Code 48: The Software for This Device Has Been Blocked

What causes Code 48

• The driver is listed in the Windows Driver Protection database that Windows Update supplies (Microsoft Learn).
• For a device used for Enhanced Sign-in Security (for example a face or fingerprint sensor), Windows found the installed driver incompatible with those requirements and stopped the device.

How to fix Code 48, safest step first

The steps follow Microsoft's recommended resolution for this code, in its order, with a reversible step first. Each one says how to put back what it changed.

1. 01

   Before you change anything: note the driver and make a restore point

   Open the device's Properties > Driver tab and write down the driver provider, date and version. Then select Start, type Create a restore point, open it, and on the System Protection tab choose Create. Microsoft notes that System Protection is not turned on by default; if Create is greyed out, choose Configure and turn it on for the system drive first.

   To undo: A restore point changes nothing by itself. To go back later, run System Restore and pick it: Microsoft says it reverts system files, the registry and installed programs, and leaves your personal files alone.

2. 02

   If it started after a driver update, roll the driver back

   In Device Manager, right-click the device, choose Properties, open the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver, then give a reason and confirm. Microsoft notes that you need administrator rights, and that going back to the previous driver often fixes a problem that appeared after an update. The button is greyed out when Windows kept no earlier driver for the device.

   To undo: Rolling back is the undo for the update. To return to the newer driver, install it again with Update driver or from the manufacturer's package.

3. 03

   Get a driver from the hardware manufacturer

   Download the current driver for your exact model from the manufacturer's support page and install it. Microsoft's resolution for Code 48 is to obtain a new driver from the hardware vendor; the block applies to the driver, so a fixed version is what lifts it.

   To undo: Roll Back Driver on the Driver tab returns to the driver you had, or apply the restore point.

Check it yourself

1. 01

   List every device with this code (Command Prompt or PowerShell)

   Available from Windows 10, version 1903. Each device is listed with its instance ID and the problem code with its name, CM_PROB_DRIVER_BLOCKED. No administrator rights needed; nothing is changed.

   pnputil /enum-devices /problem 48

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2. 02

   Or with PowerShell

   Device Manager shows the same code on the General tab of the device's Properties, in the Device status box.

   Get-PnpDevice | Where-Object { [int]$_.ConfigManagerErrorCode -eq 48 } |
     Format-Table Status, Class, FriendlyName, Problem

   PowerShellCopy