How to Fix Error Code 22: This Device Is Disabled
Error Code 22 usually means one thing: Windows has disabled a hardware device. The good news is that this error is often easy to fix, especially if the device was disabled by mistake.
This problem can show up with many devices, such as graphics cards, USB devices, network adapters, or sound cards. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to help you get things working again.
What Does Error Code 22 Mean?
When Windows shows “This device is disabled (Code 22)”, it means:
- The device was manually disabled in Device Manager, or
- Windows disabled it automatically due to a system or resource issue
You’ll usually see this message inside Device Manager, under the device’s status.
Step-by-Step Ways to Fix Error Code 22
1. Enable the Device in Device Manager
This is the most common and simplest fix.
- Open Device Manager
- Find the device showing the error
- Right-click it and choose Enable device
- Restart your computer
In many cases, this alone solves the problem.
2. Restart Your Computer
Sometimes the issue is temporary.
- Restart your PC
- Check Device Manager again after booting
This helps clear small glitches that may have caused the device to disable itself.
3. Undo Recent Changes
If the error appeared after installing hardware or changing drivers:
- Remove or disconnect the newly added device
- Roll back the driver to an older version
- Use System Restore to go back to a time when everything worked
After undoing the change, restart and check again.
4. Reinstall the Device Driver
A damaged or incorrect driver can also trigger Code 22.
- Open Device Manager
- Right-click the affected device
- Select Uninstall device
- Restart your computer
Windows will automatically reinstall the driver after reboot.
For USB-related errors:
Uninstall all devices under Universal Serial Bus controllers, then restart.
5. Update the Device Driver
If reinstalling didn’t help:
- Download the latest driver from the device manufacturer
- Install it manually
- Restart your PC
This helps if the existing driver is outdated or incompatible.
6. Clear the CMOS (Advanced)
If Windows disabled the device due to system resource problems:
- Power off the computer
- Disconnect all cables
- Remove the CMOS battery from the motherboard
- Wait 1–2 minutes
- Reinsert the battery and start the system
This resets BIOS settings to default and can re-enable disabled hardware.
7. Update the BIOS
An outdated BIOS may not manage hardware properly.
- Check your motherboard or laptop support page
- Install the latest BIOS update if available
This step should be done carefully.
8. Change the Expansion Slot (Desktop PCs)
If the device is an internal card:
- Move it to a different motherboard slot
- Boot the system and check again
This can help when system resources are limited.
9. Replace the Hardware
If nothing works:
- The device itself may be faulty
- Or it may not be compatible with your version of Windows
Replacing the hardware may be the only solution at this point.
Special Case: Graphics Card Error Code 22 (Black Screen)
If your graphics card is disabled, you may see only a black screen.
Fix Using Keyboard Only
- Restart the PC
- Log in if needed
- Press Win + R
- Type
devmgmt.mscand press Enter - Use Tab, arrow keys, and Alt + A
- Select Enable device
If done correctly, your display should come back.
BIOS Reset for Graphics Issues
If keyboard navigation doesn’t work:
- Remove the CMOS battery as explained earlier
- Restart the system
This often re-enables the display adapter automatically.
Why Error Code 22 Happens
The most common reasons are:
- The device was disabled manually
- Windows disabled it due to limited system resources
- Driver issues
- BIOS or hardware problems
Conclusion
Error Code 22 looks serious, but most of the time it isn’t. In many cases, simply enabling the device or restarting the system fixes everything. Only move on to advanced steps like BIOS reset or hardware replacement if basic solutions fail.
