How to Fix “ENE.sys Driver Cannot Load” on Windows 11/10

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If you’ve come across the frustrating error message saying “ENE.sys driver cannot load” on your Windows 11 or 10 PC, you’re not alone. This issue usually arises due to driver incompatibilities, outdated system files, or conflicts caused by recent updates. The ENE.sys driver is typically linked with hardware components like RGB lighting controllers, fan controllers, or other system utilities developed by ENE Technology Inc. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to resolve this issue and restore your system’s stability.

What is ENE.sys?

The ENE.sys file is a system driver associated with various hardware management tools such as MSI Mystic Light, ASUS Aura Sync, and other RGB lighting utilities. It’s meant to enable smooth communication between your operating system and external/internal peripherals. When the driver fails to load, it often means that something is preventing it from initializing properly, possibly due to security restrictions, file corruption, or incompatibility issues.

Common Reasons Behind the Error

  • Incompatible or outdated driver software
  • Corrupted system files
  • Windows updates that restrict unsigned drivers
  • Conflicts with third-party applications

How to Fix the “ENE.sys Driver Cannot Load” Error

1. Update or Reinstall the Driver

One of the most effective solutions is to update or reinstall the ENE.sys-related software. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Press Windows + X and click Device Manager.
  2. Find the device associated with the ENE.sys driver (such as an RGB controller).
  3. Right-click and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers. If no updates are found, try uninstalling and reinstalling the device software from the manufacturer’s website.

2. Disable Memory Integrity (Core Isolation)

Windows 11 and some builds of Windows 10 include a security feature called Memory Integrity which can prevent drivers like ENE.sys from loading if they aren’t signed or compatible. To disable it:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security > Windows Security.
  3. Select Device Security, then click on Core Isolation Details.
  4. Turn off Memory Integrity and reboot your PC.

Note: Disabling memory integrity may reduce system protection, so consider this a temporary workaround until a compatible driver is released.

3. Use System File Checker Tool

Corrupt or missing system files can also prevent the ENE.sys driver from functioning. Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool to restore those files:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type the following command and hit Enter:
    3. sfc /scannow
  3. Allow the scan to complete and follow any prompts to repair the files.

4. Perform a Clean Boot

To determine if third-party apps are interfering with the driver, a clean boot can be helpful:

  1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. Go to the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
  3. Switch to the Startup tab and open Task Manager.
  4. Disable all startup items and reboot your PC.

If the error disappears after a clean boot, re-enable services one by one to identify the culprit.

5. Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes, Windows releases patches that address driver incompatibility issues. To check for updates:

  1. Go to Settings > Windows Update.
  2. Click Check for updates.
  3. Install all available updates and restart your device.

Preventing Future Issues

To avoid encountering the ENE.sys loading issue again:

  • Keep your drivers updated from the manufacturer’s official website.
  • Enable only necessary startup items and services.
  • Before applying major Windows updates, read the patch notes and verify compatibility of key drivers.

Conclusion

Dealing with the “ENE.sys driver cannot load” error can be annoying, but it’s rarely a sign of a major problem. By applying the methods above—whether it’s updating hardware drivers, adjusting system settings, or scanning for corrupted files—you can typically restore driver functionality within minutes. For optimal performance, remember to maintain regular driver and system updates, and monitor system stability after each update.