Rolling back drivers on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can help fix issues caused by recent driver updates. If your system is acting up after a driver update, rolling back to a previous version might be your solution. In Windows 11, you can easily access the Device Manager, locate the problematic driver, and with a few clicks, revert to its earlier version. This process ensures your computer runs smoothly without the hiccups brought on by new, incompatible, or buggy drivers.
Rolling Back Drivers in Windows 11
This step-by-step guide will show you how to roll back drivers on Windows 11, helping you return to a stable driver version and restore system performance.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
Click on the Start button and type “Device Manager,” then select it from the list.
Device Manager is the hub for managing hardware devices and their drivers on your computer. By accessing it, you’ll be able to view all the installed devices and their current drivers.
Step 2: Locate the Device
Find the device whose driver you want to roll back by expanding the categories.
Each category represents a type of device, such as Display adapters or Sound, video, and game controllers. Expanding a category will show you the specific devices under it.
Step 3: Open Device Properties
Right-click on the device and select “Properties.”
The Properties window gives you detailed information about the device, including the current driver version and options to update or roll back the driver.
Step 4: Access the Driver Tab
In the Properties window, click on the “Driver” tab.
This tab contains all the driver-specific options. Here, you can see the driver version, provider, and dates, along with buttons to update, roll back, or uninstall the driver.
Step 5: Roll Back the Driver
Click the “Roll Back Driver” button and follow the prompts.
Rolling back will uninstall the current driver version and reinstall the previous one. This is useful if the latest update has caused problems with your device.
After successfully rolling back a driver, your system should return to its previous state of stability. Any issues caused by the new driver should be resolved, allowing your device to function as it did before the update.
Tips for Rolling Back Drivers on Windows 11
- Always create a system restore point before rolling back drivers. It acts as a safety net in case something goes wrong.
- Check the manufacturer’s website for any known issues with recent driver updates.
- If the roll-back option is grayed out, it means there is no previous version available for your driver.
- Consider updating other system drivers if you experience persistent issues after rolling back.
- It’s a good idea to keep a backup of critical data, even though rolling back drivers is usually safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a driver rollback?
A driver rollback is the process of reverting a hardware driver to a previous version. It’s often used to fix issues that arise from a recent driver update.
Why can’t I roll back my driver?
If the “Roll Back Driver” button is grayed out, it means Windows doesn’t have a previous version available. This could be because the driver was never updated or the old version was deleted.
Is rolling back drivers safe?
Yes, rolling back drivers is generally safe and can resolve issues caused by problematic updates. However, you should always back up important data and create a system restore point first.
How do I know if a driver update is causing issues?
If your device starts malfunctioning, crashing, or if you encounter blue screens after a driver update, the update might be the cause.
Will rolling back drivers affect other software?
Rolling back a driver should not affect other software on your computer. It only changes the driver for a specific device.
Summary
- Open Device Manager.
- Locate the Device.
- Open Device Properties.
- Access the Driver Tab.
- Roll Back the Driver.
Conclusion
Rolling back drivers in Windows 11 is a handy skill to have up your sleeve. It’s like having a rewind button for your system’s software, letting you step back in time to when everything worked smoothly. Windows 11 makes this task pretty straightforward, so even if you’re not a tech wizard, you can still handle it with ease.
If you find yourself facing device issues after a driver update, don’t panic. Just follow the steps outlined above, and you should be back on track in no time. Remember, technology is here to make our lives easier, but sometimes it just needs a little nudge in the right direction. If this approach doesn’t resolve your issue, it may be worth exploring other troubleshooting options or seeking professional help.
Always keep your system updated, but when updates go awry, know that rolling back is an option. With these tips and steps, you’re well-equipped to manage your device’s drivers and keep them functioning optimally. For more in-depth explanations or advanced troubleshooting, consider visiting tech forums or the official Microsoft support site.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.