An error that users often encounter while playing online games or using other graphic software is the error message “Application Has Been Blocked From Accessing Graphics Hardware.”
Graphic hardware refers to the computer’s hardware, which generates graphics to be displayed on the screen. A graphic card, also known as a display card, video card, graphics adaptor, or display adaptor, is the usual type of graphics hardware.
It communicates the data to graphic software to generate necessary graphics or images. An application is unable to load if it is blocked from accessing the graphic software. Instead, the user sees the error message on the screen.
While it is not a very common error, some users, especially gamers, have reported having faced it.
It occurs in case of games of large file size, a new game, or if the graphics driver is corrupted or not updated. The graphic driver is the intermediate device between the graphic hardware (usually a graphic card) and software. This article discusses some of how this problem can be rectified in Windows 10.
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Understanding the intricacies of graphics hardware is essential for anyone who uses computers for gaming, multimedia editing, or even standard everyday tasks. Issues such as the “Application Has Been Blocked From Accessing Graphics Hardware” error can be both frustrating and mystifying.
This comprehensive guide aims to demystify graphics hardware, elucidate common issues like the one mentioned, and guide you through forcing an application to use your dedicated graphics card.
What is Graphics Hardware?
Graphics hardware refers to the components within a computer system that are responsible for rendering images, videos, and animations. This includes Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), video cards, and other hardware that handle image rendering and display.
Types of Graphics Hardware
- Integrated Graphics: This is a GPU that’s built into the same chip as the CPU. It is energy-efficient but generally less powerful.
- Dedicated Graphics Card: These are stand-alone cards with their own video memory, providing higher performance for tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Hybrid Systems: Some computers, especially laptops, feature both integrated and dedicated graphics hardware, allowing the system to switch between them depending on the requirement.
Functions
The primary function of graphics hardware is to convert data into images and videos that can be displayed on your screen. It plays a critical role in tasks that are graphically intensive, such as 3D rendering, video editing, and high-end gaming.
Causes of “Application Has Been Blocked From Accessing Graphics Hardware” Issue
This error usually arises when there’s a conflict between your operating system and graphics hardware. Here are common reasons:
Driver Incompatibility
Outdated or incompatible drivers can lead to this error message.
System Overload
Running graphically demanding applications on low-end hardware can cause this issue.
Software Conflicts
Other software interfering with your graphics hardware can also trigger this problem.
Corrupt System Files
Sometimes, the issue stems from corrupt system files that fail to interact properly with the graphics hardware.
How to Fix Application Has Been Blocked From Accessing Graphics Hardware Error
Solution 1: Run System Maintenance Troubleshooter
Windows has in-built troubleshooters to detect and instantly troubleshoot different problems on the computer. System Maintenance Troubleshooter is one such tool to identify and rectify problems linked to maintenance tasks.
Follow the steps below to use System Maintenance Troubleshooter to fix the given error.
Step 1: First of all, make sure you are login as an administrator.
Step 2: secondly, open the run dialogue box by pressing Windows + R or searching “run” in the Windows search bar.
Step 3: In the dialogue box, type “msdt.exe -id MaintenanceDiagnostic” and press Enter to run it.
Step 4: Also, select Advanced from the System Maintenance window.
Step 5: Then select “Run as Administrator.”
Step 6: Lastly, click “Next” and follow subsequent instructions
If any maintenance related problem has been causing the Application Has Been Blocked From Accessing Graphics Hardware error, the troubleshooter will diagnose and fix it.
Solution 2: Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
It is another troubleshooter tool which may solve the error. Follow the steps below to access it.
Step 1: Firstly, go to the Troubleshoot window by searching it in the Windows search bar, or by navigating to Start menu → Settings → Update and Security → Troubleshoot.
Step 2: In the Troubleshoot window, locate and select the “Hardware and Devices” option. Then click “Run the troubleshooter.”
It may diagnose and solve the Application Has Been Blocked From Accessing Graphics Hardware problem related to the graphics hardware. If not, check the other methods.
Solution 3: Run System File Checker And DISM Scan
The error may be due to corrupted or missing system files related to the graphics hardware. In such a case, two tools may be applied – System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM).
They can be applied through Command Prompt to scan the system files. If any missing or a corrupted file is the reason for the malfunction, these tools may help. Follow the steps below.
Step 1: Search “Command Prompt” in the Windows search bar, then right-click on the Command Prompt option and select “Run as administrator.”You can also press Windows + X to open it, then select Command Prompt (Admin) on the menu.
Step 2: In the Command Prompt window, type the command “sfc /scannow.”
The SFC tool is not enough for this purpose. So, follow the next steps to execute the DISM command.
Step 3: To repair corrupted files related to Windows images, run the DSIM Command. First input the commands below:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth
Press Enter to execute it. Proceed with the next step after scanning.
Step 4: Now, input the following command to repair the corrupted files and press Enter to execute the command. Wait for the process to be complete.
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Step 5: Restart the computer and check whether the Application Has Been Blocked From Accessing Graphics Hardware error has been fixed.
Solution 4: Update Graphics Drivers
An outdated graphics driver may cause Application Has Been Blocked From Accessing Graphics Hardware error. Updating it may thus solve the issue. The following are the steps to do so.
Step 1: Go to the Device Manager window as described in the previous method.
Step 2: Double-click on Display Adapters to expand and reveal the graphics device name.
Step 3: Right-click on the name and select Update Driver.
Step 4: In the new window that appears, there will be two options – “Search automatically for updated driver software” and “Browse my computer for driver software.”
Select the first option to enable an automatic search by Windows for the latest versions of driver software online or on your computer.
If you already have downloaded versions in your computer or USB flash drive, select the second option to browse your computer for them manually. Mostly you can download the updated version from the manufacturer’s website — for instance, Intel, AMD, or NVIDIA.
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Step 5: Follow the displayed instructions after selecting either option. After completing the update, restart the computer and check if the error has been rectified.
It should be noted that reinstalling, as well as updating drivers, are possible through third-party software. You can download such software from online stores for free. After downloading them, one has to simply proceed as per the displayed instructions to reinstall or update the drivers.
An example of such software is the Snappy Driver Installer. Its special feature is the offline storage facility for all drivers. Required versions can; thus, you can install required versions without active internet.
Solution 5: Reinstall Graphics Drivers
Graphics drivers are the crucial links between the graphics hardware and the software. If a driver is faulty or corrupted, the necessary function of a program cannot be executed. In case of an application such as an online game, a faulty graphics driver will disable the graphic card or hardware from communicating with the software.
The data necessary for generating the graphics thus cannot be transmitted, and the error occurs. To solve this problem, reinstalling drivers is an option. The following are the steps to go about it.
Step 1: Press Windows + X and select Device Manager in the menu.
Step 2: In the Device Manager window, locate the option “Display Adapters” and double-click on it to expand and reveal the name of the graphics device.
Step 3: Right-click on the graphics device name and select Uninstall. In the confirmation pop-up, click Uninstall and check the box next to “Delete the driver software for this device.”
Step 4: After the uninstall process, restart the computer.
Step 5: Go to the Device Manager window. Right-click on the computer’s name at the top, and click on “Scan for hardware changes.” This will reinstall the drivers.
This process should rectify the faults in the drivers, and solve the Application Has Been Blocked From Accessing Graphics Hardware error. If not, consider the next method.
How to Force an Application to Use Your Graphics Card
Having both integrated and dedicated graphics hardware can sometimes lead to confusion for applications. Forcing an app to use your powerful dedicated GPU can be beneficial.
For NVIDIA Users:
- Right-click on the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
- Navigate to Manage 3D settings.
- Go to the Program Settings tab.
- Select the application you want to configure.
- Choose the preferred graphics processor as your High-performance NVIDIA processor.
For AMD Users:
- Right-click on the desktop and select AMD Radeon Settings.
- Go to System.
- Navigate to Switchable Graphics.
- Choose the application you wish to configure.
- Select High Performance.
For Intel Users:
- Right-click on the desktop and choose Graphics Properties.
- Go to 3D settings.
- Choose Performance Mode.
- Apply the changes.
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Conclusion
Lastly, we have discussed the various techniques to fix the error “Application Has Been Blocked From Accessing Graphics Hardware.” One can implement the simple troubleshooting options and proceed as per displayed instructions to fix the problem.
Scanning and repairing the corrupted system files through commands is another way. As for reinstalling or updating the graphics drivers, both can be done as per the process mentioned above, or through software installed from online stores.
Consulting the help center of the driver’s company website is also an option, and available updates shall be visible there.
Graphics hardware plays a vital role in the functionality and performance of your computer. Understanding its types and functions can help you make informed decisions when troubleshooting.
Issues like “Application Has Been Blocked From Accessing Graphics Hardware” can often be resolved by understanding the underlying causes such as driver incompatibility or software conflicts. Forcing an application to use your dedicated GPU can be easily accomplished through your graphics card’s control panel, leading to enhanced performance.
Knowledge is power, so equip yourself with this information to make the most out of your computer’s graphics capabilities.
