Blog

How to Fix Video Driver Not Working Errors on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Video driver errors on Windows 11 can cause display issues, crashes, or poor performance. These problems often prevent your computer from running smoothly. Fortunately, fixing video driver issues is usually straightforward. This guide will walk you through simple and effective solutions to get your video drivers working again.

Understanding what causes video driver errors will help you avoid them in the future. Common reasons include outdated drivers, corrupted files, or conflicts with recent updates. By following these steps, you can restore your display settings and improve system stability.

This article covers everything from quick checks to advanced troubleshooting. Each solution is explained clearly, ensuring even beginners can follow along without confusion. Let’s get started on fixing your video driver issues on Windows 11.

Remember, taking your time and carefully following each step will give you the best results. If one method doesn’t work, try the next until your problem is resolved.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

Before diving into solutions, make sure you have a few things ready:

  • Stable Internet Connection: Required to download drivers or Windows updates.
  • Administrator Access: You need admin rights to install or update drivers.
  • Backup Important Data: It’s always wise to back up your files in case something goes wrong.
  • Know Your Graphics Card Model: Check Device Manager under “Display adapters” to identify your GPU.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

This might sound simple, but restarting your PC often fixes temporary glitches or conflicts affecting video drivers. A fresh start can clear memory and reload drivers correctly.

How to restart:

  1. Click the Start button or press the Windows key.
  2. Select the Power icon.
  3. Choose Restart.

After rebooting, check if your video driver error still occurs.

Step 2: Update Your Video Driver Automatically

Outdated or corrupted video drivers are the most common cause of errors. Updating drivers ensures you have the latest fixes and improvements from the manufacturer.

How to update using Device Manager:

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
  5. Windows will look for the latest driver and install it if available.

If Windows doesn’t find a new driver, proceed to the next step for manual updates.

Step 3: Manually Download and Install the Latest Driver

If automatic updates don’t work, installing the driver manually from the manufacturer’s website is the best option.

Steps:

  1. Identify your graphics card model by checking Device Manager.
  2. Visit the official website of your GPU manufacturer (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
  3. Search for the latest driver for your specific model and Windows 11.
  4. Download the driver setup file.
  5. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
  6. Restart your PC after installation completes.

This method ensures you get the most compatible driver version, especially if Windows Update misses it.

Step 4: Roll Back to a Previous Driver Version

If your video driver stopped working after a recent update, rolling back to the previous version can help.

How to roll back:

  1. Open Device Manager again.
  2. Right-click your graphics card under Display adapters and select Properties.
  3. Go to the Driver tab.
  4. Click Roll Back Driver (if available).
  5. Follow prompts and restart your computer.

This option is only available if Windows saved the previous driver version.

Step 5: Run Windows Update

Windows updates often include important driver fixes and system patches. Installing them can resolve compatibility issues.

To check for updates:

  1. Click Start and open Settings (Windows + I).
  2. Select Windows Update from the left menu.
  3. Click Check for updates.
  4. Download and install any available updates.
  5. Restart your PC if prompted.

Step 6: Use the Display Driver Uninstaller (Advanced)

If driver issues persist, completely uninstalling the video driver can help. Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) is a free tool that removes all traces of your current driver.

Important: This is an advanced step. Use it only if other methods fail.

How to use DDU:

  1. Download Display Driver Uninstaller from its official site.
  2. Boot Windows 11 into Safe Mode (hold Shift while clicking Restart, then navigate to Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Safe Mode).
  3. Run DDU and select your GPU type.
  4. Click Clean and restart.
  5. After reboot, reinstall the latest driver manually (see Step 3).

This process ensures clean installation, eliminating leftover files that may cause problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my video driver keep failing on Windows 11?

Common causes include outdated drivers, corrupted files, incompatible software, or Windows updates that conflict with your current driver.

Can I use Windows Update to fix all driver issues?

Windows Update covers many drivers but may not always have the latest or most compatible version. Manual updates from the manufacturer are often more reliable.

Is it safe to download drivers from third-party websites?

No. Always download drivers from official manufacturer websites to avoid malware and compatibility problems.

What if my display is blank after updating the driver?

Try booting into Safe Mode and rolling back the driver or reinstalling a previous stable version.

How do I check what video driver version is currently installed?

Open Device Manager, right-click your GPU, select Properties, then go to the Driver tab to see the version and date.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above solutions fix your video driver problem, consider these final options:

  • Contact Official Support: Visit your GPU manufacturer’s support page for help or submit a ticket.
  • Use Windows System Restore: Restore your system to a previous working state if you created restore points.
  • Reset Windows 11: As a last resort, resetting Windows can fix deep system issues. Make sure to back up your data.

For official resources, visit:

Conclusion

Fixing video driver errors on Windows 11 is often a matter of patience and following the right steps. Starting with simple actions like restarting your PC and updating drivers can solve most issues quickly. If problems persist, manual driver installation, rollback, or using advanced tools like DDU may be necessary.

Always ensure you download drivers from trusted sources and keep your system updated to prevent future errors. By applying these solutions, you can restore your computer’s display functionality and enjoy a smoother, more stable Windows 11 experience.

Leave a Reply