > right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

Step 2. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter to run it.

Solution 4. Run CHKDSK

CHKDSK is the Windows built-in hard drive error checking and repair utility. It can help fix hard drive problems related to bad sectors, lost clusters, file system errors, etc. You can also have a try to fix the hardware device is not connected to the computer problem.

Step 1. Start Command Prompt as administrator.

Step 2. Input chkdsk /f in the CMD field and press Enter.

If CHKDSK finds any problem that may cause hard disk corruption, it will try to repair it.

Solution 5. Update driver

If the driver is out of date in your computer, then you may run into the error code 45. Just go to update the driver.

Step 1. Type “device manager” in the search box and hit Enter.

Step 2. Click on the category of the affected device (such as USB, mice, keyboards, etc) to expand it.

Step 3. Right-click on the driver and choose Update Driver Software.

Step 4. Follow the prompts to complete the update.

Solution 6. Uninstall and reinstall driver

Step 1. Type “device manager” in the search box and hit Enter.

Step 2. Click on the category of the affected device to expand it.

Step 3. Right-click the drive and choose Uninstall.

Step 4. Restart your computer once your driver has been uninstalled.

Step 5. Download and install the hardware’s driver from the official manufacturer’s website.

Solution 7. Check Windows update

Microsoft constantly releases Windows updates to improve the system’s stability as well as fix various errors. You can upgrade to the latest Windows OS to fix the error code 45.

Solution 8. Replace the hardware

If all the above solutions can not help you fix the problem, it may mean that the hardware is defective. You can have it repaired. Go to a computer repair shop and let the technician examine it.