Intel XTU component device causing problems for my laptop

Question

Hi

A few days ago my laptop suddenly started heating whenever I did any GPU intensive work.

Turns out Windows is showing the following error "Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware because a previous instance of the device driver is still in memory. (Code 38)" for Intel(R) XTU Component Device.

The thing is that my device is a laptop so I have no idea what it is doing here in the first place.

I tried rolling back the driver for it and when I do it changes into Microsoft's Generic Software Component but as soon as I restart my computer it changes into Intel XTU component device again.

I can't even uninstall it as doing that also brings it back the next time I restart.

I have attached the screenshots to better explain the problem.

I have tried doing everything I can myself and would really appreciate if someone could help me out with this.

Answer 1

Hi Hader. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, specializing in Installation, Performance, Troubleshooting and Activation, here to help you.

1. Try these fixes for the Intel XTU component device:

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support...

2. Update your drivers and BIOS/UEFI firmware from the PC or motherboard maker's Support Downloads web page, using the full model number, Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button. Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

Updating drivers from the Device Manager or Windows Update is rarely enough. The most basic thing we need to learn to maintain a PC is keep the latest manufacturer's drivers installed from their Support Downloads web page. Everything else depends on this.

3. Here's everything that's best to try for an overheating PC:

https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-fix-overheatin...

https://www.popsci.com/prevent-computer-overhea...

https://tweaklibrary.com/cpu-overheating-issues...

https://www.howtogeek.com/174288/how-to-tell-if...

https://www.hongkiat.com/blog/cool-down-heating...

https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-cool-dow...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiZPua3aue0

Test for overheating by installing CoreTemp to monitor temps from the System Tray. Set overheat protection to Sleep or Hibernate if it reaches Core Max temp which it will calculate for your processor. See here:

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/core-temp-monito...

I hope this helps. Based on what you report back I can answer any questions and may have other steps to perform.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 2

Hello Greg

I have already tried uninstalling and reinstalling XTU component device but it still shows the same error.

What is weirder is that I should not be having this in the first place since this driver isn't supported by mobile GPU which I have. So I don't understand why windows keeps installing it automatically even though I roll back the driver.

Answer 3

Well then let's get rid of it. Try this:

Intel XTU component device causing problems for my laptop - Microsoft Community

https://www.tenforums.com/drivers-hardware/4854...

How to UNINSTALL Intel Extreme Tuning Utility in Windows 10 | Simple & Quick Method - YouTube