Driver amsdk.sys is being blocked from loading

Question

After a recent Windows update, I now get an error message:

A driver cannot load on this device

Driver: amsdk.sys

A security setting is detecting this as a vulnerable driver and blocking it form loading.

You'll need to adjust yur settings to load this driver.

Answer 1

Download Autoruns - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/autoruns

Run 64 bit version as admin

Look for amsdk.sys in drivers tab

Delete it

Problem solved

Answer 2

Dear GregoryGomez!

Welcome to the Microsoft Community!

Don't worry, I will help you solve the problem together.

Based on the content of your post, I understand that your Windows operating system will report an error saying that amsdk.sys is blocked from loading. Below we will discuss the specific situation of the driver amsdk.sys associated with Zemana AntiMalware Portable. Since the software is not a part of the Windows operating system, we can use suitable alternatives to solve the problem. In addition, we can update the system drivers, install necessary security updates, and try some other changes.

Drivers are the connection between hardware and software. They are an important component for the smooth operation of the related hardware products. If any driver is missing or corrupted, you may encounter problems with the related hardware and corresponding errors on your system.

Amsdk.sys driver could not be loaded on this device

Here are the ways to fix Amsdk.sys driver could not be loaded on this device in Windows:

Uninstall Zemana AntiMalware Portable

Zemana AntiMalware Portable is an outdated malware removal tool. You can find better free alternatives online. If this software is causing problems, it is not worth keeping it on your system. The process to remove Zemana AntiMalware Portable software is as follows:

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Settings from the menu.
2. In the Settings window, go to the Apps tab in the left pane.
3. In the right pane, select Installed Apps.
4. Now, scroll down to Zemana AntiMalware Portable software.
5. Click on the three dots associated with the software.
6. Select Uninstall from the options.
7. Confirm the uninstallation again and remove the software from your computer.
8. Restart your system.
9. This will fix the problem.

Update Windows including all optional updates

Recently, Windows started pushing driver updates through optional updates. The ideal solution to our problem is to find the problematic driver and fix it. However, if you cannot find the problematic driver, it is wise to update all drivers and deploy all security updates. The process to do so is as follows:

1. Press Win and I.
2. Go to the Windows Update tab in the left pane.
3. Select Advanced options in the right pane.
4. Click Optional Updates.
5. Check the boxes associated with all optional updates.
6. Click on Download and Install.
7. Now, return to the Windows Update page.
8. Click on Check for Updates.
9. After the updates are installed, restart your system.

Turn off Memory Integrity

The third solution to the Amsdk.sys driver cannot be loaded on this device is to turn off Memory Integrity on your system. Here is the procedure:

1. Press the Windows and I keys.
2. In the Settings menu, go to the Privacy and Security tab.
3. Select Windows Security.
4. Click on Device Security.
5. Select Core Isolation Details.
6. Turn off the Memory Integrity switch.
7. Finally, restart your computer to complete the disabling.

Install Drivers Using Intel Driver and Support Assistant or AMD AutoDetect

Another great way to install drivers on your system is to use the driver detection tools provided by Intel and AMD. These tools are Intel Driver and Support Assistant and AMD AutoDetect. These tools can be downloaded from the websites of Intel and AMD. Once downloaded, you can run these tools to resolve the issue.

I hope above information can help you. If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know. Tell me the results. I'm looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your understanding and support! 

Best regards,

Yang.Z - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 3

Hello @Yang.Z,

I'm experiencing the same problem. :-(

However, I never had Zemana AntiMalware on my computer and I think the amsdk.sys problem appeared when I updated my Windows 11 to 24H2.

And turning off Memory Integrity is likely not a good idea, right?

Answer 4

i havnt this fantomaic zemana..i havnt the menu in the device security and it said hardware not supported and of course i havnt secondary update but yesterday evening i downloaded a big update and after appears now the same mesage impossible to load the driver..amsdk.sys and there is the little square to not show again this mesage so this means that is very important..hallucinating

Answer 5

Idem for me...