Fix ERROR_HOOK_TYPE_NOT_ALLOWED (0x000005B2) on Windows

This error means Windows blocked a hook call – usually from antivirus or a broken app. You'll fix it by disabling suspicious software or updating drivers.

I know this error is annoying. You're trying to use a tool or game and Windows just slams the door with 0x000005B2 – ERROR_HOOK_TYPE_NOT_ALLOWED. Let's get it fixed.

The Quick Fix: Kill the Culprit

Nine times out of ten, this is caused by a security program or a recently installed app that's blocking system-wide hooks (things like keyboard shortcuts, mouse gestures, or screen readers). Here's what to do:

Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and look for these common offenders: Avast, Malwarebytes, Razer Synapse, Logitech G Hub, Autohotkey, or any macro tool.
End each task one by one. After killing each, try running your app again.
If the error goes away, you found the problem. Uninstall or update that software.

If that didn't work, do a clean boot:

msconfig → Services → Hide all Microsoft services → Disable all → OK, restart

Then test your app. If it works, re-enable services in small batches until the error returns. That's your culprit.

Why This Works

Windows 10 and 11 tightened hook policies starting around build 1809. Apps can no longer just call SetWindowsHookEx with any hook type they want – especially WH_KEYBOARD_LL (low-level keyboard) and WH_MOUSE_LL (low-level mouse). The system checks if the calling process has the right permissions or if another app has already grabbed that hook exclusively. Error 0x000005B2 is the system saying "nope, not allowed."

Antivirus software often registers global hooks to monitor input for keyloggers. When a second app tries to do the same, Windows blocks it. That's why killing the antivirus (temporarily) fixes it. Same for macro tools – they hook input to do their thing.

Less Common Variations

Sometimes the error isn't from another app – it's from a corrupt system file or a driver conflict. Try these:

Corrupt System Files

Run these commands as admin:

sfc /scannow
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

Reboot and test. This fixes hook-related errors maybe 5% of the time, but it's worth a shot.

Driver Rollback

If you updated your keyboard, mouse, or graphics driver recently, roll it back. Go to Device Manager, find the device, right-click → Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver. Restart. This resolves hook errors on older Intel graphics drivers (pre-2021) and some Logitech mice.

Registry Hack (Advanced)

Only if the above fails. This forces Windows to allow low-level hooks for a specific app. Not recommended for everyone, but here it is:

regedit → HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
Add DWORD (32-bit) named 'DisableLowLevelHooks' with value 0

Restart. This disables a security feature, so only do this if you trust the app. Revert by setting the value to 1.

Prevention

To avoid this error coming back:

Keep your security software updated. Old versions of Avast and Malwarebytes are notorious for blocking hooks.
Don't run multiple macro tools at once. One keyboard grabber per system – Windows is strict about this.
Check app compatibility. If you're using an older 32-bit app on Windows 11 64-bit, hook calls can fail. Look for a 64-bit version.
Update Windows. Microsoft patches hook policy bugs sometimes. Run Windows Update.

That's it. This error is almost always a software conflict. Kill the app, clean boot, and you're back in business. Save the registry hack for last – you probably won't need it.