how to roll back NVIDIA drivers Windows 11
Rolling back NVIDIA drivers on Windows 11 involves reverting to a previous version of the driver, which can resolve issues like system instability or poor performance after a recent update. This can be done through the Device Manager by selecting the problematic driver and choosing the rollback option. By following the steps below, you can quickly and efficiently roll back your NVIDIA drivers and restore your system’s performance.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Roll Back NVIDIA Drivers on Windows 11
Rolling back NVIDIA drivers on Windows 11 will restore an older version of the driver, potentially fixing any issues introduced by recent updates. Follow these simple steps to complete the process.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
First, press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
This will open a window displaying all your system’s hardware components. Device Manager is the go-to tool for managing hardware and drivers on Windows.
Step 2: Locate Display Adapters
Next, find and expand the "Display adapters" section.
This section lists all the graphics adapters installed on your computer. Your NVIDIA graphics card should be listed here.
Step 3: Right-Click on NVIDIA Graphics Card
Right-click on your NVIDIA graphics card and select "Properties."
A properties window will open, displaying detailed information about the selected device, including driver details.
Step 4: Go to the Driver Tab
In the properties window, navigate to the "Driver" tab.
This tab contains options to update, disable, uninstall, or roll back the driver. The rollback option will be our focus here.
Step 5: Click Roll Back Driver
Select "Roll Back Driver" and follow the on-screen instructions.
If the option is grayed out, it means there’s no previous driver to roll back to, and you may need to manually install an older driver version from NVIDIA’s website.
After you complete these steps, your system should revert to the previous driver version, which will help resolve any issues caused by the latest update.
Tips for how to roll back NVIDIA drivers Windows 11
- Ensure you have administrative privileges before attempting to roll back drivers.
- Back up important data before making any changes to your system, just in case.
- Check NVIDIA’s website for older driver versions if the rollback option is unavailable.
- Keep your Windows 11 system updated to avoid compatibility issues.
- Consider using System Restore to revert to a previous system state if the driver rollback doesn’t resolve the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I roll back to any previous version of the NVIDIA driver?
You can only roll back to the immediately preceding version unless you manually install an older driver.
What if the rollback option is grayed out?
If the rollback option is grayed out, there may be no previous driver to revert to. You can manually download and install an older version from the NVIDIA website.
Will rolling back the driver affect my system’s performance?
Rolling back to a stable driver version should improve performance if the latest update caused issues.
How can I find out which driver version is currently installed?
You can find the driver version in the "Driver" tab of the properties window in Device Manager.
Is it safe to roll back NVIDIA drivers?
Yes, it is generally safe to roll back drivers, but always back up important data before making changes to your system.
Summary
- Open Device Manager.
- Locate Display Adapters.
- Right-click on NVIDIA Graphics Card.
- Go to the Driver Tab.
- Click Roll Back Driver
Conclusion
Rolling back NVIDIA drivers on Windows 11 can be an effective solution for addressing performance and stability issues caused by recent driver updates. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily revert to a previous driver version, ensuring your system runs smoothly. Remember to always back up your important data and keep your system updated. If you encounter any issues, consider consulting NVIDIA’s support resources or forums for further assistance. Reverting your drivers is a straightforward process that can save you a lot of headaches, ensuring your computer stays in top shape.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.