Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

When Windows says Memory integrity is preventing a driver from loading, first identify the driver and publisher shown in the alert, then look for an official compatible update. Keep Memory integrity enabled while you investigate. Turning it off is a fallback that weakens a security protection, can remove Secured-core status on some PCs, requires a restart, and may still leave the device or application unusable.

What the “A driver can’t load on this device” warning means

The warning appears when Windows’ Memory integrity protection prevents a particular driver from loading. The notification identifies the driver by file name and shows the company or publisher associated with it. Those two details—not the generic warning title—are the starting point for finding the correct fix.

Microsoft calls Memory integrity Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity (HVCI). In Microsoft’s definition, “Memory integrity, also known as Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity (HVCI) is a Windows security feature that makes it difficult for malicious programs to use low-level drivers to hijack your PC.” The feature uses hardware virtualization to isolate critical code and processes. Hardware virtualization must be enabled in UEFI or BIOS for Memory integrity to operate, and the Core isolation options shown on a PC depend on its Windows version and hardware. Microsoft’s troubleshooting guidance covers both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

A blocked driver is not automatically malware. Microsoft says the driver may have a minor vulnerability that prevents it from loading and is most likely not malicious. That does not prove the file is safe either: use the displayed name and publisher to locate an official, compatible release rather than downloading a replacement from an unidentified driver site.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Compressed Air Duster,130000RPM Super Power Cordless Air Duster,Rechargeable Brushless Blower,3 Gear Adjustable Blower with LED Light,Dust Remover for Computer/House/Outdoor/Car
  • Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
  • With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
  • Wide Application:Upgraded attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
  • Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
  • Warranty & Support: Our Electric air duster comes with 5 years warranty and 24/7 customer service. During this period, if you have any questions,pls kindly feel free to contact us.

Identify exactly what Windows blocked

Read the driver name and company

Open the notification and record the complete driver file name, including its extension (for example, a name ending in .sys), and the company name. If the alert has disappeared, open Windows Security > Device security > Core isolation details and review the Memory integrity area. The exact wording and availability of this page can vary with the Windows build and installed hardware.

Do not infer the affected product from the driver name alone. A single manufacturer may use several drivers for different devices, and an old driver can remain installed after the original hardware or application has been removed.

Confirm your Windows edition and build

Before downloading anything, note whether the PC runs Windows 10 or Windows 11 and check its current feature update. Driver packages are often specific to an operating-system version, architecture, and device revision. A package intended for a similar-looking product can leave the warning unresolved or cause the device to stop working.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #2
EVEO® Screen Cleaner Spray Kit (Streak-Free) TV Screen Cleaner for Smart TV, Lcd, LEd, Oled | Computer Screen Cleaner Spray and Wipe Microfiber Cloth - TV, Monitor, Laptop, iPad, Car - 6.7oz 1 Pack
  • Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
  • Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
  • Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
  • Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
  • Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth

Try an official compatible update first

Microsoft’s direct recommendation is: “See if an updated and compatible driver is available through Windows Update or from the driver manufacturer.” Follow these checks in order, using the driver name and publisher you recorded.

  1. Run Windows Update. In Windows 11, open Settings > Windows Update, select Check for updates, install available updates, and restart if Windows requests it. Windows 10 uses the same Windows Update area under Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  2. Review optional driver updates. Where the option is offered, open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates > Driver updates. Install only a package that matches the affected device. Microsoft describes this as an additional driver-update route under its Windows Driver Policy guidance; its presence does not by itself prove that this particular Memory integrity alert is caused by that policy.
  3. Check Device Manager. Open Device Manager, locate the relevant device or a device with a warning icon, right-click it, choose Update driver, and let Windows search for an available driver. If several entries look plausible, use the notification’s file name and publisher to avoid updating an unrelated device.
  4. Use the manufacturer’s official support page. Search the device maker’s support site for the exact model, Windows version, and driver or application associated with the blocked file. Compare the publisher shown in the alert with the publisher of the download. Prefer a current package supplied by the manufacturer over a generic “driver updater.”
  5. Install, then restart. A driver update may not replace the active file until Windows restarts. After restarting, open Core isolation details again and test the device or application that originally produced the warning.

If no compatible package appears, contact the manufacturer and provide the driver file name, publisher, Windows version, and device model. Microsoft specifically recommends asking whether a fix is planned when the manufacturer does not list an update.

What to do when no compatible driver exists

Establish what depends on the driver

Do not uninstall an unknown driver simply because it is listed in the warning. Determine whether it belongs to a physical device, a backup or imaging application, security software, a virtual device, or an older utility. Removing a driver without identifying its dependent product can disable hardware, break an application, or leave software unable to start.

Rank #3
BladeHawks RGB Gaming Mouse Pad Extra Large Extended 31.5x12 Inch-Black
  • 【Large size】:Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
  • 【LED backlight mouse pad】:Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
  • 【Anti-slip rubber base】:Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
  • 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
  • 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.

If the associated device or application is no longer needed, remove it through its normal uninstaller or Windows’ device-management controls. If it is still needed, keep Memory integrity enabled while you seek a supported release or a replacement product from the same manufacturer. On a work or school PC, involve the administrator before removing software or changing Core isolation settings; organizational policies may restore the setting or block the change.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Consider hardware or software replacement only after identification

A replacement is justified only when the manufacturer has ended support, no compatible driver is available for your Windows build, and the device or application is important enough to warrant it. The warning itself does not identify a universal replacement: the correct choice depends on the exact model and function shown by the driver’s publisher.

Should you turn Memory integrity off?

Use the following decision criteria rather than treating the off switch as the standard fix:

Rank #4
Sale
Vaydeer Wrist Rest for Keyboard and Mouse, Computer Ergonomic Wrist Support Pad, Soft Memory Foam Arm Cushion for Desk, Palm Hand Office Laptop Typing
  • 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
  • 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
  • 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
  • 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
  • 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.
Choice Security protection Device or app availability When it fits
Keep Memory integrity enabled Preserves HVCI protection against abuse of vulnerable low-level drivers. The unsupported device or application may remain unavailable until its publisher supplies a compatible driver. The device is nonessential, an update may be forthcoming, or the PC handles sensitive work.
Turn Memory integrity off temporarily Removes this protection while it is disabled. The blocked driver may load, but functionality is not guaranteed and another Windows policy may still prevent it. You have confirmed the driver’s purpose, need the function immediately, and accept the security and support trade-off.

On a Secured-core PC, disabling Memory integrity removes the device from Secured-core state. Microsoft also warns that dependent functionality may no longer work. Treat the change as a deliberate exception, not as evidence that the driver is trustworthy.

How to disable Memory integrity, if you have made that decision

  1. In Windows 11, open Windows Security > Device security > Core isolation details. You can also reach the page through Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Device Security > Core isolation details.
  2. In Windows 10, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Device security > Core isolation details. Labels can differ slightly by build and hardware.
  3. Switch Memory integrity off and approve any confirmation prompt.
  4. Restart the PC. Microsoft states that the restart is required for the setting change to take effect.
  5. Test only the device or application that required the driver. If it still fails, re-enable Memory integrity and return to the manufacturer’s support process; disabling HVCI does not guarantee that every incompatible driver will load.

After testing, turn Memory integrity back on unless you have a documented reason to leave it disabled. If Windows or an organization-managed security policy immediately re-enables it, do not repeatedly force the change; obtain a supported driver instead.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Do not confuse Memory integrity with other driver blocks

Windows Driver Policy

Windows also has a separately described Driver Policy that restricts which kernel-mode drivers can load and enforces signing requirements. Microsoft’s policy guidance says administrators can examine Code Integrity > Operational logs for policy events. A Driver Policy event and a Memory integrity warning can look similar to a user, but they are different controls and may require different remedies. Optional driver updates under Windows Update are an additional route, not proof that the warning was generated by Driver Policy.

Best Value
Sale
Under Desk Cable Management Tray No Drill, Metal Mesh Cable Management Under Desk with Clamp Mount, 2 Hole Cable Tray with Wire Management and Cord Organizer for Home Office Standing Desk
  • 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
  • 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
  • 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
  • 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
  • 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.

Vulnerable-driver blocklist

Windows can also use a vulnerable-driver blocklist. Microsoft gives a current example involving vulnerable versions of psmounterex.sys: after updates released on or after April 14, 2026, Code Integrity may block those versions when the blocklist is enabled. Certain backup applications can then fail to mount or manage disk images. In that specific case, Microsoft advises updating the affected backup software, and Event ID 3077 in the Code Integrity Operational log can confirm the block.

That example does not show that every Memory integrity notification concerns psmounterex.sys. Do not substitute the example file name for the one displayed on your PC. Microsoft’s background guidance also describes compatibility trade-offs and historical, version-specific controls for the vulnerable-driver blocklist; verify instructions against your current Windows build before changing those controls.

Troubleshooting after an update or setting change

  • The warning returns after a restart: confirm that the installed package matches the exact device and Windows version. An installer may have updated an application while leaving the old kernel driver in place.
  • The device is missing or fails to start: re-enable Memory integrity if it was disabled, then use the manufacturer’s supported package or uninstall the dependent application through its normal setup program.
  • Several drivers are listed: handle one publisher and device at a time. Removing unrelated drivers makes diagnosis harder and can disable other hardware.
  • You need evidence of a policy block: review the Code Integrity Operational log. Event ID 3077 is relevant to the documented psmounterex.sys blocklist example, not a universal code for every driver warning.
  • The Core isolation page is unavailable: feature visibility varies by Windows version and hardware. Check Windows Update, confirm hardware virtualization settings in UEFI or BIOS if appropriate, and consult the PC manufacturer before changing firmware settings.

The safest order of operations

Record the driver file and publisher, identify the device or application that owns it, and check Windows Update plus the manufacturer’s official support page. Ask the publisher about an upcoming fix when none is listed. Remove the dependent software only when you have established that it is unnecessary. Disable Memory integrity only as a conscious, temporary compatibility trade-off, restart as required, and restore the protection when the unsupported driver is no longer needed.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.