ERROR_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH: 7 Ways to Load DLL or Driver

Verify whether the affected file includes a digital signature

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ERROR_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH
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The ERROR_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH Windows system error, with code 577 (0x241), is usually encountered while loading a DLL or a driver that doesn’t include a digital signature or is sourced from a non-trusted party. This also happens when using LOAD_LIBRARY_REQUIRE_SIGNED_TARGET.

The error message reads, Windows cannot verify the digital signature for this file. A recent hardware or software change might have installed a file that is signed incorrectly or damaged, or that might be malicious software from an unknown source.

Before you proceed to the solutions, restart the PC, install any pending Windows and software updates, and disable any third-party security programs preventing the digital signature from being verified.

How can I fix ERROR_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH in Windows?

1. Redownload the problematic DLL or driver

If the affected DLL or driver has been downloaded from a third-party website, it’s likely that the file doesn’t include the digital signature, resulting in ERROR_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH.

This can be quickly fixed by downloading the DLL or driver from the provider’s official website. Make sure to download the latest available version!

2. Check the digital signature of the DLL

Several users reported getting ERROR_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH for DLLs developed by Microsoft, which shouldn’t ideally be the case, given that these files always include a digital signature.

check for digital signature
Checking the digital signature of a DLL

To verify whether a DLL includes a digital signature, right-click on the file > select Properties > go to the Digital Signatures tab > click on Details > check if the DLL is signed.

If the DLL doesn’t have a digital signature, replace it with a fresh copy from another PC running the same Windows iteration, version, and architecture.

3. Repair the corrupted system files

  1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Command Prompt, and click on Run as administrator.
  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  3. Paste the following DISM commands individually and hit Enter after each: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  4. Execute this command to run the SFC scan: sfc /scannowsfc scan to fix ERROR_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH
  5. Finally, restart the PC to apply the changes.

If the affected DLL is developed by Microsoft and is corrupted, running the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) and SFC (System File Checker) scans will help get rid of ERROR_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH in Windows!

4. Uninstall conflicting Windows updates

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings, go to Windows Update from the navigation pane, and click on Update history.windows update
  2. Scroll down to the bottom and click on Uninstall updates.
  3. Click Uninstall next to the last downloaded update or one installed around the same time the issue first appeared.uninstall update to fix ERROR_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH
  4. Again, click Uninstall in the confirmation prompt.
  5. Once done, restart the PC and check for improvements.

5. Reinstall the affected program

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.
  2. Select the affected app from the list and click on Uninstall.reinstall app to fix ERROR_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process and then reboot the PC.
  4. Finally, download and install the program from the official website.

If launching a specific program triggers ERROR_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH, this indicates that a DLL or driver related to it is unsigned or the digital signature is not accessible. This usually happens due to an improper installation, and reinstalling the program should do the trick!

When a quick removal doesn’t help, some leftover files or Registry entries might be conflicting with Windows. In this case, I recommend using a top-rated software uninstaller to wipe all traces of the previous installation.

6. Perform a system restore

  1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Create a restore point, and click on the relevant result.
  2. Click on System Restore.restore to fix ERROR_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH
  3. Select the Choose a different restore point entry, if available, and click Next.choose a different restore point
  4. Pick the oldest restore point from the list and click Next.restore point
  5. Verify the details, click Finish, and confirm the change.
  6. Once the system restore is complete, check for improvements.

7. Disable Secure Boot

When nothing else works against ERROR_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH, the last option is to disable Secure Boot. To do that, access the BIOS on your PC > navigate to the Security or Boot section > find the Secure Boot entry > set it to Disable > save the changes > exit the BIOS.

disabling secure boot in BIOS
Disabling Secure Boot in BIOS

Remember, disabling Secure Boot won’t affect the general functioning of Windows 11. The latest iteration only requires devices to be Secure Boot-compatible but doesn’t need the feature to be active.

In the rare event that the ERROR_INVALID_IMAGE_HASH system error persists, you must contact the affected file’s developer for a resolution. They should ideally provide a file with a digital signature that’s verifiable by Windows.

Before you leave, discover the common Windows 11 errors and their expert fixes to enjoy a streamlined, error-free experience! In our recent article we wrote about ERROR_DLL_MIGHT_BE_INCOMPATIBLE, so feel free to visit it.

For any queries or to share which fix worked for you, drop a comment below.

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