iqvw64e.sys – A driver cannot load on this device

After upgrading to Windows 11, you may see a vulnerable driver notification at startup that mentions the driver file iqvw64e.sys. Here’s the full message:

Program Compatibility Assistant

A driver cannot load on this device

Driver: iqvw64e.sys
iqvw64e.sys

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

iqvw64e.sys vulnerable driver notification in windows 11

RELATED: mdnsNSP.dll (Bonjour) is Blocked from loading into LSA

Cause

iqvw64e.sys is an outdated, vulnerable Intel Network Adapter Diagnostic Driver often blocked by Windows 11 (specifically 24H2 and higher).

File Info

Filename: C:\WINDOWS\System32\drivers\iqvw64e.sys
Company Name: ND_QV -> Intel Corporation 
Internal Name: iQVW64.SYS
Original Name: iQVW64.SYS
Product: Intel(R) iQVW64.SYS
Description: Intel(R) Network Adapter Diagnostic Driver
File Version: 1.3.2.18 built by: WinDDK
Product Version: 1.3.2.18
Copyright: Copyright (C) 2002-2019 Intel Corporation All Rights Reserved.

Resolution

The iqvw64e.sys service is loaded by a service named NAL. To resolve the issue, follow one of the methods below:

Important: Please create a System Restore Point before proceeding.

Option 1: Update the Intel(R) Network Connections software

Visit the Intel Support site and download the latest version of the Intel Network Connections software, and install it.

Option 2: Backup and delete the iqvw64e.sys driver service

Open Command Prompt (admin) and run these commands to backup the iqvw64e.sys driver and delete it.

md C:\DrvStore
PnpUtil /export-driver * C:\DrvStore
rundll32.exe c:\windows\system32\pnpclean.dll,RunDLL_PnpClean /DRIVERS /MAXCLEAN
reg export "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NAL" C:\NAL.reg
sc.exe delete NAL

Restart Windows and rename the following file:

C:\WINDOWS\System32\drivers\iqvw64e.sys

to the following:

C:\WINDOWS\System32\drivers\iqvw64e.sys.old

Restart Windows.

Option 3: Uninstall the Intel(R) Network Connections software

Important: You may lose your Ethernet connectivity if you uninstall Intel(R) Network Connections. If you use a Wi-Fi connection to access the internet, proceed further. Before proceeding, I’d suggest backing up the driver registry key and the driver store packages as mentioned in “Option 2” above and creating a System Restore Point beforehand.

An Intel employee posted the following:

The Intel(R) Network Connections software manages your Ethernet Network Controller (Wired Ethernet Connection) drivers.If you don’t regularly connect your laptop to the internet using a cable, your computer should be OK with the generic driver that Windows* will automatically install once you remove the software. For more information, we can recommend engaging our team over at the /community/tech/wired/content Wired Ethernet Support Community, or your computer manufacturer.

Reference: What is Intel(R) Network Connections Driver and can I delete it. – Intel Community

You should be able to uninstall the Intel(R) Network Connections software via Apps and Features in Settings.

Intel Network Connections software uninstall

Hopefully, that should resolve the iqvw64e.sys warning at startup.

One small request: If you liked this post, please share this?

One "tiny" share from you would seriously help a lot with the growth of this blog. Some great suggestions:
  • Pin it!
  • Share it to your favorite blog + Facebook, Reddit
  • Tweet it!
So thank you so much for your support. It won't take more than 10 seconds of your time.

Ramesh Srinivasan is passionate about Microsoft technologies and he has been a ten-time recipient of the Microsoft MVP award in Windows Desktop Experience (Windows Shell), from 2003 to 2012. Ramesh founded Winhelponline.com in 2005.

...

Leave a Comment