How to Use PnPUtil to Remove Drivers in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Removing unnecessary or problematic drivers from your Windows 11 system can help improve performance and resolve hardware conflicts. PnPUtil is a built-in command-line tool designed to manage driver packages effectively. It allows you to add, remove, or list drivers installed on your computer.

Using PnPUtil to remove drivers is straightforward but requires careful attention to avoid removing essential drivers. This guide will walk you through each step in a simple and clear manner.

If you want to keep your system clean or troubleshoot driver issues, learning how to use PnPUtil is very useful. Let’s explore how to safely remove drivers using this tool.

By following the steps below, even beginners can manage drivers without needing advanced technical knowledge.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before you start removing drivers, there are a few important things to check:

Administrator Access: You need to run commands with administrator privileges to remove drivers.
Identify the Correct Driver: Removing the wrong driver can cause system instability or hardware malfunction.
Backup Your System: Create a restore point or backup important data in case anything goes wrong.
Windows Version: PnPUtil is available on Windows 11, but the interface and commands are the same as in Windows 10.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

To use PnPUtil, you must open the Command Prompt with elevated privileges.

Click the Start button or press the Windows key.
Type cmd in the search box.
Right-click on Command Prompt from the search results.
Select Run as administrator.
If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow.

This step is important because standard user accounts do not have permission to remove drivers.

Step 2: List All Installed Drivers

Before removing a driver, you need to know its exact name or published name.

Run the following command to list all installed third-party drivers on your system:

pnputil /enum-drivers

This command displays a list of drivers with details like:

Published Name (e.g., oem0.inf)
Original File Name
Driver Provider
Date and Version

Look carefully for the driver you want to remove. The Published Name is what you will use in the next step.

Step 3: Remove the Driver Using PnPUtil

Once you have identified the driver’s published name, you can remove it by running:

pnputil /delete-driver <PublishedName> /uninstall /force

For example, if the driver name is oem12.inf, the command will be:

pnputil /delete-driver oem12.inf /uninstall /force

Explanation of the command options:

/delete-driver specifies that you want to remove a driver package.
<PublishedName> is the exact driver name you found earlier.
/uninstall removes the driver from any devices currently using it.
/force forces deletion even if the driver is in use.

Important: Using /force can cause issues if the driver is critical or still needed by hardware. Use it carefully.

Step 4: Verify Driver Removal

After running the removal command, it’s a good idea to check if the driver has been successfully deleted.

Run the list command again:

pnputil /enum-drivers

If the driver no longer appears, it has been removed successfully. If it still shows up, you may need to reboot your PC and check again.

Alternative Method: Using Device Manager

If you prefer a graphical interface, you can remove device drivers using Device Manager:

Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Find the device whose driver you want to remove.
Right-click the device and select Uninstall device.
Check the box Delete the driver software for this device if available.
Click Uninstall and restart your computer.

This method is easier for beginners but may not remove all driver package files from the system like PnPUtil does.

FAQs

Can I remove drivers that Windows is currently using?

Usually, Windows prevents removing drivers in use. Using /force can override this, but it may cause hardware to stop working until reboot.

What happens if I remove the wrong driver?

Removing essential drivers can cause hardware malfunctions or system instability. Always create a backup or restore point before making changes.

Is PnPUtil available in all editions of Windows 11?

Yes, PnPUtil is included by default in all editions of Windows 11.

Can I reinstall a driver after deleting it with PnPUtil?

Yes, you can reinstall drivers manually or let Windows update install them automatically after reboot.

How do I find the published name of a driver?

Use pnputil /enum-drivers to list all drivers with their published names.

When Nothing Works

If you encounter issues removing drivers or the device malfunctions after removal, try these steps:

System Restore: Use a restore point to revert to a previous state.
Safe Mode: Boot into Safe Mode and try removing the driver again.
Windows Update: Check for updates that might fix driver issues.
Official Support: Visit the Microsoft support site or your device manufacturer’s website for specific tools or advice.

Conclusion

Removing drivers with PnPUtil on Windows 11 is a powerful way to manage your system’s hardware software. By carefully listing drivers, identifying the correct one, and using the proper commands, you can safely clean up unnecessary or problematic drivers.

Remember to always back up your system and proceed cautiously, especially when forcing removal. For most users, combining PnPUtil with graphical tools like Device Manager offers a comprehensive approach to driver management.

With these instructions, you should feel confident removing drivers on Windows 11 as needed, keeping your PC running smoothly and efficiently.