Alex Ruben
Resolve the ‘Driver Cannot Load’ Error on Windows 10/11 with Simple Fixes
Encountering the ‘Driver Cannot Load’ error on your Windows 10 or 11 PC can be frustrating. This guide provides you with straightforward solutions to get your system back on track. You will learn how to update your drivers through Windows Update and adjust your security settings to allow drivers to load properly. By following these steps, you’ll not only fix the issue but also enhance your PC’s security and performance.
Before starting, ensure you have administrative privileges on your Windows PC and that your system is connected to the internet for driver updates. No additional downloads or tools are necessary, making this a quick and effective troubleshooting method.
Step 1: Update Drivers via Windows Update
The first step in resolving the ‘Driver Cannot Load’ error is to update your drivers through Windows Update. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Start Menu and type Windows Update in the search bar. Hit Enter.
- In the Windows Update settings window, scroll down to find Advanced options and click on it.
- Next, look for Optional updates under the Additional options section. Click on this option.
- If there are any available driver updates (for components like graphics or audio), check the boxes next to these updates.
- Finally, click on Download and install to begin the update process. This may take some time depending on your internet connection, so be patient.
Updating your drivers not only fixes functional issues but also enhances your system’s security. Once the updates are finished, restart your PC to apply the changes. Check if the error persists.
Step 2: Adjust Core Isolation Settings
If the error remains after updating your drivers, the next step is to tweak your security settings related to Core Isolation. This feature can sometimes block drivers from loading properly. Follow these instructions:
- Open the Start Menu once more and type Windows Security. Press Enter to launch the security settings.
- In the Windows Security window, click on Device security on the left sidebar.
- Under the Core isolation section, click on Core isolation details.
- You will see a toggle for Memory integrity. If it’s turned on, switch it off temporarily.
- After making this change, restart your computer and attempt to update the driver again.
This adjustment can help if memory integrity settings are preventing the driver from loading. Once the issue is resolved, you can return to this setting and enable memory integrity again if desired.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are a few additional tips to help you through the process:
- Make sure your Windows is up to date with the latest updates, as these can include important driver fixes.
- If you encounter any issues during the update process, check your internet connection and try again.
- For persistent problems, consider checking the manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers specific to your hardware.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ‘Driver Cannot Load’ error on your Windows 10 or 11 PC effectively. Regularly updating your drivers and managing your security settings can prevent such issues from arising in the future. If you found this guide helpful, you might also want to explore other troubleshooting guides for your PC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if updating the drivers doesn’t solve the issue?
If updating the drivers doesn’t resolve the issue, ensure that you adjust the Core Isolation settings as detailed in the steps above. Additionally, checking for the latest drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website can provide further options.
Will disabling Memory Integrity affect my system’s security?
Disabling Memory Integrity can make your system more vulnerable temporarily. It is recommended to re-enable it after resolving the driver issue to maintain optimal security.
How often should I update my drivers?
It’s a good practice to check for driver updates regularly, at least once every few months, or whenever you notice performance issues or hardware malfunctions.