At the end of 2017, with the release of update 1607, many users of the Windows 10 operating system began to receive an error: "The application has blocked access to the graphic equipment of windows 10".
It is still not known exactly whether this error is a consequence of installing this update, or whether the reason lies in something else, however, it is worth noting that computers that did not install update 1607 at all were also its victims (yes, it still happened several years before the update).
Unfortunately, one hundred percent working methods of dealing with the problem have still not appeared. There are many recommendations that we will present in this article, but it is impossible to guarantee that they work in each case.
How to unlock access to graphic equipment on windows 10
So, the error looks like a message in the notification center with the text “The application has blocked access to graphic equipment”, and below it is specifically indicated which game or program the error is associated with (for example, browser.exe, wot, bf1.exe or world of tanks).
It is worth noting (and in some ways to warn) - before proceeding with the troubleshooting, you should create a system restore point - to be safe.
Of all the known recommendations, we single out the two most realistic and effective options:
The reason is the graphics card Software Drivers
1. Open the "Device Manager" (right-click on the "My Computer" - next "Manage").
And go to the "Video Adapters" section and do the following:
Select your video card and call its properties by clicking the right mouse button.
In the window that opens, go to the "Driver" tab and click on the "Delete" button.
- Then restart the computer - the system should automatically install the missing driver. Accordingly, it would be a mistake to hope that the version of the automatically installed driver is current.
- Therefore, it is necessary to visit the official website of the developers of the video card, find the missing, and most importantly, the current driver, and install it manually using the "Device Manager" or manually using the installer;
- At the end of the installation, restart the computer again.
Alternatively, you can try using specialized software: for example, DriverPack Solutions. This method is not among the main and effective recommendations, but sometimes they really fix the problem.
2. Using software to remove old / unused drivers and their residual traces.
For the products of «AMD», «Intel», and «Nvidia», «the Display Driver Uninstaller» program has worked well.
Drivers are uninstalled in “Safe Mode”, so after downloading the necessary software (installation is not required), restart your computer and enter “Safe Mode” using the “Startup Options” section.
Next, open the downloaded archive, run the file with the extension “.exe” and do the following:
- In the line "Select a video driver", select one of the options - "AMD", "Intel" or "Nvidia";
- Click on the “Uninstall and Reboot” button;
- Wait for the automatic deletion process to complete, create an additional recovery point, save logs and reboot the system.
The problem of access to graphic equipment may be in damaged system files
This (as the previous version) was proposed by the developers themselves on official sites (including the Microsoft forum).
To check the integrity of system files, two commands are used: “Dism / Online / Cleanup-Image / RestoreHealth” and “sfc / scannow”.
To start them, you will need to open the Command Prompt as administrator and copy and execute the above commands one by one.
If these utilities find any errors, their correction will take place automatically.
Additional options
We mentioned above that some user options are quite fantastic, but they also have a healthy grain.
Here are the most effective and adequate recommendations:
- The error occurs only when connecting a second monitor (or using the TV as a monitor).
- The problem is in the game / application / program itself.
- Installing the driver with pre-launch in compatibility mode.
- Power problem. Malfunction or lack of power of the power supply unit or malfunction of line filters and uninterruptible power supplies.
Conclusion
So, the considered error is rather complicated for “self-correction” and elimination, since it is not known for certain what the reason for its occurrence is hidden.
Someone refers to an incorrect update with the number 1607, someone blames the hardware problems for everything.
Therefore, first of all, pay attention to the drivers of the graphic component of the computer, including try to leave the driver"s ability to the operating system itself.