Encountering the “Set User Settings to Driver Failed” error in Windows 10 can be a frustrating and puzzling experience. This error typically occurs when there are issues with device drivers, and it can disrupt the normal functioning of your computer. In this guide, we’ll delve into the common causes behind the “Set User Settings to Driver Failed” error and provide you with practical solutions to resolve it. Let’s get started on fixing this error and ensuring your computer operates smoothly.
How to Fix Set User Settings to Driver Failed in Windows 10
The error Set user settings to driver failed can be caused by a variety of touchpad-related difficulties. In this article, we’ll show you how to solve the Set user settings to driver failed issue on Windows 10 PC.
Remember, always create a backup of your important files before performing significant system changes like driver reinstallation or PC reset.
Method 1: Rename Problematic File
If you have competing touchpad drivers, you can try changing the apoint.exe executable inside the corresponding subdirectory to resolve the Set user settings to driver failed issue. It can be handy because many users’ touchpad drivers are incompatible.
1. Go to This PC and double-click your Local Disk.
2. Click on Program Files or Program Files (x86).
3. Double-click on the Apoint2K folder to open it.
Note: You may use the procedures mentioned below if you can’t find this folder or if you installed it somewhere else.
4. Allow the error notice to appear. When it appears, hit Ctrl + Shift + Esc key simultaneously to open Task Manager.
5. Click on More details.
6. Right-click on the Alps Pointing-device process item and select Open File Location.
7. Right-click the same entry again once the folder has opened and select End task.
8. Locate the apoint.exe file in the Apoint2K folder, right-click it, and select Rename from the contextual menu that appears.
9. Rename it to apoint old.exe and double-check the modifications.
Note: Some users have claimed that the methods above did not work because they required complete ownership and management of the Apoint2K folder within Program Files. If you see any permissions-related error messages, be sure to try the steps below to fix set user settings to driver failed error.
1. You must first identify the installation folder before proceeding.
2. It should be the folder that opened when you were provided with it in Task Manager and picked the Open file location option.
3. You may also look in the C: folder, which is the default place for all programs on your computer.
4. Once you’ve found it, right-click the Apoint2K folder containing the faulty executable file and select Properties from the context menu that appears.
5. Select the Security tab in the Properties box.
6. At the bottom, click the Advanced option.
7. In the Advanced Security Settings box that appears on the screen, click Change next to the ownership entry.
8. Type Everyone in the Enter the object name to select box and then click the Check Names button. The text Everyone should be highlighted.
9. To make Everyone the folder’s owner, click the OK option.
10. To add additional permissions to the folder, click the Add button in the Advanced Security Settings box.
11. At the top, click the Select a principal button.
12. Type Everyone once again and click Check Names.
13. Select the OK option.
14. Make sure Allow is selected as the Type.
15. Check the box next to Full control in the Basic permissions panel. To add complete rights, click the OK button.
16. Click OK twice more to close all of the windows that appear, then restart your PC to see if the Set user settings to driver failed issue remains.
Also Read: Fix The Active Directory Domain Services is Currently Unavailable
Method 2: Update Windows
Before we explore any further options, you must update Windows to the most recent version. According to Microsoft developers, this was a bug that affected many versions of Windows.
1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click on Check for updates and install any available updates.
Method 3: Reinstall Touchpad Drivers
1. First and foremost, you must delete any drivers that are presently installed.
2. Press the Windows key, type Device Manager, and click on Open.
3. Double-click on Mice and other pointing devices to expand the drivers.
4. Right-click on the driver and select Uninstall device from the context menu that appears.
5. Uncheck Delete the driver software for this device option and click on Uninstall.
6. Finally, reboot the PC.
7. Now, open Device Manager again and click on the Action menu, then select Scan for hardware changes.
The touchpad driver will then be reinstalled.
Method 4: Update Device Drivers
Corrupted or outdated device drivers are one of the most prevalent reasons for this issue. So, before you do anything more complex, you should try upgrading your touchpad driver. Follow our guide to update device drivers on Windows 10.
Method 5: Disable Startup App
This issue frequently arises when touchpad drivers are installed on a machine that does not have a touchpad. It may also be difficult to remove the Alps pointing device drivers. So, it is preferable to just prohibit them from booting at all.
1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys simultaneously to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Startup tab.
3. Look for the Alps Pointing Device on the list. Once you’ve found it, right-click it and select the Disable option in the window’s bottom-right corner.
Check if set user settings to driver failed error persists after restarting your computer.
Method 6: Disable Alps Service
1. First and foremost, you must delete any drivers that are presently installed.
2. Press Windows + R keys together to open the Run dialog box.
3. Type services.msc and press Enter key to launch the Services window.
4. In the list, look for the Alps SMBus Monitor Service.
5. Right-click it and select the Properties option from the menu that appears.
6. If the Service status is already Running, select the Stop button.
7. Click to open the menu, then select Disabled from the drop-down menu.
8. Check to see if the Set user settings to driver failed problem still shows after restarting your computer.
Method 7: Perform Clean Boot
Here is how you perform a clean boot in Windows 10 PC:
- Press the Windows key + R, type
msconfig, and press Enter. - In the System Configuration window, select the Services tab.
- Check the box that says “Hide all Microsoft services” and then click “Disable all“.
- Go to the Startup tab and open Task Manager. Disable all startup items.
- Restart your computer.
Method 8: Resetting PC (Last Resort):
If none of the above works, consider resetting your PC:
1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
2. And choose “Get started” under Reset this PC.
What does it signify when a PC driver fails?
The Driver Power State Failure problem in Windows 10 might indicate defective drivers, mismatched hardware, or, in rare situations, incorrect power settings.
In conclusion, the “Set User Settings to Driver Failed” error in Windows 10 can generally be resolved through a series of straightforward steps. These include updating or reinstalling your graphics drivers, running Windows Update, performing a clean boot, updating Windows system files, and as a last resort, resetting your PC. It’s important to follow these steps methodically and ensure your important data is backed up before undertaking more drastic measures like resetting your PC.
