When you turn on your computer, Windows automatically loads the essential drivers. If specific drivers fail to load, you get an error that reads, ‘A Driver Can’t load on this device.’
The error usually appears when Windows tries to install an unsigned driver or due to third-party apps. If you’ve encountered the same error, here’s how to resolve it.
1. Update the Driver
If the driver installed for a specific hardware component is incompatible, Windows 11 will show you this error.
To resolve this, you should manually update the problematic driver from the Device Manager.
1. Type in Device Manager on Windows 11 Search. Next, open the Device Manager app from the list of best match results.
2. When the Device Manager opens, right-click on the problematic driver and select Update Driver.
3. On the next screen, select Search Automatically for Drivers.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver update process.
2. Roll Back the Driver Update
If your drivers are already up to date and you still get the ‘A driver cannot load on this device’ error, try rolling back the drivers to the previous version.
1. Type in Device Manager on Windows 11 Search. Open the Device Manager app from the list of best match results.
2. When the Device Manager opens, right click on the problematic driver and select Properties.
3. Switch to the Driver tab and click on Roll Back Driver (If available).
After rolling back the driver updates, restart your Windows 11 PC.
3. Disable the Memory Integrity Feature
The Memory Integrity settings in the Windows Security app sometimes prevent drivers from loading on your device and trigger the error.
If you use the Windows Security app to safeguard your PC from security threats, you can try turning off the Memory Integrity settings.
1. Open the Windows Security app on your PC.
2. When the Windows Security app opens, switch to the Device Security tab.
3. On the Device Security, click on Core isolation details.
4. On the next screen, turn off the toggle for Memory Integrity.
4. Install the Optional Windows Updates
Optional Windows Updates can sometimes contain essential drivers for your device components. They are equally important as other system updates; here’s how to install all optional Windows updates.
1. Open the Settings app on Windows 11 and switch to Windows Update.
2. On the Windows Update, click on Advanced options.
3. Scroll down to the Additional Options section and click Optional Updates.
4. Now check if any driver update is pending installation. If it is, click on Download & Install button.
5. Modify the Registry File
To fix this error, you can delete the UpperFilters and LowerFilters registry entries linked to the problematic device. Here’s what you need to do.
1. Open the Device Manager and locate the problematic driver. Right click on it and select Properties.
2. Switch to the Details tab and select ‘Class Guid’ on the Property drop-down. Next, note down the value that appears.
3. Open Registry Editor and navigate to this path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class
4. Locate the Class Guid value you’ve noted. Select the Class Guid
5. On the right side, delete the UpperFilter and LoweFilter entries.
After making the change, restart your PC.
6. Perform a System Restore
If everything else has failed to fix the ‘A Driver can’t load on this device’ error message, system restore is the only hope left. You can perform a system restore to undo the recent changes made to the system settings. Here’s how to perform a system restore.
1. To get started, open the Recovery app from the Windows Search.
2. When the Recovery app opens, click on Open System Restore.
3. On the System Restore prompt, select Choose a different restore point and click Next.
4. Select a Restore point of an earlier date. Select the point before the first appearance of an error.
5. On the Confirm Your Restore Point prompt, select Finish.
These are the best ways to fix the ‘A Driver Can’t Load on this device’ error message. Let us know if you need more help resolving this error in the comments. Also, if you find this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends.
