A driver fails to load during startup ifWindows finds it suspicious. This could especially happen if the driverdoesn’t have an official digital signature.
To fix the problem, you first need tofind the problematic device/software. Once you have this information,go ahead and update its driver.
If an update is not available,rename the unsigned driverfile. The OS will automatically create a new one (that’s digitally verified).
In case you got this error after a Windows update, I adviserolling it back.
The final option is todisable Memory Integrityto bypass the error. This is not recommended, though, as it turns offcrucial defense against suspicious drivers.
So, let’s start off with a few general solutions first.
Search the Faulty Driver
First,note down the driver displayedin the error message dialog box. Some of the common drivers you see in the error messages are:
You need to know which device or app these drivers belong to. you may do this with aquick Google searchoruse Autorunfrom Microsoft.
Update Unsigned Driver
When you install an application or connect a new device for the first time, the OS automatically installs the necessary driver.
If the driver is not digitally signed, the error message appears. So,updating itshould fix the error.
If it is a device driver, you may useDevice Managertouninstall old drivers. Then install a new versionvia the manufacturer’s website.
If the driver is from an application, I recommendremoving the previous applicationandinstalling a new version.
Rename the Driver File
The OS will automatically install/create a new system file if one goes missing. This also happened to me when usingMSI Mystic Light, anRGB control software.
The faulty driver file wasene.sys. Once Irenamed the faulty filetoene.sys.old, Windows automatically created a new file namedene.sys. This automatically fixed the error with my setup.
You can search for the driver inC:\WINDOWS\System32\driversorC:\Windows\SysWOW64.
Once you find the unsigned driver, add.oldto the filename, as shown in the picture below. After that,restart the PC.
In case this troubleshooting step does not work, try reinstalling the application altogether.
Roll Back Windows Update
If you started getting theerror after an update, rolling back theWindowsupdateshould help eliminate it.
Turn off Memory Integrity
Memory Integrity is what prevents malicious files from inserting viruses into high-security processes.
If enabled, it stops the unsigned driver from being loaded. So, you canturn off memory integrityto get rid of this error message:
