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ERROR DRIVER FAILED PRIOR UNLOAD: 3 Ways to Fix it
Drivers are usually responsible for this error.
2 min. read
Updated onSeptember 4, 2024
updated onSeptember 4, 2024
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The ERROR DRIVER FAILED PRIOR UNLOAD message is very frustrating when it happens on Windows devices, and unfortunately, it can render many applications unusable when this issue is active. While many components can cause it, this error usually involves driver files, and it will usually displaythe following message:
654 (0x28E) The driver could not be loaded because a previous version of the driver is still in memory.
The first thing you’ll need to check is your drivers: whether we’re talking about a recent update or not installing any driver updates at all, drivers are responsible for it. So you have many options: running the native Windows troubleshooter, uninstalling drivers entirely, and allowing Windows to reinstall them again, or as another solution, hard rebooting your system.
Method 1: Fix the ERROR DRIVER FAILED PRIOR UNLOAD by running the Windows troubleshooter
Windows’ troubleshooter can help check and fix any issues with hardware and devices. Here’s what you need to do:
Method 2: Fix the ERROR DRIVER FAILED PRIOR UNLOAD by uninstalling the USB controllers
Note: If the issue persists, check the manufacturer’s website for chipset driver updates. The chipset drivers usually have the USB controller drivers as well.
Method 3: Hard Reboot your Windows device
Another unconventional way to fix the ERROR DRIVER FAILED PRIOR UNLOAD on Windows devices is to simply hard reboot the system. Many Windows users who dealt with the issue found that this solution works almost all the time.
To do that, you’ll need to:
After rebooting, your Windows device should no longer encounter this frustrating bug. Plus, this method mightfix many other undiscovered issues with your PC, so before trying the other solutions, you might want to go with the simplest one first. Moreover, we can help you out with similar issues likeBAD_EXHANDLEandCNSS_FILE_SYSTEM_FILTER.
Let us know which one of these solutions worked for you.
More about the topics:Driver issues,Windows
Flavius Floare
Tech Journalist
Flavius is a writer and a media content producer with a particular interest in technology, gaming, media, film and storytelling.
He’s always curious and ready to take on everything new in the tech world, covering Microsoft’s products on a daily basis. The passion for gaming and hardware feeds his journalistic approach, making him a great researcher and news writer that’s always ready to bring you the bleeding edge!
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Flavius Floare
Tech Journalist
Flavius is a writer and a media content producer with a particular interest in technology, gaming, media, film and storytelling.
