diff --git a/src/aiidalab_qe/app/submission/__init__.py b/src/aiidalab_qe/app/submission/__init__.py
index 478ebbf02..c56a1fccf 100644
--- a/src/aiidalab_qe/app/submission/__init__.py
+++ b/src/aiidalab_qe/app/submission/__init__.py
@@ -347,7 +347,9 @@ def _get_code_uuid(code):
 
         with self.hold_trait_notifications():
             for name, code in self.codes.items():
-                code.value = _get_code_uuid(codes.get(name))
+                # check if the code is installed and usable
+                if _get_code_uuid(codes.get(name)) in code.code_select_dropdown.options:
+                    code.value = _get_code_uuid(codes.get(name))
 
     def update_codes_display(self):
         """Hide code if no related property is selected."""