In this article, we will see some fixes to resolve the Code 44 error on Windows 11/10 computers. The Code 44 error is one of the Device Manager errors that impacts the performance of the hardware device(s). The “Code 44, An application or service has shut down this hardware device” error causes the respective hardware device to fail to operate on a Windows computer.
Code 44, An application or service has shut down this hardware device
If your hardware device stops responding or working on a Windows computer and you see the Code 44, An application or service has shut down this hardware device error in the Device Manager, use the solutions provided below to fix the issue:
- Restart your computer
- Disconnect and reconnect the affected hardware device
- Connect the affected hardware device to another computer
- Uninstall and reinstall the affected device driver
- Troubleshoot in a Clean Boot state
- View Device Manager log to get some more information
- Contact a professional computer technician for help
Let’s see all these fixes in detail.
1] Restart your computer
This is the first thing that you should do. Sometimes, a bug causes issues on Windows computers. This can be the case with you. Restarting a Windows computer fixes the most common issues. Restart your computer and see if it helps.
2] Disconnect and reconnect the affected hardware device
You can also try this. Disconnect the affected hardware device and then reconnect it. If the problem is with the USB device, disconnect it and connect it to another USB port. If the problem is with the wireless device, disconnect it, remove it from your computer via Settings, and then connect it again.
3] Connect the affected hardware device to another computer
From the error message, it is clear that a problem has occurred with your hardware device due to which it has stopped working on your Windows computer. To confirm whether the problem is with your hardware device or not, we suggest you connect the affected hardware device to another computer and see what happens. If the hardware device works effectively on another computer, the problem lies somewhere else. Now, you have to troubleshoot further to resolve this issue.
4] Uninstall and reinstall the affected device driver
One possible cause of this error is the corrupted device driver. Hence, we suggest you uninstall and reinstall the affected device driver. The steps to do this are as follows:
- Open the Device Manager.
- Expand the branch related to your device driver.
- Right-click on your device driver and select Uninstall device.
- After uninstalling the device driver, restart your computer.
Now, check if the issue persists.
You can also try installing another version of the affected device driver (if applicable). This can be done through the Device Manager. Follow the steps provided below:
- Open the Device Manager.
- Expand the required branch and right-click on the affected device driver.
- Right-click on it and select Update driver.
- Click Browse my computer for drivers.
- Now, select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
- Make sure that the Show compatible drivers checkbox is selected.
- Select another driver from the list and click Next.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.
Restart your computer and see if the problem is fixed. If not, repeat the above steps to install another version of your driver.
5] Troubleshoot in a Clean Boot state
If the problem still persists, the next step is to troubleshoot in a Clean Boot state. The error message says that the hardware device is shut down due to an application or service. This clearly indicates that an application or a service may be responsible for this error. Hence, to identify that application or service, start your system in a Clean Boot state.
To enter a Clean Boot state, you have to disable all third-party apps and services by using the MSConfig app. Be careful while using the MSConfig app, as if you accidentally disable all services, you will put yourself in trouble.
When you are in a Clean Boot state, check if the problem persists. If not, identify the problematic third-party app or service. Now, follow the steps provided below:
- Enable some of the startup apps and restart your computer.
- Check if the problem persists. If not, enable some other startup apps and restart your computer.
- If the problem reappears, one of the apps that you have just enabled is causing the problem.
- Now, keep disabling the enabled apps one by one and restart your computer every time you disable an app. When the problem disappears, the app that you have just disabled is the culprit.
Follow the same procedure to identify the problematic third-party background Service. To identify the problematic service, you have to use the MSConfig app instead of the Task Manager.
6] View Device Manager log to get some more information
When an issue occurs on a Windows computer, Windows writes its log. These logs contain information about the error. Windows Event Viewer is a built-in application that allows you to view all the log files on your Windows computer.
You can collect additional information about the error Code 44 for further troubleshooting. Go through the following instructions to view this error log in Event Viewer:
- Open the Device Manager.
- Right-click on the affected device driver and select Properties.
- Go to the Events tab.
- Now, click View All Events.
After performing the above steps, Windows will automatically open the Event Viewer. Now, you can read additional information about the error (if available) and troubleshoot further.
7] Contact a professional computer technician for help
If the problem still persists, we suggest you contact a professional computer technician for further assistance.
Read: Code 21, Windows is removing this device.
How to fix this hardware device is not connected to the computer code 45?
The Device Manager error code 45 occurs when the hardware device that was previously connected to the computer is no longer connected to it. To fix this error, disconnect the affected hardware device from your computer and connect it again. If it does not help, updating, rolling back, or reinstalling the affected device driver can help.
How to fix Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problem code 43?
The error code 43 in Device Manager occurs when Windows stops a device because it has reported problems. To fix this error, disconnect and reconnect the affected hardware device. This issue is related to the device driver. Hence, uninstalling and reinstalling the device driver can help.
Read next: Fix Error Code 19, Windows cannot start this hardware device.
