For the most part, Windows is a relatively stable operating system, but that doesn’t make it immune to bugs and glitches that might pop up from time to time. Whether it’s a hardware issue, driver faults or corrupted files, it isn’t rare to see Windows run into an issue out of nowhere.

In this article, we’re taking a look at the WUDFRd failed to load error in Windows and telling you solutions that’ll get your PC up and running again.

Also read: Windows 11: 5 Pros and Cons to help you decide if you should upgrade

Why does the WUDFRd error occur?

The error is usually triggered by outdated or corrupted USB drivers, especially when a plug and play device fails because of driver issues or hardware malfunctions.

How to fix the WUDFRd error?

Here are a few fixes you can try to eliminate the WUDFRd error.

Update Windows

The first thing you should do is update Windows to the latest version possible. If you’ve been putting off updates for quite some time, there’s a good chance that you’ve missed out on a critical driver update that’s causing the WUDFRd issue.

Check out our detailed guide on How to update Windows here

Start the WDF service

If the Windows Driver Foundation service isn’t running, the error will likely show up on your PC. Here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open the Run prompt. Type services.msc and hit enter.

Step 2: Look for the Windows Driver Foundation — User Mode Driver Framework service, right-click it and click Start.

Now reboot your PC, and it should be back to normal.

Also read: How to fix Windows installation error 0x80300024?

Disabling Hard Disk hibernation

Ensuring your hard disk doesn’t get shut off abruptly can also help you avoid the WUDFRd error.

Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Power Options. Click the corresponding search result.

Step 2: Click Change advanced power settings.

Step 3: Expand the Hard disk followed by turn off hard disk after and make sure that both fields are set to zero.

Now try restarting your PC, and it should run fine.

Update USB drivers

Outdated USB drivers can also cause this issue in particular.

Step 1: Right-click Start and select Device Manager from the menu.

Step 2: Find the problematic device, right-click it and click Update driver.

Step 3: Click on Search automatically for drivers. Windows will automatically look for and download the latest drivers for your particular device.

While this should help resolve the error, in case it doesn’t, click Uninstall device and restart your PC to force Windows to install the required drivers. You can then update them later. Alternatively, you can also remove your GPU and reinsert it if you can.