How to fix
“A driver cannot load on this device (AsIO.sys)” error
on Windows

Hi, every time I start my Windows PC, I get a popup saying "A driver cannot load on this device (AsIO.sys)." It’s been happening since a recent update, and restarting doesn’t help. How do I stop it?

When you start your Windows computer, you may encounter an unexpected message: "A driver cannot load on this device (AsIO.sys)." This notification, which often appears after a system update, has been reported by numerous users and indicates an issue with the AsIO.sys driver file. While not critical, it can be a persistent annoyance that disrupts your workflow or system experience.

The "A driver cannot load on this device (AsIO.sys)" problem is generally attributed to AsIO.sys, a driver for ASUS utility software such as PC Probe or AI Suite, that allows monitoring of system hardware performance.

The problem tends to occur simply because Windows Memory Integrity, one of its security features of its Core Isolation system, sees AsIO.sys as a risk - perhaps due to its being outdated or flagged on Microsoft's Vulnerable Driver Blocklist - and prevents it from loading. Otherwise, the file could be left over from previous ASUS software that was not totally uninstalled.

Several factors could contribute to this AsIO.sys issue. An outdated driver version might not align with recent Windows updates, or the security settings could be overly restrictive. It’s also possible that remnants of uninstalled software are causing the conflict. Fortunately, there are approaches to resolve the “A driver cannot load on this device (AsIO.sys)” error.

Updating the ASUS software to a supported version, removing the problematic driver, or adjusting the Memory Integrity settings are all potential solutions. For cases where broader system inconsistencies are involved, employing a repair and maintenance tool like [d1] could help correct underlying Windows issues.

Fix 1. Update ASUS software

Keeping your ASUS utilities current can prevent compatibility issues that block certain drivers from loading after a Windows update.

• Open Armoury Crate.
• Click on Settings and select Update Center.
• Click Check for updates and wait.
• Finally, select Update all.
• Once done, restart your computer.

Fix 2. Uninstall ASUS software

Removing unnecessary ASUS tools can eliminate the source of the conflict if you no longer rely on their hardware monitoring features.

• Open your web browser.
• Navigate to Armoury Crate's official installer page.
• Download Armoury Crate & Aura Creator Installer.
• Launch the EXE file and select Uninstall.
• Follow the prompts to finish the process.
• Reboot the system when done.

Fix 3. Disable Memory Integrity

Windows’ security settings might be too strict, preventing some older drivers from functioning as intended under Core Isolation.

• Open Settings and go to Privacy & Security.
• Click Windows Security and open Device Security.
• Under Core Isolation, click Core isolation details.
• Toggle Memory Integrity off and restart your PC.

On Windows 10:

• Open Settings.
• Navigate to Update & Security, then to Windows Security.
• Select Device security.
• Scroll down to the Core isolation section.
• Click Core isolation details.
• Under Memory integrity, ensure the switch is set to the OFF position.

Fix 4. Remove AsIO.sys manually

Leftover driver files from past installations can confuse the system, prompting error messages during startup.

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type the following and press Enter:
  C:\Windows\System32\drivers
• Locate AsIO.sys in the folder.
• Right-click the file, select Delete, and confirm if prompted.
• Restart your PC and see if the error resolves.

Fix 5. Roll back Windows update

A recent system update might have introduced stricter rules that clash with existing drivers, causing the issue to surface.

• Type Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter.
• Select Programs > Uninstall a program.
• Click on View installed updates on the left side of the window.
• Sort all the updates by date.
• Right-click on the most recent update and select Uninstall.
• Proceed with on-screen instructions.
• Then, type Updates in Windows search and press Enter.
• Click Pause the updates for 7 days (in Windows 11, you can pick a different time period).

Fix 6. Update device drivers

Ensuring all hardware drivers are current can resolve broader system conflicts that might indirectly trigger the error notification. 

To update drivers quickly and easily, you can always rely on tools such as [rev id="DriverFix"].

• Right-click on Start and select Device Manager.
• Expand the section for the device you want to update (e.g., Display adapters).
• Right-click the device and select Update driver.
• Choose Search automatically for drivers.
• After the driver is installed, restart your device to implement these changes.

Fix 7. Update Windows

If you haven't updated Windows in a while, it's a good idea to do so right now.

• Type Updates in Windows search and press Enter.
• Here, click Check for updates or Install updates, depending on which one is available.
• Wait till Windows downloads and installs all the necessary files.
• If optional updates are available, install them too.
• Restart your computer and try logging in again.