Windows 10: SECDRV.SYS could not be loaded - you can do that

Windows 10 easily drives gamers crazy. With some games the error message "SECDRV.SYS could not be loaded" appears. Classic games with copy protection "SafeDisc" are particularly affected. We'll explain how to start your favorite games anyway.

SECDRV.SYS could not be found - so you can still play under Windows 10

Whether Age of Empires, Battlefield 1942 or Civilization - many old classics no longer want to start under Windows 10. This is because Microsoft's new system is not compatible with the DRM protection "SafeDisc" of the games. Which games are affected can be found in this list.

• The chances for retro gamers are currently poor: The company Rovi Corporation, which developed the copy protection, has not been working on the product for years. You should therefore no longer expect a driver update.
• However, you can test a few tricks before you give up your games. Right-click on the game's EXE file and select the "Start as administrator" option. Then confirm the prompt in User Account Control and wait for the game to start.
• If that doesn't work, right-click on the EXE file and select the "Properties" entry. In the "Compatibility" tab, activate the "Run program in compatibility mode for:" option and select an older Windows system from the drop-down menu. Finally save the settings with "OK" and start the game again.
• Alternatively, click the "Run program compatibility troubleshooter" button in the file properties and follow the on-screen instructions. That didn't work in the test, but Microsoft could provide a fix-it over time. So it's worth trying.

Emergency solution for hardcore gamers: Back to Windows 7 and 8

If these tips do not help, you currently have no choice but to undo the upgrade to Windows 10. You can do this safely up to 30 days after installation.

1. To do this, open the Windows settings via the Start menu or the key combination [Windows key] + [I].
2. Click on the "Update and Security" category and switch to the "Recovery" tab.
3. There, under "Return to Windows 7" or "Return to Windows 8", click the "Let's go" button.
4. In the next window, enter any reason and click "Next".
5. Windows 10 informs you about the process of the downgrade, which you confirm again with "Next". Then wait for the installation to finish.