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Fix Driver Discovered Not Loaded UEFI Error Easily

10 min read 11-15- 2024
Fix Driver Discovered Not Loaded UEFI Error Easily

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The "Driver Discovered Not Loaded" error in UEFI can be a source of frustration for many users, especially when it disrupts the boot process or hinders the performance of a system. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to resolve this issue quickly and effectively. In this article, we’ll delve into the nature of this error, potential causes, and provide you with a step-by-step guide to fix it. 🚀

Understanding the "Driver Discovered Not Loaded" Error

What is UEFI?

Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is a modern firmware interface for PCs that has largely replaced the older BIOS system. It offers faster boot times, support for large hard drives, and a more user-friendly interface. However, with its advanced features come various complexities that can lead to errors such as the "Driver Discovered Not Loaded" issue.

What Does the Error Mean? 🤔

The "Driver Discovered Not Loaded" error typically indicates that the UEFI firmware has encountered a driver that is incompatible, corrupted, or improperly configured. This can prevent the operating system from booting up correctly and may result in system instability.

Common Causes of the Error

  1. Outdated Drivers: Drivers that haven't been updated to match the hardware or system upgrades can lead to this error.

  2. Corrupted Files: Sometimes, essential driver files get corrupted due to a failed installation, malware, or disk issues.

  3. UEFI Firmware Issues: Bugs in the UEFI firmware or incompatibilities with certain drivers can cause this error as well.

  4. Hardware Changes: If you've recently added new hardware components, they might not be recognized correctly by the existing drivers.

Steps to Fix the "Driver Discovered Not Loaded" Error

Now that we understand the error and its causes, let's look into the solutions that can help you resolve it.

1. Update Drivers 📥

One of the first steps you should take is to ensure all drivers are up to date. Here’s how:

  • Open Device Manager:

    • Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

  • Check for Updates:

    • Look for any devices with a yellow triangle indicating an issue.
    • Right-click on the device and select Update Driver.

  • Use Windows Update:

    • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click on Check for updates. This will help in downloading the latest drivers for your system.

2. Remove Corrupted Drivers

If updating does not resolve the issue, you may need to remove the corrupted drivers.

  • Access Device Manager:

    • Right-click on the corrupted driver and select Uninstall Device.

  • Reboot Your System:

    • After the uninstallation, restart your computer. Windows should attempt to reinstall the necessary drivers automatically.

3. Check UEFI Firmware Settings 🛠️

Accessing the UEFI firmware settings can also provide a solution.

  • Enter UEFI Settings:

    • Restart your computer and press the required key (often F2, F10, or Delete) to enter the UEFI firmware settings.

  • Restore Default Settings:

    • Find an option that allows you to restore factory defaults. This may help in resetting any improper configurations.

  • Save and Exit:

    • Make sure to save any changes before exiting.

4. Run System Scans 🦠

Running a system scan can help identify any corrupted files that may be causing the error.

  • Run SFC Scan:

    • Open Command Prompt as Administrator (press Windows + X, then choose Windows Terminal (Admin)).
    • Type sfc /scannow and hit Enter. This will scan for and repair corrupted system files.

  • Run DISM Tool:

    • After the SFC scan completes, run the DISM tool by typing:
      DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    • This command checks for Windows corruption issues and resolves them.

5. Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes, a simple Windows update can fix underlying issues.

  • Go to Settings:

    • Open Settings and navigate to Update & Security.

  • Check for Updates:

    • Click on Check for updates and install any that are available.

6. Reinstall UEFI Drivers

In some cases, you may need to reinstall specific UEFI-related drivers.

  • Identify UEFI Drivers:

    • These may include drivers related to your motherboard, chipset, or specific devices.

  • Download from Manufacturer’s Website:

    • Make sure to download the correct version compatible with your hardware and operating system. Note: "Always ensure to download from trusted sources."

7. Disable Secure Boot (If Necessary) 🔒

As a last resort, disabling Secure Boot in UEFI settings can resolve driver issues:

  • Access UEFI Firmware Settings:

    • Restart your computer and enter UEFI settings.

  • Locate Secure Boot Option:

    • Disable Secure Boot, then save and exit.

Note: "Disabling Secure Boot may expose your system to security vulnerabilities, so proceed with caution and re-enable it once the issue is resolved."

Summary Table of Solutions

<table> <tr> <th>Solution</th> <th>Description</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Update Drivers</td> <td>Ensure all drivers are current through Device Manager or Windows Update.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Remove Corrupted Drivers</td> <td>Uninstall any drivers showing errors and reboot to reinstall automatically.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Check UEFI Firmware Settings</td> <td>Reset UEFI settings to default to address configuration issues.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Run System Scans</td> <td>Utilize SFC and DISM tools to repair corrupted files.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Check for Windows Updates</td> <td>Ensure your system is up to date to fix known issues.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Reinstall UEFI Drivers</td> <td>Download and install the latest UEFI drivers from the manufacturer.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Disable Secure Boot</td> <td>Temporarily disable to fix driver issues; re-enable post-fix.</td> </tr> </table>

Conclusion

Encountering the "Driver Discovered Not Loaded" UEFI error can be an inconvenient hurdle on your path to smooth computing. However, by following the steps outlined above, you should be able to identify the root cause and implement the necessary fixes. Whether it's updating drivers, running system scans, or adjusting UEFI settings, each action brings you a step closer to restoring your system's functionality. Remember, keeping your drivers and operating system up to date is key to preventing such errors in the future. Happy troubleshooting! 🎉

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