Microsoft has added and removed many features in the Windows operating system over the years. If you use Device Manager regularly, you may have come across the Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator driver.
However, this device driver was not present in older Windows operating systems such as Windows 7. In fact, users have said that disabling this driver improves the gaming performance of your Windows 10/11 PC.
If you’re wondering what this driver is and whether you should disable it, we’ve covered all the information in this article.
What is Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator?
Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator is a device driver that gives a specific value to the rooted software when the new device driver wants to install the software on your system.
The definition does not say much about the driver. In a nutshell, Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator is like a librarian cataloging new incoming books (new installed software).
In addition, the driver fulfills another important function. It makes Windows system compatible with niche devices such as MIDI and TWAIN devices and serial ports.
However, Windows 7 does not have the Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator. It’s because Windows 7 and older versions are class compliant with MIDI and TWAIN devices, meaning it’s a built-in Windows OS driver from Microsoft.
How to enable or disable Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator?
It is quite easy to enable or disable Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator. You can enable or disable it just like any other driver from the Device Manager.
Follow the steps below to enable or disable Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box.
- Type
devmgmt.mscand press Enter.
- In Device Managerdouble click Software Devices.
- Right click Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator and tap Disable driver.
Do I need to disable Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator?
There is one benefit to disabling Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator. Users on forums and Reddit have reported that their PC’s gaming performance has improved after disabling the driver. However, user claims are the only corroborating evidence that disabling the driver improves performance.
So whether you should enable or disable the Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator depends on what you want to use your Windows for.
The Root Enumerator driver aims to make your Windows compatible with niche devices. While MIDI and TWAIN devices are still widely used, most Windows users won’t need them much.
MIDI is a communication protocol to connect to various electronic musical instruments and similar devices. If you are not a musician or in a related field, you will rarely come across this sort of thing.
On the other hand, TWAIN is an application programming interface usually used for communication with scanners, CCTVs and other similar devices. TWAIN is used more often but not regularly by the average Windows user.
Finally, serial ports are still in use today, but are mostly used in scientific and industrial equipment.
If you are a gamer and don’t need these functionalities, you can go ahead and disable the driver and see if it improves your PC’s gaming performance.
However, for the average Windows user, it’s best to leave it enabled.
Troubleshooting Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator Not Working?
Device Manager usually shows a question mark next to Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator when the driver is not working properly. There can be several reasons why the driver is not working. It can be anything from corruption to outdated driver versions.
Here’s how to troubleshoot Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator that works now.
Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
The Hardware and Devices troubleshooter can help resolve most of your driver-related issues.
Follow the steps below to run the troubleshooter:
- Locate the command prompt in the search bar and open it.
- Type or copy and paste the following into the new panel.
msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
- In the new window click Next one.
- Follow the directions.
Update or reinstall the driver
Corrupted and outdated drivers can cause noticeable performance loss, make your PC less responsive, and even cause various errors. Updating or reinstalling the Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator will help resolve any corrupted or outdated driver issue.
Here’s how to update or reinstall your device driver.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box.
- Type
devmgmt.mscand press Enter. - In Device Manager, double click Software Devices.
- Right click on Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator and tap Update driver or Remove device.
After a reboot, your Windows PC will automatically download Microsoft Association Root Enumerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Microsoft RRAS Root Enumerator?
Microsoft RRAS Root Enumerator is a Windows device driver used to run legacy devices. The driver is useful if you specifically want to use old and outdated devices on your modern computer. Other than that, the driver is pretty useless.
Should I disable Microsoft RRAS Root Enumerator?
If you are not using old and outdated devices, disabling Microsoft RRAS Root Enumerator will do absolutely nothing for your PC. It is safe to disable this driver. However, enabling or disabling the driver is much the same if you are not using older devices.
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