Getting the Error Code 22: This Device is Disabled and are at a loss to know how to fix it?
Don’t worry. We’ve got your back.
In this post, we’ll show you 6 DIY ways to fix the Error Code 22. So, let’s dive right in.
Why does error code 22 occur?
This error code is generated when a hardware device is disabled. For this reason in a lot of cases, the first solution, which require enabling the relevant device, fixes the issue.
Solution #1 – Enable the hardware device
Since quite often the error code 22 is triggered when a hardware device is manually disabled, enabling it could resolve the problem.
Perform these steps to enable a hardware device:
- Click the start icon in the taskbar, type device manager in the Search bar, and then hit Enter
- Go to the device that is disabled, right-click it, and select Properties
- Click the Driver tab
- Click the Enable Device button
- Click OK
Now, check if the error is fixed. If it’s not, try the fixes below.
Solution #2 – Restart the computer
Temporary hardware glitches can trigger random errors. When this happens, a simple restart might be all you need to fix the issue. Since it hardly takes more than a couple of minutes to reboot, we recommend you it a shot before moving on to other solutions.
Solution #3 – Undo any recent changes made in Device Manager
Have you recently installed a device or made changes in Device Manager? If so, it’s possible the change you made is triggering the error. Undo it (if possible), reboot your system, and check if the issue is fixed.
Depending on the changes you made, some probable solutions include:
- Removing or reconfiguring a recently-installed hardware device
- Rolling back to a previous driver version (if the error has occurred after a recent driver update)
- Reinstalling the device drivers
- Performing a System Restore to undo any recent Device Manager-related changes
How to Roll back a previous driver version?
Here’s what to do:
- Click the Start icon in the taskbar, type device manager in the Search bar, and hit Enter
- In the Device Manager window, locate the hardware device
- Right-click it, select Properties from the menu, click the Driver tab, and then click the Roll Back Driver button
How to reinstall the device drivers?
Here’s what to do:
- Open Device Manager
- Locate the hardware device with the driver you want to uninstall, right-click it, and select Uninstall device
- Once that’s done, restart your computer to have Windows install the driver back
How to perform a System Restore?
System Restore is a good option if the error appeared after a Device Manager-related change.
Follow these steps to perform a System Restore:
- Click the Start icon in the taskbar, type create a restore point in the Search bar, and hit Enter
- Click the System Restore button
- Click Next and select the restore point to undo any recent Driver Manager-related changes
| Note: Windows will take some to perform a System Restore, so make sure the AC adapter is connected during the restore process. In addition, do not force shut down the computer during the restore process. |
Solution #4 – Update the drivers for the device
If the error still persists, try updating the device drivers. You can update drivers manually or automatically. The second method is easier and faster, but we’ve listed both so that you can pick the one that you like better.
To update drivers automatically, you’ll need a third-party tool, such as Driver Updater. With just a single click, Driver Updater scans the system for outdated drivers and updates them.
For information on Driver Updater and its download link, check out the last section.
But if you’re the DIY type, open Device Manager and then perform these steps:
- Locate the hardware device whose driver you want to update
- Right-click this device and select Update driver
- Select Search automatically for drivers and wait for Windows to complete the update process
Solution #5 – Clear CMOS
There are more than one ways to clear the CMOS, but the easiest one is to enter BIOS and select Reset BIOS settings.
Step 1 – Enter the BIOS setup utility
- Turn on your system if it’s off or restart it
- As soon as the “entering setup” message appears, press F2, Del, Esc, F10, or F12 several times to entre BIOS (The exact key you need to press depends on your computer’s brand and model)
Step 2 – Reset BIOS settings
- Once you’re inside BIOS, reset its settings to the factor default levels by selecting the load setup default or a similar menu (The exact wording of the option for restoring BIOS vary by manufacturer, but it usually include phrases such as factory default, restore to default, clear BIOS, etc.)
- Save the settings and exit BIOS
- Restart your computer
Solution #6 – Replace the faulty hardware
If none of the above solutions worked for you, there’s a good chance the hardware is damaged or faulty. Replacing it could help fix the issue.
That’s just about it! We hope one of these solution worked for you.
How to update device drivers automatically?
Outdated drivers can cause a host of issues, including error code 22. That’s why it is important to ensure all device drivers on your system are up-to-date. The easiest way to do this is by using Driver Updater.
Automatic driver update tools offer many benefits, the most important ones being:
- You can update device drivers automatically
- The software scans and updates all outdated or missing drivers at one go
- The tool picks the right drivers for your device and operating system, so you won’t have to worry about installing an incorrect driver by mistake
- Automatic driver updates are 100% safe
Driver Updater is one of the best driver update tools out there. Outbyte Driver Updater will give you access to a database of over 1 million drivers. It will regularly scan your PC, suggesting new driver versions to install. Driver Updater contains drivers for a variety of Windows devices. With just one click, you can update drivers in your system.
Step 1
Click here to Install and launch the app
Step 2
Scan all devices
Step 3
Install or update drivers automatically
