Rolling back your NVIDIA drivers on Windows 10 can help fix issues caused by a recent update or restore functionality that was lost. To start, you’ll need to access the Device Manager, find your NVIDIA graphics card, and then use the rollback feature. Follow these steps to get your previous driver back and ensure your computer runs smoothly again.
How to Roll Back NVIDIA Drivers Windows 10
Rolling back your NVIDIA drivers on Windows 10 involves accessing the Device Manager, finding your NVIDIA graphics card, and using the rollback feature. This process will help you revert to a previous driver version that may be more stable or better suited to your system.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager from the menu that appears.
Device Manager is a tool that lets you manage all your hardware devices. By opening it, you can easily find and manage your graphics card.
Step 2: Locate Your NVIDIA Graphics Card
Expand the Display adapters category and right-click on your NVIDIA graphics card.
The Display adapters category lists all the graphics devices connected to your computer. Right-clicking on your NVIDIA card will give you options to manage it.
Step 3: Open Properties
From the context menu, select Properties.
The Properties window will give you detailed information about your graphics card, including driver details and options to manage them.
Step 4: Navigate to Driver Tab
Click the Driver tab at the top of the Properties window.
The Driver tab contains all the options related to your device’s driver, including updates, rollback, and uninstallation features.
Step 5: Click Roll Back Driver
Press the Roll Back Driver button and follow the on-screen prompts.
Clicking this button will prompt Windows to revert to a previously installed driver, which can solve issues caused by recent updates.
What Happens After Rolling Back
Once you’ve rolled back the driver, Windows 10 will revert to the previously installed version of the NVIDIA driver. Your display may blink or go black for a moment during the process. Afterward, any issues caused by the new driver should be resolved. You might need to restart your computer for the changes to take full effect.
Tips for Rolling Back NVIDIA Drivers Windows 10
- Always create a backup: Before making any changes to your system, it’s a good idea to create a backup of important files.
- Note the driver version: Jot down the driver version you are currently using before rolling back, in case you need to reference it later.
- Check compatibility: Ensure the previous driver version is compatible with your version of Windows 10.
- Monitor performance: After rolling back, test your system’s performance to ensure the previous driver resolves the issues.
- Update cautiously: Be careful when updating drivers in the future, reading reviews or checking forums for reported issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the Roll Back Driver button is greyed out?
The Roll Back Driver button may be greyed out if there is no previous driver to revert to. This can happen if you’ve never updated the driver before.
Can I manually install an older driver?
Yes, you can download older driver versions from the NVIDIA website and install them manually if the rollback option isn’t available.
Will rolling back the driver affect my games?
Rolling back to a more stable driver version can improve game performance if the new driver has issues. However, some newer games may require the latest driver updates.
How often should I update my graphics drivers?
It’s best to update your graphics drivers when needed, such as when a new game requires it or when a driver update is known to fix specific issues.
Is rolling back drivers safe?
Yes, rolling back drivers is a safe process managed by Windows. It helps revert to a previous, more stable driver version if the latest one causes problems.
Summary
- Open Device Manager.
- Locate your NVIDIA graphics card.
- Open Properties.
- Navigate to Driver Tab.
- Click Roll Back Driver.
Conclusion
Rolling back NVIDIA drivers in Windows 10 is a simple yet effective way to resolve issues caused by recent driver updates. Whether you’re facing problems with your display, game performance, or other graphics-related issues, rolling back to a previous driver can often be the fix you need. Always remember to take precautions like creating backups and noting down your current driver version before making changes.
If you’re constantly running into issues with new driver updates, it might be worth checking the NVIDIA forums or support channels for advice. Staying informed and cautiously updating your drivers can help you maintain a stable and smooth-running system. So, the next time your NVIDIA graphics driver gives you trouble, you’ll know exactly what to do!
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.