Rolling back NVIDIA drivers on Windows 11 can be a lifesaver if your system starts acting up after a driver update. Here’s a quick overview: Open Device Manager, find your NVIDIA graphics card, and use the Roll Back Driver option to revert to a previous version. Simple as that!
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Roll Back NVIDIA Drivers Windows 11
Rolling back NVIDIA drivers on Windows 11 helps if a recent driver update is causing issues. Follow these steps to revert to a stable version.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
Step 1: Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
The Device Manager is your go-to spot for managing all the hardware connected to your computer. When you open it, you’ll see a list of all the devices on your machine.
Step 2: Locate Your NVIDIA Graphics Card
Step 2: Expand the Display adapters section and find your NVIDIA graphics card.
Your NVIDIA card is listed under Display adapters. You might see something like “NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660” or another model. This is the hardware you need to update.
Step 3: Open the Properties Menu
Step 3: Right-click on your NVIDIA card and select Properties.
Right-clicking brings up a menu with various options. Properties will give you detailed information about the device and let you change its settings.
Step 4: Roll Back Driver
Step 4: Navigate to the Driver tab and click on Roll Back Driver.
In the Driver tab, you’ll see several options. Click on Roll Back Driver to revert to the previous version. This option is only available if a previous version was installed.
Step 5: Follow the Prompts
Step 5: Follow any prompts that appear to complete the rollback process.
Windows will ask you a few questions about why you’re rolling back. Choose the options that best describe your situation, and then confirm to start the rollback.
After you complete the rollback, your system will use the previous driver version, which can solve issues caused by the latest update.
Tips for Rolling Back NVIDIA Drivers Windows 11
- Check Driver Versions: Before rolling back, note the current and previous driver versions.
- Backup Your System: Always back up important data before making changes to your drivers.
- Use Official Drivers: Download drivers from NVIDIA’s official website if you need to reinstall.
- Disable Automatic Updates: Temporarily disable Windows Update to prevent automatic updates that might reinstall the problematic driver.
- Monitor Performance: Keep an eye on system performance after rolling back to ensure the issue is resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the Roll Back Driver button is grayed out?
If the Roll Back Driver button is unavailable, it means there’s no previous driver version on your system. You might need to manually download and install an older driver.
Is it safe to roll back NVIDIA drivers?
Yes, rolling back drivers is safe. It simply restores a previous version that was already used on your system.
How do I prevent Windows 11 from automatically updating my NVIDIA drivers?
You can temporarily stop automatic updates by pausing Windows Update. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Pause updates.
Can I roll back NVIDIA drivers using a third-party tool?
While it’s possible, it’s not recommended. Using Device Manager ensures you’re making changes within the Windows environment, reducing the risk of system errors.
Will rolling back drivers affect my games and applications?
Rolling back drivers should not negatively affect your games and applications. In fact, if the new driver caused issues, rolling back may improve their performance.
Summary
- Open Device Manager.
- Locate Your NVIDIA Graphics Card.
- Open the Properties Menu.
- Roll Back Driver.
- Follow the Prompts.
Conclusion
Rolling back NVIDIA drivers on Windows 11 is a straightforward way to fix issues that might arise from a recent update. By following the steps outlined, you can easily revert to a previous driver version and restore your system’s stability. Remember to take precautions like noting driver versions and backing up your data. This not only helps in the rollback process but also ensures your system remains in good health.
If you find that you need to roll back drivers frequently, it might be worth investigating why new updates are causing issues. Sometimes, hardware incompatibilities or other underlying problems can be to blame.
For further reading, consider visiting NVIDIA’s support page or forums. They often have additional tips and advice from other users who might have faced similar issues. Happy computing, and may your system run smoothly with the right drivers in place!
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.