How to Roll Back Device Drivers in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Driver Errors

Sometimes, after updating a device driver in Windows 11, your hardware may stop working correctly. This can cause errors, crashes, or unexpected behavior. Rolling back a driver allows you to revert to the previous version that was working fine.

Rolling back device drivers is a simple and effective way to fix driver-related problems without complicated troubleshooting. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step in an easy-to-understand way.

Whether you’re dealing with graphics, network, or sound drivers, the rollback feature is built into Windows 11 to help you restore stability quickly. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow these instructions.

Let’s get started with the basics and move towards more advanced options if needed.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Ensure you have administrative rights: You need to be logged in as an administrator to roll back drivers.
Check if the Roll Back option is available: Not all drivers have a previous version saved, so the rollback button may be greyed out.
Save your work: Some steps may require restarting your computer, so save any open files.
Know your device: Identify which device (e.g., display adapter, network adapter) is causing the issue.

Step 1: Open Device Manager

Device Manager is the tool where you manage hardware drivers in Windows 11. To open it:

Click on the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
Type Device Manager in the search bar.
Select Device Manager from the search results.

This opens a window listing all the hardware devices on your computer.

Step 2: Find the Device With the Problem

Look through the categories to find the device that is causing issues. For example:

If your screen is flickering or graphics are slow, expand Display adapters.
If your internet isn’t working, expand Network adapters.
For sound issues, expand Sound, video and game controllers.

Click the arrow next to the category to see the devices inside.

Step 3: Access the Driver Properties

Right-click on the device name.
Select Properties from the menu.

A new window will open showing details about the device.

Step 4: Roll Back the Driver

In the device properties window, click the Driver tab at the top.
Look for the Roll Back Driver button.
If the button is clickable, click it.
Windows will ask you to provide a reason for rolling back. Choose a reason or type your own, then click Yes or OK.
Wait while Windows restores the previous driver version.
Once complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Why this step is important: Rolling back helps undo problematic updates that may cause hardware to malfunction. It does not remove the device or affect your data.

Step 5: What to Do If Roll Back Driver is Greyed Out

If the rollback button is greyed out, it means Windows does not have a previous driver version saved for that device. In this case, try these alternatives:

Use System Restore: Restore your PC to a point before the driver update. Search for Create a restore point in Start and open System Restore.
Manually install an older driver: Visit the device manufacturer’s website, download the previous driver version, and install it manually.
Uninstall and reinstall the device: In Device Manager, right-click the device, choose Uninstall device, then restart your PC. Windows will attempt to reinstall a compatible driver.

Advanced Option: Use Device Manager to Update Driver to a Specific Version

If you have the driver files saved from the previous version, you can manually update the driver:

Right-click the device in Device Manager and select Update driver.
Choose Browse my computer for drivers.
Select the folder containing the older driver files.
Follow the prompts to install the driver.
Restart your PC when done.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I roll back any driver in Windows 11?

Not always. The roll back option is only available if Windows has a previous driver version stored. Otherwise, you need to use alternative methods.

Will rolling back a driver cause data loss?

No, rolling back only affects the driver software and does not delete personal files or data.

What if my device still doesn’t work after rolling back the driver?

If problems persist, try uninstalling and reinstalling the driver or using System Restore to fix system-related issues.

Can I roll back drivers for external devices like printers?

Yes, if the driver update caused issues, you can roll back drivers for most external devices using the same steps.

Is rolling back drivers safe?

Yes, it is a safe and recommended method to fix driver-related problems when new updates cause issues.

When Nothing Works

If rolling back drivers and other troubleshooting steps don’t fix your problem, consider these final options:

Contact device manufacturer support: They may have specific fixes or updated drivers.
Use Windows Update Troubleshooter: Search for “Troubleshoot” in the Start menu and run the troubleshooter for hardware issues.
Visit Microsoft Support: Official help can be found at support.microsoft.com.
Reset or reinstall Windows: As a last resort, you can reset your PC to factory settings, but back up your data first.

Conclusion

Rolling back device drivers in Windows 11 is an easy and effective way to fix problems caused by faulty driver updates. By following the simple steps in Device Manager, you can restore your hardware to a stable state without technical hassle.

Always start with the rollback option because it’s quick and safe. If that’s not available, try manual driver installation or system restore. Remember to keep your system backed up before making major changes.

With this guide, you should be able to troubleshoot and fix most driver errors on your Windows 11 PC confidently and efficiently.