vst connect, friend connect and studio key?

While it is suggested to have the same version on both ends, 4.0.40 and 4.0.44 should get along together.
The message shown implies that the my Steinberg connection fails; in this case you may also try the ID method.
Latest versions can be found here, along with useful information: https://helpcenter.steinberg.de/hc/en-us/articles/360012899079