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Application has been blocked from accessing graphics hardware


Hello everyone,

I have just moved from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 (clean install, not an upgrade) and am now getting an error when running DirectX 9 games (Guild Wars 2, Mass Effect 1,2 and 3), it freezes the game and forces me to end the process, then gives me the titled error. Occasionally I'll get an error that the AMD display driver has crashed then recovered (once the game has been forcibly closed), then it will ping the titled error.

I have tried the following solutions:


  • Installing the last 2 beta drivers (using DDU)
  • Installing the WHQL driver (using DDU)
  • Changing the TDR delay and level
  • Uninstalling MSI Afterburner
  • Uninstalling Kaspersky Total Security 2016
  • Clean boot
  • Underclocking my GPU (both in MSI Afterburner and in Crimson panel)
  • Adding volts to my GPU
  • Disabling Intel GPU in bios
  • Using both the 32bit and 64bit .exe for Guild Wars 2
  • Running compatability mode (all options)
  • Running as admin
  • Disabling Crossfire in the application profile
  • Disabling Crossfire in CCC for the whole system
  • Running windowed mode
  • Playing Dragon Age Inquisition and Assassin's Creed Syndicate for hours without problem (both DirectX11)
  • Stress testing my GPUs
  • Repairing and updating DirectX
  • Repairing runtime file
  • Discussing the issue with Guild Wars 2 support until they gave up


Just for reference, my GPU's are running at factory settings and during DX9 games, the temps never exceed 70~ degrees. DX11 games run perfectly well and without errors or crashes and temps on the top card don't exceed 88.

Of these things tried, only disabling Crossfire in the AMD Crimson panel or running in windowed mode lets me play DX9 games without error. The thing both of these obviously have in common is they stop crossfire functioning.

My specs are:

Windows 10 Pro x64
Intel 4670k @ 4.4Ghz
Asus Maximus VI Hero
Patriot PV316G186C0K 16GB (2x8) DDR3 1866Mhz
2x Sapphire Radeon R9 290 Vapor-X OC
Fractal Design Newton R3 1000W 80+ Platinum

I've also attached a DxDiag.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
  • DxDiag.txt (89.9 KB, 2 views)

Same issue happened to me too yesterday when I booted Fallout 4, it froze for a few seconds and then closed on itself.

Seconds later, I get this notification (w10) telling me that this app was blocked from accessing the graphics hardware.

I have been using Windows 10 ever since it was officially released, all drivers are up to date, including the gpu one, whql.

I recently bought a gtx 960 and ive accumulated 19 hours so far in fallout 4 without any issue, any idea what's really going on with this error, what's causing it ? Ive looked it up online and its unclear whats causing it.

Same to my last 3 days, TitanX new windows clean install, black screen when playing suddenly and when i switch to desktop a notification that graphics driver is blocked.

Anyone on this matter ?

It hasnt happened ever since i posted the reply but i want to know what caused it

Application has been blocked from accessing graphics hardware