Fix: AMDRyzenMasterDriver.sys Load Error in Windows

The error “AMDRyzenMasterDriver.sys – A driver cannot load on this device” commonly appears after a Windows update or a system reboot. This message indicates that Windows Security has blocked the AMD Ryzen Master kernel-mode driver from loading. Ryzen Master is AMD’s official overclocking and monitoring utility, and its driver—AMDRyzenMasterDriver.sys—requires low-level access to the CPU’s performance registers.

Since Windows 10 version 1803, and continuing in Windows 11, Microsoft has implemented stricter kernel-level driver validation through security features like Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI), which is managed under Memory Integrity in the Windows Security app.

HVCI enforces that all kernel-mode drivers must be compiled with specific security flags and signed using a compatible Hardware Security Test Certificate. Drivers that do not meet these criteria—such as legacy or outdated versions of Ryzen Master—are blocked from loading. When this occurs, you may see Event ID 7000 in the System log, along with a notification saying “A driver cannot load on this device.”

In addition to HVCI, this error can occur if your AMD Ryzen Master Utility is not updated. Versions released before Microsoft’s 2023 driver attestation enforcement deadline may not pass the latest compatibility checks. Although this issue typically does not impact system stability, running an outdated driver might prevent Ryzen Master from launching or working correctly.

Fortunately, the issue can usually be resolved with a few straightforward fixes. We’ve outlined several proven methods below, based on official AMD support guidance and Windows documentation.

Solution 1. Reinstalling AMD Ryzen Master Utility Software

One of the most effective ways to fix the “AMDRyzenMasterDriver.sys – A driver cannot load on this device” error is to fully uninstall and then reinstall the AMD Ryzen Master Utility. This error can occur if:

• The software installation has become corrupted.
• An older version is installed that is incompatible with newer Windows kernel security features like Memory Integrity (HVCI).

Reinstalling Ryzen Master ensures that the driver is replaced with a fresh, updated version that’s properly signed and compatible with Windows 10/11 kernel-mode enforcement policies. Follow the steps below carefully.

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Apps & Features (or Installed Apps in Windows 11), and press Enter.
   
2. In the Apps list, type AMD Ryzen Master in the search box. If it’s installed, it will appear in the search results.
   
3. Click on the listing for AMD Ryzen Master and then click Uninstall. Confirm the prompt to remove the software from your system. This will also remove its associated kernel-mode driver (AMDRyzenMasterDriver.sys).
   
4. Visit the AMD Ryzen Master Utility download page. Make sure to select the version that matches your system:
   • Windows version: Windows 10 or Windows 11
   • Processor: Ryzen 3000, 5000, 7000 series, etc.
   • Architecture: 64-bit only (Ryzen Master does not support 32-bit systems)

   
   Tip: Check the release date and version number to ensure you’re installing the latest HVCI-compliant build.

5. Run the downloaded setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software. You may need to approve administrator privileges during installation.
6. After installation completes, restart your PC. This step is essential to ensure the new kernel-mode driver is properly registered and loaded at boot. It allows Windows Security features like Memory Integrity to revalidate the new version of the driver.
7. After rebooting, monitor whether the error message still appears. You can also check the Windows Event Viewer for new logs under Event ID 7000 in the System log to confirm that the driver is no longer blocked.

Solution 2. Disabling Core Isolation (Memory Integrity)

Core Isolation is a Windows security feature that uses virtualization-based security (VBS) to isolate critical system processes from malicious or untrusted drivers. One of its components, Memory Integrity, blocks unsigned or improperly signed kernel-mode drivers from loading — including older versions of the AMD Ryzen Master driver (AMDRyzenMasterDriver.sys).

If you’ve already updated Ryzen Master but the driver is still being blocked, temporarily disabling Memory Integrity can allow the driver to load correctly. This is useful for testing compatibility or as a short-term workaround until AMD releases a fully compliant driver update.

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Core Isolation into the search bar, and press Enter.
   
2. In the Core Isolation settings window, locate the Memory Integrity toggle. Click the switch to turn it Off.
   
   Note: You may need administrator permissions to change this setting.
3. After disabling Memory Integrity, Windows will prompt you to restart. Click Restart now to complete the change.
4. After your system restarts, install (or re-open) AMD Ryzen Master. The driver should now load correctly, as it will no longer be blocked by HVCI.

As of now, users must wait for AMD to publish an HVCI-compliant version of AMDRyzenMasterDriver.sys to use Ryzen Master fully while keeping Memory Integrity enabled. You can monitor AMD’s support site for the latest release notes and version updates.

Tip: You can confirm Memory Integrity is blocking the driver by checking the Windows Event Viewer for Event ID 7000 or error codes like STATUS_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH after reboots.