If you’ve invested in an Asus motherboard or any compatible RGB peripherals, you’re probably enjoying the vibrant lighting effects controlled through Asus Aura Sync. However, when Asus Aura stops working on your Windows 10 system, it can be frustrating. This is especially true for users who rely heavily on synced RGB lighting effects across multiple components. Fortunately, there are several practical steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem.
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Common Causes of Asus Aura Not Working
Before diving into the solutions, it helps to understand what could cause Asus Aura to malfunction in the first place. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Software conflicts with other RGB or lighting tools
- Outdated or incompatible Aura Sync software
- Missing or corrupted system files
- Incompatible Windows updates
- Hardware compatibility issues
Once you’ve identified a probable cause, you can start to fix the issue using the steps below.
1. Uninstall Conflicting Software
RGB-related software from brands like MSI, Gigabyte, or even Razer can conflict with Aura Sync. If you’re using more than one lighting control utility, try uninstalling them to check if that’s the source of the problem.
Steps:
- Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
- Look for software like MSI Mystic Light, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, or Razer Synapse.
- Uninstall them and restart your PC.
2. Reinstall or Update Asus Aura Sync
Sometimes, the software itself may be out-of-date or corrupted. A clean reinstallation often resolves issues quickly.
How to reinstall Aura Sync:
- Uninstall Aura Sync using the uninstaller tool provided by Asus.
- Delete the Program Files (x86)\ASUS and ProgramData\ASUS folders.
- Restart your system.
- Download the latest version of Aura Sync from the official Asus website.
- Install and run it as administrator.
3. Enable Lighting in BIOS
Sometimes Aura won’t work because the motherboard lighting is disabled in the BIOS. You’ll need to ensure that this feature is enabled.
Steps:
- Reboot your PC and enter BIOS by pressing Del or F2.
- Navigate to the Advanced or Onboard Devices section.
- Ensure that options like LED lighting or Aura RGB are enabled.
- Save and exit BIOS settings.
4. Run Aura Sync as Administrator
Limited permissions can sometimes prevent Aura from accessing certain resources. Running the software as an administrator ensures it can function fully.
Tip: Right-click the Aura Sync shortcut and select “Run as Administrator”. You can also modify the shortcut properties to always open it this way.
5. Check for Windows 10 Compatibility Issues
Some users experience issues after a Windows update. This can lead to compatibility conflicts with Asus Aura.
If you suspect that a recent Windows 10 update is causing the issue:
- Use System Restore to roll back to a previous state.
- Pause Windows updates temporarily to avoid recurring issues.
- Check with Asus for an updated version of Aura Sync that supports the latest Windows build.
6. Use Armoury Crate Instead
Asus is gradually transitioning from Aura Sync to its more comprehensive utility, Armoury Crate. This software offers a unified interface for controlling lighting and other hardware features on Asus components.
Steps to install Armoury Crate:
- Uninstall Aura Sync if it’s still installed.
- Download Armoury Crate from the Asus website.
- Install it and access the Aura Effects module within the app.
7. Perform a Clean Boot
Sometimes third-party startup programs interfere with Aura Sync. Performing a clean boot can help isolate such issues.
How to do it:
- Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
- Go to the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services.
- Click Disable all, then go to the Startup tab and open Task Manager.
- Disable all startup items and restart your PC.
If Armoury Crate or Aura Sync works after this, you can selectively enable services to identify the conflict.
Conclusion
While Asus Aura not working on Windows 10 can be a nuisance, the issue is usually easy to resolve with the right troubleshooting steps. Whether it’s a software conflict, outdated application, or a deeper BIOS setting, tackling the problem logically will often bring your vibrant RGB lighting back to life. If all else fails, remember that Asus customer support and forums can offer valuable help tailored to your specific motherboard or component.