pcdsrvc_x64.pkms – A driver cannot load on this device

When you start your Windows 11 computer, the following warning about the driver pcdsrvc_x64.pkms may appear.

Program Compatibility Assistant

A driver cannot load on this device

Driver: pcdsrvc_x64.pkms
pcdsrvc_x64.pkms

A security setting is detecting this as a vulnerable driver and blocking it from loading. You’ll need to adjust your settings to load this driver.

The above error may appear on Windows 11 24H2 and higher. pcdsrvc_x64.pkms is a Dell driver, installed by the Dell SupportAssist app.

Resolution

Option 1: Update Dell SupportAssist

Please see if updating Dell SupportAssist resolves the issue. You can download it from SupportAssist for Home PCs | Dell USA.

If that doesn’t help, uninstall Dell SupportAssist.

Option 2: Uninstall Dell SupportAssist

1. Open Control Panel → Programs and features.
2. Right-click “Dell SupportAssist” and choose Uninstall.
   
3. Also, uninstall Dell SupportAssist Agent, Dell SupportAssist Update Plugin, and Dell SupportAssist Remediation, if listed.
4. Restart Windows.

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You may continue using Dell Update (for consumer PCs) or the Dell Command | Update (DCU) application (for commercial PCs) to receive BIOS and driver updates on your PC.

Or you could visit the Dell Drivers & Downloads portal now and then to download the necessary updates. See also How to Get Email Alerts for Dell Driver Updates.