Fix “A Driver Cannot Load on This Device – ene.sys” (100% Working)

The message on your new Windows system says: A driver cannot load on this device. Driver: ene.sys. It’s more common than you would think. If you are troubled with this message, don’t worry, as always, there is a fix.

This error usually occurs after a Windows update or when Windows Security prevents an older or insecure driver.

The positive aspect is that the problem is typically associated with third-party programs rather than Windows. Generally, ene.sys is part of RGB lighting or motherboard utility software by manufacturers such as MSI, ASUS or other hardware manufacturers. Windows blocks the driver as it fails to conform to the most recent security requirements, particularly, when Memory Integrity(Core Isolation) is turned on.

In our guide, we are going to describe what is meant by the error, its reason and how to correct it safely without losing the security of your PC.

What Is the “A Driver Cannot Load on This Device – ene.sys” Error?

The ene.sys file is a kernel driver which is installed by some hardware administration applications. It is usually related to lighting control software based on RGB lighting control, utilities provided by motherboard manufacturers, or system management.

Windows loads drivers when it starts, which tries to load all the necessary drivers. In case Windows Security identifies outdated or incompatible drivers or drivers listed in the Microsoft vulnerable driver blocklist, it blocks loading of the driver and displays the following message:

A driver cannot load on this device. Driver: ene.sys

This doesn’t necessarily mean the driver contains malware. Instead, Windows blocks it because it could expose your system to security risks. Microsoft’s Memory Integrity feature is designed to prevent vulnerable drivers from accessing the Windows kernel. 

Common causes include:

• Outdated RGB lighting software
• Old motherboard utilities
• Incompatible driver after a Windows update
• Enabled Memory Integrity feature
• Legacy versions of MSI Center, Dragon Center, ASUS Aura, or similar utilities

In many cases, your PC continues working normally. The only noticeable issue might be that RGB lighting or hardware customization features stop functioning.

How to Fix the “A Driver Cannot Load on This Device – ene.sys” Error

Try these solutions in order.

1. Update the Driver

This is the safest and most recommended solution.

Visit your computer or motherboard manufacturer’s website and download the latest version of:

• MSI Center
• Dragon Center
• ASUS Armoury Crate
• ASUS Aura Sync
• Any RGB control software installed on your PC

Manufacturers tend to issue revised drivers that meet with the security requirements of Microsoft. The recovery will involve updating the vulnerable file and in most cases it is the ene.sys file. 

2. Update Windows

Sometimes Windows Update also installs newer compatible drivers.

To check:

• Go to Settings
• Find Windows Update
• Select Check for updates
• Install all available updates, including Optional Driver Updates

Restart your computer after the installation.

3. Uninstall the Associated Software

If you no longer use RGB lighting controls or hardware utility software, uninstalling it can permanently remove the error.

Go to:

Settings → Apps → Installed Apps

Look for software such as:

• MSI Center
• Dragon Center
• ASUS Aura
• RGB control applications

Uninstall the application and restart your PC.

4. Remove or Rename the Driver (Advanced Users)

In case the software has been deleted yet the driver still exists, more advanced users can find the ene.sys file within:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers

Other users rename it (e.g., ene.sys.old) or delete it after they are certain that it is not needed by any software installed. Always make a restore point prior to changes on system files.

5. Disable Memory Integrity (Not Recommended)

As a temporary workaround, you can disable Memory Integrity.

Navigate to:

Windows Security → Device Security → Core Isolation → Memory Integrity

Turn it Off and restart your PC.

Nonetheless, this one should not be used unless it is absolutely necessary as Memory Integrity assists in safeguarding Windows against vulnerable kernel drivers and other attacks. Something you only disable when you totally trust the driver and are not provided with an updated version. 

Which Fix Should You Try First?

For most users, this order works best:

1. Update Windows.
2. Update your RGB or motherboard utility software.
3. Uninstall unused hardware management applications.
4. Remove the leftover driver if necessary.
5. Disable Memory Integrity only as a last resort.

This approach keeps your system both functional and secure.

FAQ

Is ene.sys a virus?

No. ene.sys is typically a legitimate driver due to the use of hardware management or RGB lighting software. Windows blocks it due to vulnerability or compatibility but not the malware.

Why did the error appear after a Windows update?

Security policies are frequently reinforced as a result of Windows updates. A previously used driver can now be blocked to inside if it does not suit the current security guidelines in Microsoft.

Can I delete ene.sys?

Yes, but make sure that no existing installed software has conditionalities on it. Otherwise, remove the related application.

Will disabling Memory Integrity fix the error?

Yes, the notification is typically removed after Memory Integrity is turned off. But this lowers the security of your system and can only be viewed as a short time measure. 

Does this error affect my computer’s performance?

Usually, no. Startup warning, or failure of RGB lighting functionality affects most of the users. The overall performance of the system is not affected unless the driver that is blocked is needed in a certain hardware feature.