How to Fix Code 22 Errors

If enabling the device doesn't fix the error, restart your computer

The Code 22 error is one of several Device Manager error codes. It's generated when a hardware device is disabled in Device Manager.

In most cases, it means the device was manually disabled, but you might also see it if Windows is forced to disable the device due to a lack of system resources.

This error could apply to any hardware device managed by Device Manager, regardless of the Windows operating system, be it Windows 11, Windows 10Windows 8Windows 7Windows VistaWindows XP, etc.

Code 22 Errors

The error will almost always display in the following way:

This device is disabled. (Code 22)

Details on Device Manager error codes like this one are available in the Device Status area in the device's properties. See our guide on How to View a Device's Status in Device Manager for help getting there.

Code 22 Device Manager error that reads This device is disabled

Device Manager error codes are exclusive to Device Manager. If you see the Code 22 error elsewhere in Windows, chances are it's a system error code, which you should not troubleshoot as a Device Manager issue.

How to Fix a Code 22 Error

Follow these steps in the order they're given below, which starts off with the easier and more relevant solutions first.

  1. Enable the device. Since the most common reason you'll see a Code 22 error is that the device has been manually disabled, try manually enabling it.

    Most of the time this will fix the issue, but don't worry if it doesn't. All that means is the error you're seeing was caused by something a bit less common.

  2. Restart your computer if you haven't already. There's always the chance that the error you're seeing was caused by a temporary problem with the hardware. If so, a restart of your computer might be all you need to fix it.

    Restarting is a common practice for fixing all sorts of computer problems, so it's no surprise it can fix whatever is causing the Code 22 error.

  3. Did you install a device or make a change in Device Manager just before the error appeared? If so, it's highly likely the change you made is what caused the error. Undo it if you can, restart your PC, and then check again for the error.

    Depending on the changes you made, some solutions might include:

    If a USB device is generating the Code 22 error, uninstall every device under the Universal Serial Bus controllers hardware category in Device Manager as part of the driver reinstall. This includes any USB Mass Storage Device, USB Host Controller, and USB Root Hub.

    USB Root Hub entry in Device Manager

    Correctly reinstalling a driver, per the instructions linked above, is not the same as simply updating a driver. A full driver reinstall involves completely removing the currently installed driver and then letting Windows install it over again from scratch.

  4. Update the drivers for the device. It's also possible that installing the latest drivers for the device could correct the Code 22 error. If updating the drivers does remove it, this means the stored Windows drivers you reinstalled in the previous step were either damaged or were the wrong drivers.

  5. Clear CMOS. If Windows had to disable the device, generating the Code 22 error due to a lack of system resources, clearing CMOS might fix the problem.

  6. Update BIOS. Another possibility is that a newer BIOS version could better pass system resource handling to Windows, correcting the error.

  7. Move the device to a different expansion slot on the motherboard, assuming, of course, the piece of hardware with the error is an expansion card of some kind.

    If the Code 22 error is due to a lack of system resources available for the card, moving it to a different slot on the motherboard could clear up the problem. This isn't as common a situation with newer hardware and Windows versions, but it is possible and is an easy troubleshooting step to try.

  8. Replace the hardware. A problem with the device itself might be the root cause of this error, in which case replacing the hardware is the next logical step.

    While not likely, another possibility is the device is incompatible with your version of Windows. You can always check the Windows HCL to be sure.

If you're positive the hardware is working properly and is properly configured, then you might consider a repair install of Windows. If that doesn't work, try a clean install of Windows. We don't recommend doing either before you replace the hardware, but you might have to give them a try if you're out of other options.

FAQ
  • What do I do if I get a code 22 error when running software?

    The error means the software is likely not loading properly. Restart your computer and try again. If the problem persists, try removing and reinstalling the software.

  • What do I do if a website gives me an error 22?

    An error 22 on a website could have a few different causes, from something on the host's end to program incompatibility—or even a virus. Quit and restart your browser, then try again. If possible, run a virus scan as a precaution. If the problem persists, try a different browser. In the event that the issue is on the host end, your options are to wait and try again later, or contact the host to let them know about the problem.

  • What is an error code 22E for a Samsung refrigerator?

    If your Samsung fridge is giving you a code 22E error, it's likely that the drain for its defrost cycle is clogged or there's some other form of ice buildup and blockage. Check your user manual and follow the steps for a manual defrost. If the problem persists, consider calling in a repair technician as accessing the drains to clear them may require removing internal panels and components.

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