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Error Code 45 on Printer - 14 Tried and Tested Solutions
13 min. read
Updated onMay 28, 2024
updated onMay 28, 2024
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Error Code 45 on your printer can damage your productivity and stop you from printing important documents for work or school.
Luckily, I’ve discovered several reasons why printers on aWindows 10 PCmight encounter this error. I’ve thoroughly tested these causes and their respective solutions and compiled all the working fixes for you. Keep reading to resolve your Windows 10 printer problems promptly.
And if you’re using a Windows 11 PC, rest assured that these troubleshooting tips will apply to you, too.
What Is Error Code 45 on Printer?
Error Code 45 usually shows upwhen a previously connected device isn’t plugged in anymore. So, if you try to send a print command or select a printer to configure it, you’ll get this message if it’s disconnected:
This warning could mean any of the following:
How To Fix Error Code 45 on Printer
First, you should try these quick fixes that usually solve the issue:
If these didn’t work, try the following troubleshooting instructions in the order they appear to get your printer working again.
Disable and Then Re-enable the Device
If you know for a fact that the printer isn’t disconnected or powered off, then try these steps first:
Now, try to print your document again and see if the issue is fixed.
Try a Different USB Port
The USB port you’re using might be faulty or might work intermittently. In this case, follow these steps to fix the Error Code 45 printer issue:
Now, follow the steps mentioned in the first troubleshooting method. This will push the printer and Windows to sync up quickly.
Moreover, if you’ve been using a front USB port to connect the PC and printer,try a rear port instead.Front USB ports are connected to the mainboard through normal copper cables.
On the other hand, rear ones are embedded directly into the motherboard PCB so they’re often more durable and work faster.
Restart Print Spooler Service
A temporary bug might be obstructing the Print Spooler service on the PC. Do the following to fix this:
Test if you’re getting Error Code 45 with the printer now.
Download the Manufacturer’s Diagnostic Tool
Printer manufacturers like HP develop and publish dedicated troubleshooting software. These apps come with essential drivers and program packages to detect and troubleshoot errors including Error Code 45. For HP, it’s called theHP Print and Scan Doctorapp. Here’s how it works:
If you don’t have an HP printer, no worries. Find below a list of brand-specific printer troubleshooting tools. They work similarly as the one I just described:
Disable Fast Startup
The Fast Startup feature often interferes with printer hardware drivers. You must disable this feature to check if this is the root cause of the Error Code 45 printer issue. Follow these steps:
Now, see if you can print a test page with your printer. If you can, congratulations! You’ve fixed the issue.
Fix Wi-Fi Connectivity
If you’re facing Error Code 45 with a wireless printer that connects to Wi-Fi, do the following. However, this will only work if you know the Wi-Fi network name or its password.
Fix Ethernet Connectivity
When your printer is in a network for shared usage, it uses an IP address to communicate with all the PCs in the network.
Any issue with this IP address allocation might prevent the printer from communicating with the PC.
Eventually, the Device Manager tool shows Error Code 45 because it thinks that the printer isn’t connected. So, you’ll need to re-establish the IP configuration to nullify any issue related to the network setup. Here’s how:
Try printing a test page on the printer.
Update Printer Driver
Once it’s done, reboot the PC and try printing a page.
An easier way to update drivers is to use a specialized tool such asPC HelpSoft Driver Updater. This software will allow you to scan for and automatically update any drivers in just a few minutes.
Run the Printer Troubleshooter
Use System File Checker (SFC) Scan
Try doing an SFC scan to find out if the Error Code 45 printer issue is caused by system file integrity problems:
Perform a DISM Scan
If there’s indeed an issue with the system files, the terminal will show you the result that indicates you must follow the DISM Repair Process. Here’s how:
Fix Windows Registry
Sometimes, Windows Registry directory issues can cause printer errors. In such a case, you must restore the registry to its last known working configuration. If you’ve created aWindows Registry backupfile, you can easily restore it with that.
If you didn’t, you can try a third-partyWindows Registry repair toollike theGlary Utilities Proapp. Download and install it on your PC and follow these steps:
Restore Your PC to the Previous State
If you’re seeing Error Code 45 on your printer after installing a third-party app, do the following:
If the error started popping up after a recent Windows Update event, you can uninstall those changes by following these steps:
Don’t forget to check if the error persists by printing a test page on your printer.
If you’re unable to fix the error code by following any of the above-mentioned methods, try reverting the PC to the last known good configuration. Here’s how:
Contact Technical Support
If nothing else works, contact the technical support helpdesk of the printer manufacturer for advanced assistance on the matter. Find below the help and support link for all major printer brands:
The Error Code 45 printer issue shouldn’t stop you from being productive at home, school, or work. Just follow this troubleshooting guide to sort this out. Additionally, if you’re encountering the same error on yourdisk partition, I’ve got you covered as well.
If the article helped you or you’d like to leave feedback, comment below. If you know a better way to fix this problem, don’t hesitate to mention that in your comment.
More about the topics:Printer,windows 10,Windows 11
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!
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Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.
