How to Fix AsIO.sys Driver Blocked by Windows 10/11

Windows 10/11’s security features, such as the Core Isolation’s Vulnerable Driver Blocklist or Memory Integrity, will block AsIO.sys if it’s considered unsafe, leading to the following startup popup:

This issue commonly appears on systems with ASUS hardware utilities (like AI Suite, Aura, or Armory Crate) that use the AsIO.sys driver.

Typically, this problem occurs because the AsIO.sys driver either:

• lacks the necessary security certifications or
• does not comply with the latest Windows security standards.

These factors cause it to be flagged as incompatible or unsafe.

In this guide, we will show you ways to resolve this error.

1. Update the ASUS Application

Updating the ASUS application, such as Armoury Crate, ensures that all its components, including the AsIO.sys driver, are updated according to the latest security protocols and system requirements. By keeping your applications current, you decrease the chance of encountering errors caused by outdated or unsupported drivers.

Below, we’ll show you how to update Armoury Crate. You can use similar steps to update other ASUS applications.

1. Open the Armoury Crate application and click on the Settings icon.
2. In the Settings menu, navigate to the Update Center tab. Here, you’ll find options to check for updates for both the Armoury Crate software and its associated components (e.g., drivers, firmware, or plugins). Click on the Check for Updates button to scan for available updates.
3. If an update is available, click on the Update button to install it.

2. Remove AsIO.sys File

If you no longer require ASUS utilities, removing AsIO.sys is the most straightforward solution. This driver is primarily used by ASUS software (e.g., AI Suite, Aura Sync) to interact with system sensors. However, if it’s outdated or not needed, Windows security might block it, causing the error. By deleting it, you stop Windows from loading a problematic driver on startup.

1. Click on the Start button, search for Command Prompt, right-click on it, and choose Run as administrator.
2. Enter the following command in CMD to stop the AsIO.sys service:

   sc delete asio

   This command removes the AsIO service from the system, preventing it from running at startup. The AsIO.sys service is often related to ASUS hardware utilities and can sometimes conflict with system processes or anti-cheat software like Easy Anti-Cheat.

3. Next, type the following command to delete the AsIO.sys driver file:

   del c:\windows\SysWow64\drivers\AsIO.sys

   This step ensures the AsIO.sys driver is completely removed from your system. The driver file, located in the SysWow64\drivers directory, is responsible for low-level hardware communication. Deleting it helps prevent any potential conflicts or errors caused by outdated or corrupted driver files.

4. Finally, reboot your computer. Restarting your PC ensures that all changes take effect and that any lingering processes related to the AsIO.sys service or driver are terminated.

3. Disable Microsoft’s Vulnerable Driver Block List

Windows 10/11 security features, including Memory Integrity (Core Isolation) and the Microsoft Vulnerable Driver Blocklist, are designed to prevent outdated or potentially harmful drivers from loading. AsIO.sys might be flagged because it uses old driver signing methods or has security issues.

Note: This method immediately resolves the error but reduces security, meaning it should be used as a last-resort option. If ASUS releases an updated driver, be sure to re-enable these settings for continued protection.

1. Click on the Start button, search for Windows Security, and select it.
2. In Windows Security, navigate to Device Security, found in the left pane.
3. Then, click on Core Isolation Details within Device Security.
4. Finally, uncheck the Microsoft Vulnerable Driver Block List setting.