Cannot Load Driver ENE.SYS? Fix It Quickly Here

Facing the "cannot load driver ene.sys" error is frustrating, especially when you're working. This issue comes when your system cannot properly load the ENE.SYS driver. System files are crucial for your laptop's hardware. If you got message "a driver cannot load on this device ene.sys," you're not alone. 

In this blog, we'll guide you using easy steps to resolve this issue, ensuring your system won't get this error again.

What is ENE.SYS Driver Cannot Load and Why is It Important?

The ENE.SYS file is a driver used by your laptop's hardware parts like your keyboard or touchpad. This driver ensures your laptop interaction with its hardware, enabling smooth operation. When this file fails to load, you may face system instability or performance issues.

The error "a driver cannot load on this device ene.sys" can occur for several reasons, including corrupted files, outdated drivers, or conflicts caused by software updates.

Why Does the Cannot Load ENE.SYS Error Occur?

There are several common reasons behind the ENE.SYS driver cannot load error:

1. Corrupted ENE.SYS File: One of the most common reason is, if the ENE.SYS file gets corrupted. Hence your system won't load the driver properly. 
2. Outdated Drivers: An outdated driver can prevent from recognizing and using the correct ENE.SYS file. So, make sure system’s drivers are updated.
3. Software Conflicts: Recent system updates might conflict with the ENE.SYS driver. This can cause it to malfunction.
4. Malware or Virus: Malware or viruses can corrupt drivers like ENE.SYS. Which can make them unreadable or useless.
5. Windows Update Issues: In recently updated Windows 11, the error message "a driver cannot load on this device ene.sys" might appear. Because of system incompatibility with newer software or driver versions.

How to Fix "Cannot Load Driver ENE.SYS"

Now that we know the potential causes, let’s look at how you can fix the ENE.SYS driver cannot load error:

1. Rename the ENE.SYS File

One of the simplest ways to resolve this issue is to rename the ENE.SYS file. This can bypass the tricky driver and allow your system to reload the necessary drivers on restart.

Below are steps on how to do it:

• Open File Explorer while pressing Windows + E.
• Go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers and search the ENE.SYS file.
• Right-click on ENE.SYS and select Rename.
• Rename it to ENE.SYS.old.
• Restart your laptop.

This simple action can sometimes clear up the issue with the driver not loading.

2. Update Your Drivers

Outdated drivers are another frequent cause of the "a driver cannot load on this device ene.sys" error. Here's how to update your drivers:

• Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
• Locate the Driver section, such as Keyboards, Mice and other pointing devices, or any category related to your hardware.
• Right-click on the device and select Update Driver.
• Select Search automatically for updated driver software.

Updating your drivers can resolve compatibility issues and ensure your hardware works seamlessly.

3. Run a System Scan for Corrupt Files

You can run a system scan to find and fix corrupt files, including ENE.SYS. Try the built-in System File Checker (SFC) to scan.

To run SFC:

• Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (administrator).
• Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
• Wait for the scan to complete, then restart your laptop.

The SFC tool will check for corrupted system files and automatically repair them, potentially fixing the driver cannot load on this device ene.sys issue.

4. Check for Malware or Virus

Malware can be the reason for driver errors, including ENE.SYS. Run a full antivirus scan to remove threats in your system.

• Open Windows Defender or your other antivirus.
• Perform a full system scan.
• Remove any threats found and restart your laptop.

This can resolve issues if a virus has compromised the ENE.SYS file.

5. Uninstall Recent Updates

If the ENE.SYS driver cannot load error started after a Windows 11 update, it might be a compatibility issue. You can uninstall recent updates and revert your system to a previous working version.

To uninstall updates:

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to Update & Security.
• Click View Update History and select Uninstall updates.
• Choose the most recent updates and click Uninstall.

Getting back to a previous update might fix the issue if it’s related to Windows update.

Also Read: How to Reset Lenovo Laptop | Expert Steps & Guide

Conclusion

The "a driver cannot load on this device ene.sys" error is frustrating, but you can fix it quickly with mentioned steps. Start by renaming the file to ENE.SYS.old and restarting your laptop. If it won’t work, try updating your drivers, run a system and malware scan. In case the issue is related to Windows 11, uninstalling recent updates can also help.