In the Event Viewer, an error like “The driver \Driver\WUDFRd failed to load for the device ACPI\PNP0A0A\2&daba3ff&0” can arise as a result of some services not running. This error can however be resolved by restarting some services. You also have multiple solutions like updating Windows, updating drivers, uninstalling then reinstalling your device, replacing PSU, and booting into Safe Mode. To get an idea of the services to restart, check out every solution stated in this artice but first, let’s see the causes of this error.
Actions To Take
Check Out Services
- Step 1: Press Windows + R to open Run.
- Step 2: Type services.msc then hit Enter to open Services
- Step 3: Look for Windows Driver Foundation, right-click and choose Properties.
- Step 4: On Service Status, change the Startup type to Automatic and if the Service status says Stopped, hit Start.
- Step 5: Select Apply, choose Ok and close Windows Driver Foundation.
- Step 6: Look for Shell Hardware Detection, right-click and choose Properties.
- Step 7: On Service Status, change the Startup type to Automatic and if the Service status says Stopped, hit Start.
- Step 8: Select Apply, choose Ok and close Shell Hardware Detection.
- Step 9: Close Services, restart your computer and see how things turn out.
Update Windows
If you suspect that the driver error was caused by an outdated operating system, you should consider updating it to the latest version.
- Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Settings
- Step 2: Select Update & Privacy then go to Windows Update
- Step 3: Click Check for Updates and if an update is available, proceed to download and install it.
- Step 4: Restart your computer once the update wraps up.
Update Drivers
- Step 1: Press Windows + X to open Quick link menu then choose Device Manager.
- Step 2: Expand USB Controller Drivers (sometimes labeled as Universal Serial Bus Controllers), right-click each of the drivers and choose Properties.
- Step 3: Go to Driver tab, select Update Driver and allow the update to run its course.
- Step 4: Restart your computer.
Note: If the problem was caused by a recent update, you will have to roll back the drivers. Repeat Step to Step 3 but instead of Update Driver, you have to select Roll Back Driver. Afterward, restart your computer to finalize the changes.
Uninstall And Reinstall
- Step 1: Press Windows + X to open Quick link menu then choose Device Manager.
- Step 2: Expand USB Controller Drivers (sometimes labeled as Universal Serial Bus Controllers), right-click each of the drivers and choose Properties.
- Step 4: Go to Driver tab then click Uninstall to get rid of the driver.
- Step 5: Restart your computer and all the uninstalled drivers should be reinstalled automatically.
Replace PSU
If you have the tools and skills, you can check the wattage of the Power Supply Unit. If you notice signs that indicate problems, the best solution is to replace PSU.
Safe Mode
In Safe Mode, Windows only uses basic files and drivers. Thus, if the “The driver \Driver\WUDFRd failed to load for the device ACPI\PNP0A0A\2&daba3ff&0” error won’t show up in Safe Mode, third-party applications may be at fault.
- Step 1: Press Windows + X to open the Quick link menu.
- Step 2: Move your cursor to Shut down or sign out then press and hold the Shift as you click it.
- Step 3: Select Troubleshoot, go to Advanced and choose Startup Settings
- Step 4: Hit Restart and when the PC restarts, follow the on-screen instructions to boot your computer in Safe Mode.
- Step 5: Determine whether there is anything out of the ordinary in Event Viewer.
The Usual Suspects
Corruption
After all, drivers remain software and software could become corrupted from time to time. If corruption plagues your drivers, there is a good chance that you would come across driver failure errors.
Conflict
Drivers may come into conflict with Windows and prevent it from utilizing connected devices. Many reasons can result in conflict so it may be difficult to identify which one is at fault.
Obsolescence
If your operating system is out of date, The driver \Driver\WUDFRd failed to load for the device ACPI\PNP0A0A\2&daba3ff&0 due to the lack of support for the driver. Windows rolls out updates every once in a while to introduce new features, fix existing bugs, and add compatibility for different applications or modules.
PSU Failure
PSU, short for Power Supply Unit, is responsible for supplying power to your computer. If this unit is supplying a fluctuating or not delivering a full wattage, the drivers will fail to load hence you will experience “The driver \Driver\WUDFRd failed to load for the device ACPI\PNP0A0A\2&daba3ff&0” error.
Services
There are Windows Services that are attached to drivers and the hardware components in general. These services should be running, however, they may misbehave and stop hence you will experience a driver failure error.
What Can Cause Driver Corruption?
Many reasons can cause your drivers or system files to get corrupted. The main culprit for desktop computers is power surges and unexpected power outages while the device is currently in use. Malicious software and old operating systems can also cause corruption of system files but they rarely do happen.
How Do I Start A Stopped Driver?
If there is a stopped driver and you wish to enable it, Open Device Manager and then expand the list of devices. Search for the driver you think is disabled, then right-click it. Select Enable Device to start the driver again, if there is no Enable option or is grayed out, it means the driver is already enabled.
Rules
- Check with your manufacturer if you are still within the warranty period to enjoy a free or discounted price during the repair.
- Install power surge protectors and UPS to prevent your computer from power surges and unexpected power outages.
- Avoid old operating systems by having regular or automatic updates.
Michael Kan has been with Ginno Security Lab since October 2017, covering a wide range of topics, including consumer electronics, cybersecurity, social media, networking, and gaming. Prior to working at Ginno Security Lab he was a foreign correspondent in Beijing for over five years, covering the tech scene in Asia.
Areas of Expertise: Michael Kan has been working as a journalist for about 15 years— He start as a schools and cities reporter in Kansas City. Amazingly he is still here. Lately, he has been following SpaceX’s Starlink network, emerging online cyber threats, and the PC graphics card market (which led him to camp out in front of a Best Buy to get an RTX 3000). He is always eager to learn more, so please jump in the comments with feedback and send he tips.
The Best Tech he has Had:
- First video game console: a Nintendo Famicom
- Sega Saturn despite PlayStation’s popularity.
- The iPod Video received as a gift in college
- Xbox 360 FTW
- The Galaxy Nexus was the first smartphone he was proud to own.
- The PC desktop he built in 2013, which still works to this day.
