How to Completely Remove Intel Drivers on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Removing Intel drivers from a Windows 11 system can help resolve compatibility issues or allow you to install fresh drivers. It’s important to remove these drivers completely to avoid conflicts. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you understand each action.

Whether you want to update your drivers or troubleshoot hardware problems, uninstalling Intel drivers properly is essential. The process may seem technical, but we’ll keep it simple and clear. Follow along carefully to avoid any mistakes.

Before starting, make sure your data is backed up and you have an alternative way to access the internet if needed. This is especially important if you need to download new drivers later.

Let’s begin with the basic checks and then move step-by-step through uninstalling Intel drivers on Windows 11.

Quick Note

Before proceeding, please ensure the following:

You are logged in with an administrator account, as uninstalling drivers requires admin rights.
Backup any important files or system restore points, in case you need to revert changes.
Close all running programs to avoid conflicts during the driver removal process.
Have a stable internet connection ready for downloading new drivers if necessary.

Step 1: Open Device Manager

The Device Manager is the primary tool in Windows for managing hardware and its drivers. This is where you can view and uninstall Intel drivers.

Click the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
Type Device Manager in the search bar and press Enter.
The Device Manager window will open, showing a list of all hardware categories.

Why this step matters: Accessing Device Manager allows you to locate the Intel drivers installed on your system easily.

Step 2: Locate Intel Drivers

Intel drivers may be listed under categories such as “Display adapters,” “Network adapters,” or “Processors,” depending on the hardware.

Expand relevant categories by clicking the arrow next to each category name.
Look for any devices that mention “Intel” in their name, for example, “Intel(R) HD Graphics” or “Intel(R) Ethernet Connection.”

Why this step matters: Identifying the correct Intel device ensures you only uninstall what is necessary, avoiding accidental removal of unrelated drivers.

Step 3: Uninstall Intel Drivers

Now, you can uninstall the driver for the Intel device you identified.

Right-click the Intel device name.
Select Uninstall device from the context menu.
A confirmation window will appear. Check the box that says Delete the driver software for this device to remove the driver files completely.
Click Uninstall to proceed.

Why this step matters: Choosing to delete driver software ensures Windows does not keep using the old driver files, which might cause conflicts later.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

After uninstalling, restart your PC to complete the removal process.

Click the Start button.
Select Power and then Restart.

Restarting ensures that Windows correctly removes the driver from its active configuration and prepares the system for a fresh driver installation if needed.

Alternative Method: Using Intel Driver & Support Assistant

Intel provides a tool called the Intel Driver & Support Assistant that can automatically detect and uninstall Intel drivers.

Download and install the tool from Intel’s official website.
Run the tool; it will scan your system for Intel drivers.
Follow the prompts to update or uninstall drivers as needed.

This method is useful if you prefer an automated approach or want to ensure all Intel drivers are managed properly.

Advanced Option: Use System Restore

If uninstalling drivers causes unexpected issues, you can use System Restore to revert your computer to a previous state before the driver changes.

Press Windows + S and type Create a restore point.
Select the matching result to open System Properties.
Click System Restore and follow the instructions to select a restore point.
Restore your system to a date before uninstalling the Intel drivers.

Using System Restore is a safe way to undo changes without affecting your personal files.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I uninstall Intel drivers without administrator rights?

No, uninstalling device drivers requires administrator privileges. Make sure you are logged into an administrator account before proceeding.

Will Windows automatically reinstall Intel drivers after uninstalling?

Sometimes, Windows will detect missing drivers after a restart and attempt to reinstall default drivers. To prevent this, you can disable automatic driver updates temporarily or manually control driver installations.

How do I reinstall Intel drivers after uninstalling?

You can download the latest drivers directly from the Intel Download Center or use the Intel Driver & Support Assistant for easy installation.

Is it safe to uninstall Intel graphics drivers?

Yes, but only if you plan to reinstall updated drivers or if you are troubleshooting issues. Removing graphics drivers without replacement may cause display problems temporarily.

What if Device Manager does not show Intel devices?

Try enabling hidden devices by clicking View > Show hidden devices in Device Manager. If still not visible, the drivers may already be removed or integrated differently.

When Nothing Works

If you are unable to remove Intel drivers using the above methods, consider the following options:

Use Safe Mode to uninstall drivers with minimal system interference.
Run the Intel Driver & Support Assistant to manage drivers automatically.
Contact Intel support or visit the official Intel Support page for help.
Consult Microsoft’s troubleshooting resources for driver issues on Windows 11.

Conclusion

Completely removing Intel drivers from Windows 11 is straightforward when following the right steps. Using Device Manager to uninstall drivers and deleting driver software ensures a clean removal. Restarting your system finalizes the process.

Alternative tools like the Intel Driver & Support Assistant can simplify the task, while options like System Restore provide safety nets in case of problems. Always remember to back up your data and work with administrator privileges.

By carefully following this guide, you can manage Intel drivers effectively and keep your Windows 11 system running smoothly.