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

If you’re using a Windows 11 PC with an NVIDIA graphics card, sometimes the NVIDIA driver may stop working properly. This can cause issues like poor graphics performance, crashes, or the inability to play games smoothly.

Fixing the NVIDIA driver problem doesn’t have to be complicated. There are several simple steps you can try, starting with the easiest solutions.

This guide will walk you through detailed steps on how to get your NVIDIA driver working again on Windows 11. Each step is explained clearly so anyone can follow along.

By the end, you should have a better understanding of how to troubleshoot and fix common NVIDIA driver issues.

Quick Note Before You Start

Before diving into fixes, make sure you have the following ready:

  • A stable internet connection to download drivers or updates.
  • Your Windows 11 system is up to date with the latest updates installed.
  • You know which NVIDIA graphics card model is installed in your PC.
  • Basic familiarity with Windows Device Manager and downloading files from official websites.

These basics will help ensure the troubleshooting process goes smoothly.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, the simplest fix works best. Restarting your computer can clear temporary glitches affecting the NVIDIA driver.

Why this helps: A reboot resets system processes and can reload drivers correctly.

  1. Click the Start menu.
  2. Select the Power icon.
  3. Choose Restart.
  4. After the system restarts, check if the NVIDIA driver issue persists.

Step 2: Check Windows Updates

Windows updates often include important driver fixes or patches that can resolve compatibility problems.

How to check:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Click on Windows Update from the sidebar.
  3. Click Check for updates.
  4. If updates are available, download and install them.
  5. Restart your PC after updates finish installing.

Updating Windows helps ensure your system and drivers work well together.

Step 3: Update the NVIDIA Driver Manually

Manually updating the NVIDIA driver ensures you have the latest version optimized for your graphics card and Windows 11.

Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Open a web browser and go to the official NVIDIA Driver Download page.
  2. Select your graphics card details: product type, series, and model.
  3. Choose Windows 11 as your operating system.
  4. Click Search, then download the latest driver listed.
  5. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
  6. When installation completes, restart your computer.

Why this is important: Using the latest drivers can fix bugs and improve performance specific to Windows 11.

Step 4: Use Device Manager to Reinstall the Driver

If updating didn’t help, try reinstalling the driver via Device Manager. This removes any corrupted driver files and reinstalls fresh ones.

Here’s how:

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click on your NVIDIA graphics card and select Uninstall device.
  4. In the pop-up, check the box for Delete the driver software for this device (if available).
  5. Click Uninstall and wait for the process to finish.
  6. Restart your computer; Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.
  7. If Windows does not reinstall the driver, use the manual update method described above.

This process removes problematic driver files and forces a clean installation.

Step 5: Disable Windows Driver Updates for NVIDIA (Optional)

Sometimes Windows Update installs generic drivers that conflict with NVIDIA’s official drivers. You can prevent Windows from automatically updating your NVIDIA driver.

To do this:

  1. Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
  2. Go to the Hardware tab and click Device Installation Settings.
  3. Select No (your device might not work as expected).
  4. Click Save Changes.

Note: Only do this if you’re confident about manually updating your drivers regularly.

Step 6: Run the NVIDIA GeForce Experience Tool

NVIDIA GeForce Experience is an official tool that helps keep your drivers up to date and optimizes your games.

To use it:

  1. Download and install NVIDIA GeForce Experience.
  2. Open the application and sign in or create an account.
  3. Go to the Drivers tab.
  4. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

This tool simplifies driver management and may fix issues automatically.

Step 7: Check for Hardware Issues

If none of the software fixes work, your graphics card might have hardware problems.

Try these basic hardware checks:

  • Ensure the graphics card is properly seated in its PCIe slot inside your PC.
  • Check for dust or debris and clean it carefully.
  • Make sure your power supply is sufficient and connected properly.
  • Test the graphics card in another compatible PC if possible.

If hardware issues are suspected, consider consulting a professional technician.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my NVIDIA driver stop working after a Windows update?

Windows updates can sometimes overwrite or conflict with existing drivers. Updating the NVIDIA driver manually usually resolves this problem.

Can I use third-party driver update tools?

While some third-party tools claim to update drivers, it’s safest to use official NVIDIA or Windows update methods to avoid malware or incompatible drivers.

Is it okay to uninstall the NVIDIA driver completely?

Yes, uninstalling the driver and reinstalling a fresh copy can fix corrupted driver issues. Just make sure to download the correct driver afterward.

What if my PC doesn’t have an NVIDIA graphics card but shows driver errors?

Check your device manager carefully. Some laptops use integrated graphics or switchable GPUs. Make sure you’re updating the correct device.

How often should I update my NVIDIA drivers?

It’s good to check for updates every few months or when you notice performance issues or bugs in games and applications.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and the NVIDIA driver still isn’t working on Windows 11, you may need to explore more advanced solutions or seek help from official support.

  • Visit the NVIDIA Support page for guides and forums.
  • Consider performing a system restore to a point before the problem started.
  • In extreme cases, a clean reinstall of Windows 11 may be necessary.
  • Contact NVIDIA or your PC manufacturer’s customer support for direct assistance.

Conclusion

Fixing NVIDIA driver issues on Windows 11 can usually be done by following a few straightforward steps. Starting with simple actions like restarting your PC and checking Windows updates often resolves the problem.

Manually updating or reinstalling the NVIDIA driver ensures you have the latest and most compatible software. Tools like NVIDIA GeForce Experience simplify this process further.

If software fixes don’t work, checking hardware and seeking professional help might be necessary.

Remember to always download drivers from official NVIDIA sources and keep your system updated for the best experience.

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