Sometimes, after updating your GPU driver on Windows 11, you might experience issues like crashes or poor performance. Downgrading the GPU driver to a previous version can help fix these compatibility problems.
This guide will walk you through the process of safely rolling back your GPU driver step-by-step. No technical expertise is required.
Follow the instructions carefully to avoid potential issues and restore your system stability.
Let’s get started with the easiest methods and move to more advanced options if needed.
Quick Note Before You Begin
- Make sure you know your GPU model (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) to download the correct driver version.
- Have a stable internet connection to download older drivers if necessary.
- Create a system restore point to safeguard your PC before making changes.
- Close all running applications to avoid conflicts during the driver rollback.
Step 1: Use Device Manager to Roll Back the GPU Driver
This is the simplest and most straightforward way to downgrade your GPU driver on Windows 11. The Device Manager has a built-in “Roll Back Driver” feature that will restore the previous version of the driver.
- Press
Windows + Xon your keyboard and select Device Manager from the menu. - In Device Manager, expand the Display adapters section by clicking the arrow next to it.
- Right-click on your GPU device and select Properties.
- In the Properties window, go to the Driver tab.
- Click the Roll Back Driver button. If this button is grayed out, it means there is no previous driver version stored on your PC.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the rollback process.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Why this step is important: The roll back feature helps undo recent driver updates without needing to manually search for older driver files.
Step 2: Manually Download and Install an Older Driver Version
If the “Roll Back Driver” option is unavailable or doesn’t fix your problem, you can manually download and install an older driver version from the manufacturer’s website.
- Visit the official website of your GPU manufacturer:
- Enter your GPU model and select the correct operating system (Windows 11 64-bit).
- Look for previous driver versions or a “Beta and Older Drivers” section.
- Download the driver version you want to install.
- Before installing, uninstall the current GPU driver:
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Find your GPU driver software (NVIDIA Control Panel, AMD Software, Intel Graphics Command Center).
- Click Uninstall and follow the prompts.
- Once uninstalled, run the downloaded older driver installer and follow the instructions.
- Restart your PC once installation is complete.
Why this step helps: Manually installing an older driver version lets you pick a specific, stable version that works best for your system.
Step 3: Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) for a Clean Driver Removal
If you are facing persistent issues, it might be necessary to completely remove all traces of the current driver before installing an older one. Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) is a free tool that helps with this process.
- Download Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) from the official website.
- Boot your PC into Safe Mode:
- Open Settings > System > Recovery.
- Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
- After restart, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- Press
4to enter Safe Mode.
- Run DDU and select the GPU type (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
- Click Clean and restart to completely remove the driver.
- After reboot, install the older driver version you previously downloaded.
- Restart your PC again once installation is finished.
Why use DDU? It ensures no leftover files interfere with the new driver installation, reducing chances of errors.
Alternative Method: Use Windows Update Catalog
If you want to try a specific driver version that Windows Update offers, you can manually download it from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
- Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog.
- Search your GPU model and driver version number.
- Download the appropriate driver package.
- Install it manually by running the setup or using Device Manager’s “Update driver” option and selecting “Browse my computer for drivers.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I downgrade my GPU driver without uninstalling the current one?
If the “Roll Back Driver” option is available, you can downgrade without uninstalling. Otherwise, uninstalling first is recommended to avoid conflicts.
Will downgrading my GPU driver affect gaming performance?
Older drivers might be less optimized for new games but can improve stability if the latest driver causes issues.
How do I know which driver version to downgrade to?
Check the GPU manufacturer’s release notes or forums for stable versions compatible with your system and software.
Is it safe to use third-party driver update tools?
It’s best to use official sources or trusted tools like DDU for uninstallation. Third-party update tools may cause issues or install incorrect drivers.
Can I update back to the latest driver after downgrading?
Yes, you can always update back to the latest version via Windows Update or the manufacturer’s website.
When Nothing Works
If you continue to experience problems after downgrading:
- Try contacting your GPU manufacturer’s support for personalized help.
- Visit Microsoft’s Windows Support for system troubleshooting.
- Consider performing a system restore to a point before the driver update.
- If hardware issues persist, check your GPU for physical problems or overheating.
Conclusion
Downgrading your GPU driver on Windows 11 is a practical way to fix compatibility and stability issues caused by recent updates. Starting with the Device Manager roll back option is quick and easy. If that doesn’t work, manually installing an older driver or using Display Driver Uninstaller ensures a clean setup.
Remember to take precautions like creating restore points and downloading drivers only from official sources. With these steps, you can maintain a smooth and stable graphics experience on your PC.