Uninstalling NVIDIA drivers on Windows 11 can be a straightforward process. First, you’ll need to access the Device Manager, find your NVIDIA graphics card under the display adapters section, and uninstall the device. After this, you should restart your computer to complete the process. Additionally, you might want to use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) for a clean uninstall.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Uninstall NVIDIA Drivers Windows 11
Before you start, it’s important to know that uninstalling your NVIDIA drivers will cause your system to rely on generic drivers, leading to lower performance in graphics-intensive applications.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager from the menu.
The Device Manager is a system tool that allows you to view and control the hardware attached to your computer. Once you have it open, you’ll be able to see all the devices that are currently installed on your system.
Step 2: Locate Your NVIDIA Graphics Card
Scroll down to "Display adapters," click the arrow beside it and find your NVIDIA graphics card.
Your graphics card should be listed here. If you have more than one, they’ll all be displayed under this section.
Step 3: Uninstall the Device
Right-click on the NVIDIA graphics card and select "Uninstall device" from the context menu.
A dialog box will appear, asking you to confirm your decision. Check the box that says "Delete the driver software for this device" if available, and then click "Uninstall".
Step 4: Restart Your Computer
After the uninstallation is complete, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
Rebooting will remove any remaining files and complete the uninstallation process.
After uninstalling the drivers and restarting your computer, Windows will use default graphics drivers. However, if you’re planning to install a new graphics card or update your drivers, you should do so after this process is complete.
Tips: Uninstalling NVIDIA Drivers Windows 11
- Before uninstalling your NVIDIA drivers, ensure that you have downloaded the new driver version if you plan on updating, or have the installation media for your new graphics card ready.
- It’s a good idea to create a system restore point before making any changes. This way, you can easily revert back if something goes wrong.
- In case the standard uninstallation process doesn’t completely remove the drivers, consider using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode for a more thorough uninstall.
- If you encounter issues after uninstalling the drivers, you might need to manually delete leftover files and registry entries related to NVIDIA.
- Always restart your computer after uninstalling drivers to ensure that the changes have been applied correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU)?
DDU is a third-party tool that can completely remove graphics drivers from your system, ensuring a clean slate for a fresh driver installation.
Can I uninstall NVIDIA drivers without internet access?
Yes, you can uninstall the drivers without an internet connection. However, if you plan to update or reinstall them, you will need internet access to download the drivers.
Will my computer work without NVIDIA drivers?
Yes, your computer will still work. Windows will use basic drivers to display graphics, but the performance in games and other graphic-intensive applications will be reduced.
What should I do if my screen goes black during the uninstallation process?
If your screen goes black, it might be a temporary glitch. Wait a few minutes to see if it recovers. If not, restart your computer, and it should use the default graphics driver upon booting up.
Can I reinstall NVIDIA drivers after uninstalling them?
Absolutely! You can reinstall the drivers at any time, either by downloading them from NVIDIA’s website or through Windows Update.
Summary
- Open Device Manager.
- Locate NVIDIA Graphics Card.
- Uninstall the Device.
- Restart Your Computer.
Conclusion
Uninstalling NVIDIA drivers on Windows 11 is a simple task that can be done in just a few steps. Whether you’re troubleshooting, upgrading your hardware, or simply starting fresh, it’s essential to ensure that the uninstallation is done correctly to avoid any potential issues. Remember to be cautious and back up your data before proceeding. After uninstalling the drivers, your system will not perform as well in graphics-heavy tasks until the drivers are reinstalled, but it will continue to function for basic use. If you’ve followed the steps in this guide, you should now have a clean slate to work with, whether that’s updating your NVIDIA drivers or taking a different route with your system’s graphics capabilities.
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.