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Windows Device Manager

Code 46: Windows cannot gain access to this hardware device because the operating system is shutting down

The device is temporarily unavailable during shutdown.

First action

Start/restart Windows normally.

Use the error code as a Windows device-state clue. It does not by itself identify the exact failed component inside the hardware.

Then verify

Do not stop at the code disappearing

  1. 1

    Check Device Manager after startup.

  2. 2

    Treat a persistent code after normal startup as a separate issue.

After Windows reports the device normally, run the matching DeviceOK test when one exists—for example camera, microphone, keyboard, mouse, controller or audio—to confirm the user-facing function works.