How to Fix “The Driver for This Device Has Been Blocked (Code 48)” Error

The error message “The driver for this device has been blocked (Code 48)” in Windows often appears when trying to install or use certain hardware, commonly affecting peripherals like graphics cards, network adapters, USB devices, and more. This warning indicates that Windows has detected an incompatibility with the driver, either due to hardware issues or conflicts with the operating system, which prevents it from functioning. Here, we’ll explore the causes of this error and the best ways to resolve it.

Common Causes of Code 48 Error

  • Incorrect Driver: The device may fail to work due to an outdated, corrupted, or incompatible driver.
  • System Update: Major Windows updates can sometimes make certain drivers incompatible with the new system setup.
  • Hardware Conflict: In some cases, installing new hardware can cause conflicts with old drivers or software.

Methods to Resolve Code 48 Error

1. Reinstall the Device Driver

The simplest way to address this error is to uninstall and then reinstall the device driver:

  1. Press Win + X and select “Device Manager.”
  2. Locate the device with the error (it will have a warning icon), right-click on it, and select Uninstall Device.
  3. Restart your computer. Windows should reinstall the driver automatically. If it doesn’t, download the driver from the manufacturer’s website and install it manually.

2. Update or Roll Back the Driver

Updating the driver can sometimes resolve the issue, especially if a newer, more compatible version has been released.

  1. Open “Device Manager” and locate the device with the issue.
  2. Right-click on it and select Update Driver.
  3. Select Search automatically for updated driver software or download the latest version from the manufacturer’s website.
  4. If the error appeared after a recent update, try selecting Roll Back Driver to restore the previous version.

3. Use System Restore

If the driver stopped working after installing a new program or update, consider rolling back the system to a previous state.

  1. Press Win + S and type System Restore.
  2. Select a restore point from before the problem occurred and proceed with the restore.

4. Scan for Viruses and Malware

Malicious software can corrupt drivers or misconfigure them. Use a reliable antivirus to scan for any threats in your system.

5. Update Your Operating System

Windows regularly releases updates that can resolve known driver issues and improve device compatibility. To check for updates:

  1. Open “Settings” (Win + I) and go to Update & Security.
  2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.