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How to Fix Driver Verifier Not Working Errors on Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Driver Verifier is a built-in Windows tool designed to help detect driver issues by stressing drivers and monitoring their behavior. It is especially useful for troubleshooting system crashes and driver-related problems. However, sometimes users encounter errors when trying to use Driver Verifier on Windows 11, which can be frustrating.

This guide will walk you through simple and effective steps to fix Driver Verifier not working errors on Windows 11. Each step is explained in detail to help even beginners understand and follow along easily.

By the end of this article, you will know how to resolve common issues preventing Driver Verifier from running correctly. Let’s start with some quick checks to ensure your system is ready.

Following these instructions carefully will help you get Driver Verifier up and running smoothly without causing further problems.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

  • Administrator Rights: Make sure you are logged in as an administrator. Driver Verifier requires admin privileges to function properly.
  • Windows Updates: Ensure your Windows 11 is fully updated. Some Driver Verifier issues are fixed in recent updates.
  • System Stability: Check if your system is stable enough to run Driver Verifier. Frequent crashes or hardware issues could interfere with it.
  • Disable Antivirus Temporarily: Sometimes third-party antivirus software blocks Driver Verifier. Temporarily disable it during troubleshooting.

Step 1: Run Driver Verifier from Command Prompt with Administrator Access

Sometimes the Driver Verifier tool may not launch properly if you run it incorrectly. Here’s how to open and run it the right way:

  1. Click the Start button and type cmd.
  2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. This ensures you have the necessary permissions.
  3. In the Command Prompt window, type verifier and press Enter. This opens the Driver Verifier Manager.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to select drivers to verify or choose the default settings.

Why this matters: Running Command Prompt as administrator guarantees that Driver Verifier has the rights it needs to modify driver settings and run properly.

Step 2: Reset Driver Verifier Settings if It’s Not Starting

If Driver Verifier was previously configured incorrectly or is stuck, resetting its settings can fix the issue.

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (same as Step 1).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
verifier /reset

This command stops all current Driver Verifier tests and restores default settings.

Why this is useful: Resetting clears any problematic configurations that may prevent Driver Verifier from launching or functioning correctly.

Step 3: Check System Integrity Using SFC and DISM

Corrupted system files can interfere with Driver Verifier. Running built-in repair tools can fix this.

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This command scans and repairs corrupted system files automatically. Wait until the process completes.

  1. After SFC finishes, run this command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

DISM fixes component store corruption that SFC cannot repair. Both tools together ensure your system files are intact.

Why this helps: Driver Verifier depends on system components to run properly. Fixing system corruption can resolve many underlying issues.

Step 4: Disable Driver Signature Enforcement Temporarily

In some cases, Windows 11’s strict driver signature enforcement can block Driver Verifier.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to System > Recovery.
  3. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
  4. After restart, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  5. On the Startup Settings screen, press 7 or F7 to disable driver signature enforcement.
  6. Windows will boot with driver signature enforcement disabled temporarily.

Try running Driver Verifier again after this. Remember, this mode is temporary and will reset after a reboot.

Why this matters: Some unsigned or outdated drivers can cause Driver Verifier to fail. Disabling signature enforcement can allow these drivers to be tested.

Step 5: Use Safe Mode to Run Driver Verifier

If normal Windows mode causes issues, try running Driver Verifier in Safe Mode, which loads minimal drivers.

  1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. Go to the Boot tab.
  3. Check Safe boot and select Minimal.
  4. Click OK and restart your PC.
  5. Once in Safe Mode, open Command Prompt as administrator and run verifier.
  6. After testing, run verifier /reset to disable Driver Verifier.
  7. Open msconfig again and uncheck Safe boot to boot normally.

Why Safe Mode helps: It limits the number of drivers loaded, reducing conflicts that might prevent Driver Verifier from working.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, you can try the following advanced options:

  • Update or Reinstall Drivers: Sometimes outdated or corrupted drivers cause problems. Use Device Manager to update or uninstall and reinstall problematic drivers.
  • Check Event Viewer: Open Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc) and look for error logs related to Driver Verifier. This can provide clues about the root cause.
  • Create a New User Profile: User profile corruption can cause issues. Test Driver Verifier under a fresh administrator account.
  • Perform a Clean Boot: Disable all non-Microsoft startup items and services to rule out software conflicts affecting Driver Verifier.

FAQs

Why does Driver Verifier say “Unable to start verification”?

This often happens if Driver Verifier is already running with problematic settings or if your account lacks administrator privileges. Resetting verifier settings and running Command Prompt as admin usually fixes this.

Can Driver Verifier cause my PC to crash?

Yes. Driver Verifier stresses drivers to find faults, which can cause system crashes or blue screens, especially if a faulty driver is detected. Always back up your data before enabling it.

How do I stop Driver Verifier if my PC keeps crashing?

Boot into Safe Mode and open Command Prompt as administrator. Run verifier /reset to disable Driver Verifier.

Is Driver Verifier available on all editions of Windows 11?

Yes, Driver Verifier is included in all editions of Windows 11, including Home and Pro.

Can third-party antivirus software interfere with Driver Verifier?

Yes, some antivirus programs may block or interfere with Driver Verifier. Temporarily disabling antivirus software when using Driver Verifier can help troubleshoot issues.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and Driver Verifier still does not work, consider the following final options:

  • Use Windows Recovery: Repair your system using Windows 11 recovery options to fix deeper OS issues.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support for personalized help.
  • Reinstall Windows: As a last resort, a clean installation of Windows 11 can resolve persistent system problems but make sure to back up important files first.

Conclusion

Driver Verifier is a powerful tool for diagnosing driver issues on Windows 11, but it can sometimes be tricky to use due to permission or system conflicts. By following this guide’s step-by-step instructions—from running it with admin rights, resetting settings, checking system integrity, to using Safe Mode—you can fix most Driver Verifier not working errors.

Always remember to back up your data before running Driver Verifier, as it can cause system instability while testing drivers. If you encounter persistent issues, use the advanced methods or seek official support to ensure your system remains healthy and stable.

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