uninstalling nvidia drivers - NVIDIA Driver Uninstall Guide
uninstalling nvidia drivers - what you need to know
If you’re here, you likely had display issues, game crashes, or you’re upgrading your GPU and need help with uninstalling nvidia drivers safely. This guide shows you how to remove old NVIDIA components completely, then reinstall clean drivers for a fresh start on Windows 7 32-Bit, Windows 8 32-Bit, Windows 10 32-Bit, Windows 11. We also include a secure download section and clear install steps for the Video Adapters category.
Download - clean reinstall after uninstalling
Driver model: NVIDIA Driver Uninstall Guide
Device type: Video Adapters
Supported OS: Windows 7 32-Bit, Windows 8 32-Bit, Windows 10 32-Bit, Windows 11
Date added: 2025-11-21
Tip: After uninstalling nvidia drivers, reboot, then perform a clean install using the package below to avoid leftover conflicts.
Click on the download link to get the file.
How to completely remove NVIDIA drivers
Follow these steps to ensure a clean removal before reinstalling.
- Create a restore point in Windows - helpful if you need to roll back.
- Disconnect from the internet temporarily to prevent Windows Update from auto-installing drivers.
- Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps (or Programs and Features on older Windows) and uninstall:
- NVIDIA Graphics Driver
- NVIDIA PhysX System Software
- NVIDIA GeForce Experience (optional)
- Any NVIDIA HD Audio/3D Vision components if present
- Restart your PC when prompted.
- Optional but thorough: Use Safe Mode and a dedicated tool like Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to remove leftovers. Then restart normally.
Once done, proceed with a fresh installation using the package in the download section.
How to install - choose the method that matches your file type
How to install
Troubleshooting after uninstall or reinstall
- Black screen or low resolution: Boot to Safe Mode, uninstall the display adapter from Device Manager, check the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter loads, then reinstall clean.
- Windows keeps reinstalling an older driver: Disconnect from the internet during removal, then install the new package before reconnecting.
- Installer fails or hangs: Verify file integrity, free disk space, and disable antivirus temporarily. Run the installer as admin.
- Games crash after reinstall: Use Custom → Clean install and update DirectX/Visual C++ Redistributables. Recreate game shader cache.
- Leftover NVIDIA folders: After uninstalling nvidia drivers, remove C:NVIDIA and temporary extraction folders if present.
FAQ
Do I need to remove old drivers before installing a new GPU?
Yes. Uninstalling nvidia drivers first prevents conflicts when swapping cards and ensures the correct components are installed.
Is Safe Mode required?
No, but it’s recommended if you see errors during removal. Tools like DDU in Safe Mode can clear stubborn leftovers.
Windows installed a driver automatically - is that okay?
It’s fine for basic display, but for best performance install the correct package from this page and choose a clean installation.
How do I verify the driver installed correctly?
Open Device Manager → Display adapters → Properties → Driver tab and confirm the provider, date, and version. Also test with a quick 3D application.
Can I reinstall GeForce Experience?
Yes. It’s optional. After uninstalling nvidia drivers, you can include or exclude GeForce Experience during a custom install.
Why download from driverfiles.net
We provide curated, safe packages for Video Adapters with clear instructions that cover uninstalling nvidia drivers, clean installs, and troubleshooting. Downloads are organized for Windows 7 32-Bit, Windows 8 32-Bit, Windows 10 32-Bit, Windows 11, and each guide is written to minimize mistakes and save time when setting up your NVIDIA Driver Uninstall Guide driver.
- Scans your system for missing or outdated drivers
- Downloads and installs the correct versions
- Creates a restore point before making changes