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How to solve gpu error: Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer. (Code 45)
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Anonymous
I've recently been having trouble with my computer, such as the brightness not changing, crashing/freezing, and having all the apps close when I turn on the computer. I've traced these issues to the GPU, which gives me error code 45: Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer. (Code 45). I've learned that I should select uninstall in device manager and restart my computer but I'm worried it might not reinstall them again. Should I go through with this or is there another way? I would appreciate any help.
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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Anonymous
2025-05-24T21:53:02+00:00 I see, thank you for the help. I probably should've contacted the manufacturer sooner.
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Jonathan Deives 73,715 Reputation points Independent Advisor2025-05-23T00:05:03+00:00 Sorry, your message was not notified to me.
The error (Code 45) also occurs when your GPU is not being recognized on the computer, which may be the reason why it was not reinstalled and recognized automatically after uninstalling the driver.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/error-codes-in-device-manager-in-windows-524e9e89-4dee-8883-0afa-6bca0456324eThe ideal thing to do in this case, if it is a desktop, is to remove and connect the GPU again and then turn on the computer to see if it is recognized, if you have the knowledge or take it to a technical support so they can check and do this.
If it is a laptop, you will need to contact the manufacturer's support.
You can also use the DDU tool to uninstall any driver remnants that may be left on your computer, and then download the recommended driver from the manufacturer's website or manually download an older driver from NVIDIA's website;
https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/drivers/
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Anonymous
2025-05-21T03:44:56+00:00 I uninstalled my nvidia gpu driver and it didn't reinstall. I tried downloading the driver again and as i was installing it is says that it couldn't detect an nvidia gpu. How do I fix this and get my drivers back?
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Jonathan Deives 73,715 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-05-18T22:21:17+00:00 Hello my name is Jonathan, I'm here to help you with this problem.
This error appears due to a driver or hardware problem with the GPU.
Uninstalling the driver in the device manager will reinstall it after restarting the PC, so you can do this step and check if the problem persists.