How to Fix iqvw64e.sys: A Driver Cannot Load on This Device in Windows 11

If you’re seeing a persistent error at startup in Windows 11 that says:

“A driver cannot load on this device: iqvw64e.sys”

you’re dealing with a blocked Intel network driver. This error can be confusing, but it has a clear cause and a reliable fix.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What the iqvw64e.sys driver does
• Why Windows is blocking it
• Step-by-step instructions to fix the problem
• Security tips and long-term solutions
• Frequently asked questions

Let’s dive in.

What Is the iqvw64e.sys Driver?

The file iqvw64e.sys is part of the Intel Ethernet Adapter driver package, typically used by wired network interfaces. It’s a low-level system driver, meaning it loads during startup and interacts closely with Windows networking components.

Why You’re Seeing the “Driver Cannot Load” Error

This error is most commonly triggered by a Windows 11 security feature called Memory Integrity, which blocks untrusted or outdated drivers from loading.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Memory Integrity (Core Isolation) is enabled by default in Windows 11.
• Outdated or incompatible drivers, like older versions of iqvw64e.sys, fail Microsoft’s driver integrity checks.
• As a result, the driver is blocked from loading, and the error message appears at every restart.

While this prevents potential vulnerabilities, it can break legitimate functionality—especially if you rely on older network hardware.

 How to Fix iqvw64e.sys: A Driver Cannot Load on This Device

Here’s a simple, tested fix:

 Step 1: Uninstall the Faulty Driver

1. Right-click the Start button and choose Device Manager.
2. In the top menu, click View > Show Hidden Devices.
3. Expand Network Adapters by clicking the arrow beside it.
4. Look for any adapter named Intel Network Connection, Intel(R) Ethernet, or similar.
5. Right-click it and select Uninstall Device.
6. Repeat for any additional Intel adapters that match.
7. Confirm the uninstall prompts.

Restart your PC. The error should no longer appear if the driver was the cause.

 Step 2 (Optional but Recommended): Re-Enable Memory Integrity

If you previously disabled Memory Integrity to bypass the error, turn it back on once the faulty driver is removed.

Here’s how:

1. Go to Start > Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security.
2. Click on Device Security.
3. Select Core Isolation Details.
4. Toggle Memory Integrity to ON.
5. Restart your PC.

Turning it back on helps maintain security against firmware-level threats and malicious drivers.

 Bonus: Update Your Intel Network Drivers

If you still need to use Intel Ethernet hardware, it’s safer to:

• Download the latest signed drivers from Intel’s official support site.
• Make sure they are Windows 11 compatible and WHQL-certified (digitally signed).
• Install them manually, and then re-enable Memory Integrity.

Updated drivers are much less likely to trigger security blocks.

 Summary

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is iqvw64e.sys?

It’s a system driver file used by Intel’s network adapter software, typically for Ethernet (wired) connectivity. It enables low-level communication between your operating system and the network hardware.

Q2: Is it safe to disable Memory Integrity?

Temporarily—yes. Memory Integrity enhances security by preventing malicious or unverified drivers from loading. However, it’s best to turn it back on after removing or updating the problematic driver.

Q3: I’ve uninstalled the driver, but the error still appears. What should I do?

Make sure you:

• Uninstalled all Intel network-related drivers under Device Manager
• Enabled View > Show Hidden Devices
• Restarted your PC
  If the issue persists, use Driver Store Explorer (RAPR) to fully remove orphaned driver files.

Q4: Can I reinstall the driver later?

Yes, but only install a digitally signed and updated version from Intel’s official website. Avoid using outdated drivers from third-party sources.

Q5: Does this issue affect Wi-Fi or only Ethernet?

It mainly affects Ethernet (wired) adapters from Intel. However, similar errors can occur with wireless adapters if they use unsupported drivers.

Final Thoughts

While the iqvw64e.sys error might seem intimidating, it’s simply a sign that your system is protecting itself from outdated drivers. By cleaning up these drivers and restoring your system’s built-in security features, you ensure both stability and safety.

Whenever possible:

• Keep your drivers up to date
• Re-enable security features after troubleshooting
• Download only from trusted sources

Views: 0