If you're experiencing crashes, display glitches, or installation failures with your NVIDIA graphics driver, follow these steps to resolve the issue.
Step 1: Clean Uninstall the Current Driver
- Download Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) from Guru3D
- Boot into Safe Mode (press F8 during startup)
- Run DDU and select "Clean and restart" for NVIDIA drivers
- Your system will reboot with basic display drivers
Why this matters: Removes all traces of old drivers that might be causing conflicts.
Step 2: Download the Correct Driver Version
- Visit NVIDIA's official website (www.nvidia.com/Download)
- Enter your exact GPU model and Windows version
- Download the Studio Driver version if you're having stability issues (more stable than Game Ready)
- Save the installer to your desktop
Why this matters: Ensures you get the most compatible driver for your specific hardware.
Step 3: Perform a Custom Installation
- Right-click the installer and select "Run as administrator"
- Choose Custom Installation
- Check "Perform clean installation"
- Select only the components you need (typically just Graphics Driver and PhysX)
- Complete the installation and restart
Why this matters: Clean installation prevents conflicts and lets you choose only necessary components.
Step 4: Adjust Power Management Settings
- Open NVIDIA Control Panel
- Go to "Manage 3D settings"
- Set "Power management mode" to Prefer maximum performance
- Set "Preferred graphics processor" to your NVIDIA GPU
Why this matters: Prevents crashes caused by power saving features.
Step 5: Disable Windows Driver Updates
- Press Win+R, type gpedit.msc
- Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update
- Enable "Do not include drivers with Windows Updates"
- Apply and restart
Why this matters: Stops Windows from automatically installing incompatible driver versions.
Step 6: Verify Hardware Connections
- Power off your PC and unplug it
- Reseat your graphics card (for desktops)
- Check all power connectors are firmly attached
- For laptops, ensure proper cooling (clean vents/fans)
Why this matters: Physical connection issues can cause driver failures.
Step 7: Test with Older Driver Version
If issues persist:
- Download an older, known-stable driver version
- Repeat the clean installation process
- Look for versions marked as "WHQL-certified"
Why this matters: Newer drivers sometimes introduce bugs with certain hardware.
Step 8: Check for Hardware Issues
- Run NVIDIA's built-in diagnostic tools
- Monitor temperatures using GPU-Z
- Test your GPU with FurMark stress test
- Check Windows Event Viewer for error details
Why this matters: Helps determine if the issue is driver-related or hardware failure.
Final Tip:
If problems continue after trying all steps, consider:
- Updating your motherboard BIOS
- Checking PSU wattage meets GPU requirements
- Testing your GPU in another system
- Contacting NVIDIA support with your error codes
Most NVIDIA driver issues can be resolved through proper clean installation and configuration. Remember to create a system restore point before making major driver changes.
