how to fix ak1usb.sys does not pass the windows driver policy

Question

I have an Audio Kontrol 1 sound interface by Native Instruments and suddenly cant use it.

all I'm getting is the "ak1usb.sys does not pass the windows driver policy" error.

it really ruins my experience and I cant really buy a new interface. I cant hear nothing for my active monitors run through that interface.

please help.

Answer 1

The only option if Windows security is blocking that driver is to go to the Native Instruments website to check if they provide any updates drivers for your Audio Kontrol 1 sound interface model that are more compliant with Windows 11.

https://support.native-instruments.com/support/solutions/articles/69000882238-native-instruments-drivers-other-files

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Answer 2

This error means Windows Security is blocking the ak1usb.sys driver because it does not meet the current driver policy requirements.

Try these steps in order:

1. Check for an updated driver
   • Open Windows Update and look for driver updates.
   • Also check the device manufacturer for a newer compatible driver.
   • This is the preferred fix.
2. Reinstall the audio device driver
   • Open Device Manager.
   • Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
   • Right-click the Audio Kontrol 1 device and select Uninstall device.
   • Restart the PC so Windows can reinstall the driver.
3. If it is a USB audio device, try a different USB port
   • Connect the interface to another USB port.
   • Windows may bind the device differently on another port.
4. If the device has a manufacturer installer, install that first
   • Disconnect the interface.
   • Install the device-specific driver package first.
   • Then reconnect the interface.
   • This can help Windows choose the device-specific driver instead of the default USB audio driver.
5. If the problem started after an update, roll back the audio driver
   • Open Device Manager.
   • Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
   • Right-click the audio device > Properties > Driver tab.
   • Select Roll Back Driver if available.
6. As a last resort, turn off Memory Integrity
   • Go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Device Security.
   • Under Core isolation, select Core isolation details.
   • Turn Memory Integrity Off.
   • Restart the PC.
   Warning: turning off Memory Integrity reduces device security. On a Secured-core PC, this takes the device out of a Secured-core state.

The safest path is: updated driver first, then reinstall, then try another USB port or manufacturer installer, and only disable Memory Integrity if no compatible driver is available.

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