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Fix: Application Has Been Blocked From Accessing Graphics Hardware

Keeping your drivers updated is good prevention against this error

5 min. read

Updated onMarch 27, 2024

updated onMarch 27, 2024

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Key notes

Theapplication has been blocked from accessing graphics hardwareis an error message that can appear at the bottom right of the Windows 10 and 11 desktops.

The error message appears when some users try to play Windows or browser games.

It is a graphics issue thatstops games from running. So if you are a gamer, you should pay attention as we shall be showing how to restore your computer to proper functioning.

What does Application has been blocked from accessing graphics hardware mean?

The exact cause of the issue may vary for some users, while for others, the application blocked from accessing graphics hardware is associated with the drivers.

It could be that the drivers are outdated and need updating, or they are corrupted and need to be replaced.

Moreover, this issue can appear if you don’t have the necessary privileges, which may result inAccess is denied message. If you can, try using an administrative account and check if that helps.

In some instances, it’s even possible that theadministrator has blocked you from running an app, and if that’s the case, you might have to contact the administrator.

Also, this issue can also occur if yourNvidia graphics card isnot detected. Users reported this issue in Chrome, Firefox, and games, but luckily for you, today, we’ll show you how to unblock an application from accessing graphics hardware.

Here are a few other instances where users have encountered this error:

Whichever is the case, we shall be sharing the best solutions in this article.

How do I fix application has been blocked from accessing graphics hardware?

1. Run a System File Checker Scan

Theblocked applicationcan be due to corrupted graphics card system files. So theSystem File Checker, which scans for and repairs corrupted system files, can potentially resolve the issue.

2. Reinstall the Graphics Card Driver

Some users have stated that the error message appears after a Windows 10 build update and the graphics card driver might be misconfigured after an update. Thus, reinstalling the video card driver might resolve the issue.

Press theWindowskey +Xkeyboard shortcut, and selectDevice Manageron the Win + X menu.
Double-clickDisplay adaptersto expand that category.
Right-click the graphics card and selectUninstall device.
Then click theUninstallbutton.
Right-click on Display adapters and selectScan for hardware changesto reinstall the driver.

Alternatively, you can get a dedicateddriver updater softwarelikePC HelpSoft Driver Updaterif you need more assistance. It can save you time and hassle with automatic updates and additional optimization features.

3. Edit the Registry

Increasing the TDR (Timeout Detection and Recovery) time is another possible resolution for the application blocked from accessing graphics hardware error. Users can raise the TDR time to about eight seconds.

4. Roll Windows 10 Back to a System Restore Point

System Restore can fix numerous issues as it undoes system changes after a selected restore point.

So that utility might also fix theapplication has been blockederror if users can select a restore point that will roll Windows 10 back to a time when the error message did not pop up on the Windows 10 desktop.

Users can’t roll Windows 10 back to previous build versions with System Restore. However, the Settings app will temporarily include an option to restore the last version.

Then users can still restore a previous Windows 10 version for about ten days after a build update.

To do that, click theType here to searchbutton on the taskbar. Then enterupdatein the search box, and select Recovery options to open Settings.

Press theGet startedbutton under theGo back to the previous Windows 10 versionsubheading.

How do I give the application access to graphics hardware?

Running the software withadministrator accessis one of the best approaches. The software will then have access to several capabilities, including graphics hardware.

Right-Click on the program and choose Run as administrator from the context menu to run it with administrator privileges.

That is it for our fixes. Please note that we have not written these solutions in any particular order. Therefore, we expect you to try what feels the most appropriate to your case.

These resolutions might kick-start games that theapplication has been blockederror message pops up for.

If you have another resolution that fixes the same issue, feel free to share it below.

Fix: Application Has Been Blocked From Accessing Graphics Hardware#

What does Application has been blocked from accessing graphics hardware mean?#

How do I fix application has been blocked from accessing graphics hardware?#

1. Run a System File Checker Scan#

2. Reinstall the Graphics Card Driver#

3. Edit the Registry#

4. Roll Windows 10 Back to a System Restore Point#

How do I give the application access to graphics hardware?#