Share this article

Improve this guide

Fix: Driver Unloaded Without Cancelling on Windows 11

6 min. read

Updated onApril 15, 2024

updated onApril 15, 2024

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

Users previously reported an IntcOED.sysBSOD errorfor Windows 10. That’s a blue screen issue with aDriver unloaded without canceling pending operationserror message. Now users have posted on forums about that same issue arising in Windows 11. Oneuser’s forum postsaid this:

After having Windows 10 update to Windows 11 in December 2021, I am facing this issue:

What Failed: ‘IntcOED.sys’Stop Code: Driver Unloaded without canceling pending operations

Some users have reported that Driver unloaded BSOD errors arise when they start, or shortly after starting, their PCs. Other users have said this blue screen error occurs after their computers come out of sleep mode. Those users have needed to fix recurring Driver unloaded errors.

Do you need to fix a recurring Driver unloaded error in Windows 11 as well? If so, try applying the potential resolutions for theDriver unloaded without canceling pending operationserror below.

What is a blue screen error?

Blue screen errors, also known as stop errors, are those with blue backgrounds and stop codes. They are also referred to as fatal system errors because the Windows OS stops operating. Windows restarts after collecting info after blue screen errors arise.

BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) errors can often pertain to device drivers. A Microsoft webpage says the big M estimates that 70 percent of blue screen errors pertain to third-party device drivers. The Driver unloaded error message specifies the IntcOED.sys driver for Intel Smart Sound Technology.

A one-off BSOD issue isn’t an especially big deal. After restarting Windows, the blue screen error might never occur again. However, users need to fix blue screen errors when they recur on their Windows PCs.

How can I fix the driver unloaded without canceling pending operations error in Windows 11?

1. Update Windows 11

2. Run a System File Scan

3. Run Startup Repair

4. Update device drivers in Windows 11

As the Driver unloaded error is often due to faulty or outdated drivers, try updating device drivers. To check the status of your PC’s drivers, run a scan with athird-party driver updater utility. That software will provide a full overview of outdated or faulty device drivers on your PC.

There are also other ways you can generally update device drivers in Windows 11. Check out ourHow to easily update drivers on Windows 11guide for full guidelines.

5. Uninstall the Smart Sound Technology (SST) driver

6. Disable Intelppm.sys

7. Reset Windows 11

How can I enter Safe Mode to apply the above fixes?

If you can’t get into Windows 11 to apply the above fixes because of the Driver unloaded error, you’ll need to boot into Safe Mode via the Advanced Startup Options menu. You can also apply some of the above resolutions from the recovery environment. This is how to boot into Safe Mode.

The Driver unloaded error isn’t the most straightforward issue to fix. However, users have confirmed they’ve been able to fix that error in Windows 11 with some of the potential resolutions above. So, maybe one of them will resolve the Driver unloaded error on your PC as well.

For further potential resolutions, Microsoft’sTroubleshoot blue screen error pagemight be worth a look. That webpage includes a troubleshooter that provides general BSOD fixes. OurHow to fix IntcOED errorsguide might also include some potential fixes for the Driver unloaded error.

You can chat about the Driver unloaded error in this page’s comments section below. Feel free to enter any pertinent questions about that BSOD error there. Users who’ve found other ways to fix the same issue are especially welcome to share their resolutions below.

Fix: Driver Unloaded Without Cancelling on Windows 11#

What is a blue screen error?#

How can I fix the driver unloaded without canceling pending operations error in Windows 11?#

1. Update Windows 11#

2. Run a System File Scan#

3. Run Startup Repair#

4. Update device drivers in Windows 11#

5. Uninstall the Smart Sound Technology (SST) driver#

6. Disable Intelppm.sys#

7. Reset Windows 11#

How can I enter Safe Mode to apply the above fixes?#