How to Fix the “cpuz146_x64.sys Driver Can’t Load” Error on Windows?

The error “cpuz146_x64.sys driver can’t load” indicates that the specific CPUID driver is identified as vulnerable to Windows security, causing it to fail to load properly. Various hardware monitoring and control software applications, such as Corsair iCUE or CPU-Z, use CPUID drivers to gather and display information about the CPU, GPU, motherboard, and clock speeds, as well as to control RGB and fan speeds.

This error most commonly occurs when a specific monitoring application that uses the CPUID drivers, like cpuz146_x64.sys, is not running on its latest version, leading to compatibility issues with Windows security settings.

Additional factors contributing to this issue could include software corruption, an outdated Windows version, and the memory integrity feature.

We recommend performing a quick device reboot, as this action can sometimes help to resolve technical glitches.

1. Update Windows

Outdated versions of Windows are more likely to encounter compatibility issues and glitches, which can prevent the CPUID146_x64.sys driver from loading properly. Additionally, outdated security protocols in older versions of Windows might block the driver from running at all. The latest Windows updates aim to address and minimize issues related to compatibility, glitches, and security.

1. Open the Start Menu, search for Settings, and click on it.
2. Then, click on Windows Update, located in the left panel of Windows Settings.
3. After that, click on the Check for Updates button located in the right section. Windows will automatically download and install the latest updates if they’re available.
4. Lastly, reboot your device and verify if the issue has been resolved.

2. Update Hardware Monitoring and Control Application

Updating the hardware monitoring and control applications is crucial, as the latest updates often include the newest CPUID drivers, which could potentially fix the compatibility problems. Additionally, updating ensures that these applications comply with the latest security protocols of Windows.

For Corsair iCUE

1. Open the Corsair iCUE application, then click on the Settings icon.
2. In settings, navigate to Updates and click on Check for Updates.
3. Then, select the Update Now button.
4. Lastly, follow the on-screen instructions to update the application to the latest version.

For CPU-Z

1. To download the latest update, navigate to the CPU-Z webpage.
2. On the webpage, scroll down and click on the Setup button in the classic version section.
3. On the following webpage, click on the Download Now button to download the latest executable file of CPU-Z.
4. Lastly, launch the downloaded EXE file and follow the on-screen instructions. This will automatically update the CPU-Z application to the latest version.

3. Reinstall Monitoring and Control Applications

Reinstalling the monitoring and control applications will replace any corrupt or missing files that could be causing this error. If you don’t use these applications or simply don’t wish to keep them, you can choose to keep them uninstalled.

For Corsair iCUE

1. Open the Start Menu, search for Control Panel, and select it.
2. In the Control Panel, select Large icons from the View by menu, and select Programs and Features.
3. From the programs list, locate and right-click on the Corsair iCUE application, and select Uninstall. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process.
4. After that, to reinstall the application, navigate to the webpage of the Corsair iCUE application.
5. Click on the Download iCUE button on the webpage.
6. Next, select the Download button specific for the Windows OS to initiate the downloading of the Executable (EXE) file.
7. Lastly, launch the downloaded Executable (EXE) file and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the application.

If none of the solutions mentioned above work for you, we suggest using an alternative program to monitor.