Fix “ene.sys” A driver can’t load on this device Error in Windows 11 or 10

7 ways to solve Program Compatibility Assistant A driver can’t load on this device ene.sys in Windows 11 and 10.

ene.sys

Several users complain about errors after upgrading to Windows 11 such as BlueStacks Problems, Slow Performance when Copying Multi GB File, and more. One such issue is the error message “A driver cannot load on this device ene.sys” which mostly appears during gameplay.

ene.sys is a file from Gigabyte RGB Fusion, Trident Z Lighting Control by G.SKILL, NZXT CAM, and ASUS Aura software to manage RGB lighting on a computer and enhance gaming experience on Windows. This means A driver cannot load on this device error might show on the PC having installed any of these solutions. Root cause of this problem is an outdated/obsolete driver or a security setting named memory integrity setting that does not support the device.

A driver cannot load on this device ene.sys

Here is how to fix ene.sys A driver can’t load on this device Error in Windows 11 or 10 –

Way-1: Rename this driver file

Users’ discussions in Windows communities reveal that only renaming this Sys file can solve the annoying driver error. ene.sys is usually located in C:\Windows\system32\drivers and deletion of the driver is quite easy –

  1. Press Windows and R.
  2. Copy the following path and paste it into the Run dialog box.
%windir%\System32\drivers
  1. Click OK.
  2. Find ene.sys in the folder and rename it as ene.sys.old.
  3. Close the ‘folder’ and reboot your computer.

Way-2: Change Core Isolation Security Setting

The full error message – “A driver cannot load on this device ene.sys. A security setting is detecting this as a vulnerable driver and blocking it from loading. You’ll need to adjust your settings to load this driver” is self-explanatory and indicates the solution itself. Memory integrity is its indication which protects Windows from critical threats and system crashes that may occur due to faulty drivers.

All you need to do is to disable Memory integrity check under core isolation via the Windows Security app to fix ene.sys error –

  1. Press Windows + Q.
  2. Type Windows Security.
  3. Click on the same from result.
  4. Once the Windows Security app loads, go to the left pane.
  5. Click on Device Security.
  6. Select –  Core isolation details.
  7. You will find Memory integrity check. Toggle the setting to turn it off.
memory integrity disable in core isolation
  1. Now the system will allow ene.sys to load and the error will be fixed.

Note: However, this is not the best option for your device protection so keep checking out frequently when a new version of ene.sys comes. Once found, install the update quickly and enable Memory integrity check back in the core isolation of Device security.

Way-3: Update affecting app

As mentioned above any one of Gigabyte RGB Fusion, Trident Z Lighting Control by G.SKILL, NZXT CAM, and ASUS Aura Old can cause this error message. Drivers are the main culprit when showing ene.sys a driver cannot load error so try to install latest version of the app installed on your PC.  This will also update the driver, for example, for MSI website –

  1. Navigate to the MSI website.
  2. Select the Download option.
how to fix ene.sys A driver can't load on this device Error in Windows 11 or 10
  1. Click on – Get in Store app.
MSI Center Microsoft Store
  1. When the Microsoft Store loads, click on Get.

Now you should enable the Memory integrity option in Windows 11.

Way-4: Update the drivers installed from other vendors

Other than MSI there are many programs that control lights to improve gaming experience in Windows. These are Gigabyte RGB Fusion, Trident Z Lighting Control by G.SKILL, NZXT CAM, and ASUS Aura. All of these applications can trigger ene.sys error. So if you have installed any software from them and got this driver can not load error message then download its updated version.

Way-5: Uninstall the color control software and delete associated files

If ene.sys error still persists you might need to completely remove the solution from your computer. Note that the leftovers and traces must also be removed to get rid of this error message.

Manual actions for cleanup operation might be lengthy and include the risk of mistakes. So,  you can use Revo uninstaller as an alternative which has the capability to remove all the fragments of installed solution easily.

In case, you choose to wipe out the files and folders manually then search for ene.sys and ene.dll. To reach

  1. Open Run dialog (Winkey+R).
  2. Type %windir%\System32\drivers and press Enter.
  3. From the location, find both files and delete them.
  4. If the installed software exists in Program files, Users profile or other locations dig out and remove them from there.
  5. Lastly, open Registry Editor and delete the leftovers by following the method in How to Remove Traces of Uninstalled Programs in Registry on Windows 11 or 10.
  6. Finally, restart your computer.

Way-6: Boot into safe mode and then clean ene.sys files

Since ene.sys may come with built-in files and also from third-party vendors so deleting in normal mode is not always work. Booting in safe mode can help in this scenario which disables all unnecessary services and programs. So follow the guideline –

  1. Click on Search.
  2. Type  – MSConfig.
  3. Press Enter to launch System Configuration.
  4. Go to the Boot tab.
  5. Check Safe boot => Minimal.
  6. Click on Apply and then on OK.
fix A driver can't load on this device
  1. You may see a confirmation dialog; click on Restart.
  2. Now go to C:\Windows\system32\drivers and delete ene.sys.
  3. Remove this file from other locations.
  4. Come out of safe mode and you will no longer face ene.sys error.

Way-7: Perform Clean install

If all the above methods fail to fix ene.sys A driver can’t load on this device error then don’t worry as one more option is still remaining that can permanently solve the problem. Clean install is the process which help install Windows absolutely from scratch and there is no chance of any glitch. Therefore, follow the steps –

  1. Access this web page – https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/software-download/windows11
  2. Go to Create Create Windows 11 Installation Media section.
  3. Click on – Download now.
  4. Run the file – mediacreationtool.exe.
  5. On User account control, select Yes.
  6. On the “Applicable notices and license terms window”, select Accept.
  7. After getting things ready, select Language and Edition.
  8. Check USB Flash drive and click on Next.
  9. Follow the instructions to make the USB bootable.
  10. After the process is completed power off the computer.
  11. Turn on the device and press the function key (appropriate) to reach Boot device menu.
  12. Select the bootable device and follow the on-screen instructions.

Methods:

Way-1: Rename this driver file
Way-2: Change Core Isolation Security Setting
Way-3: Update affecting app
Way-4: Update the drivers installed from other vendors
Way-5: Uninstall the color control software and delete associated files
Way-6: Boot into safe mode and then clean ene.sys files
Way-7: Perform Clean install

That’s all!!

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Topics:  Windows
  
About Sunita
Love to play with Windows 11 and 10. Suggestion - Going for Registry change or system files edit then remember to take a backup or create a restore point before Starting.