How to Rollback NVIDIA Drivers in Windows
Although most users should make a habit of installing the latest main-line updates to their drivers as they're available, the software for graphics cards can be a particular case. Reverting to a proven but older version of an Nvidia driver can improve stability or avoid glitches in less-tested, newer releases. Although Nvidia product users should reserve a rollback for resolving problems like Blue Screens of Death with no other convenient solutions available, it can be an indispensable tool in any graphics enthusiast's kit.
Users always should have a target driver in mind for rolling back to – usually, the previously-installed one. Windows users may, if necessary or convenient, use the built-in driver rollback feature. Open the Device Manager application by entering its name into the taskbar's search field. Double-click the 'Display adapters' section, which should reveal an entry for the Nvidia device. Right-click it. Note that there also is a temporary 'Disable' option to troubleshoot the driver's system compatibility and other issues.
If disabling isn't useful, select the Properties option and then the Driver tab in the new window. The window will display relevant information, such as the driver's version and date. The rollback (or 'roll back') feature also should also available to uninstall the current driver version and re-install the last one. During the process, Windows includes a brief questionnaire to ascertain the removed driver's problem and incorporate the user's answers to the Cloud.
Users outside of Windows or who see a grayed-out rollback button may need to remove their current Nvidia driver manually and install the old one themselves. As always, determine the target driver patch for installing before attempting the uninstalling process. Our experts recommend downloading most driver updates from the product's company's official website (such as nvidia.com) for optimal accuracy and security. Nvidia's website includes an in-depth, user-friendly search feature that lets users select their graphics card brand before identifying an appropriate driver download.
After the file downloads, type 'Add or remove programs' into the taskbar's search field and click the result. Scroll down in the program list to the Nvidia graphics driver, left-click it, and choose to uninstall. This procedure will open Nvidia's custom software-uninstalling utility. Reboot the device or PC to finish the removal. Then, double-click the downloaded file and set up the other driver.
Most drivers also include Nvidia's Geforce Experience application. This program is a driver manager that monitors and installs updates for Nvidia graphics cards and boasting related features. Although it can install a new update, there isn't a rollback to a previous version feature in the current GeForce Experience. Users without an immediate interest in its benefits can deselect it from the software installation routine with no consequences (besides a faster driver installation).
Users should remember to isolate sources of graphics card problems carefully and avoid taking drastic steps, like removing working patches, unless they're fully-necessary. A rollback is best-suited to experiences with recently-released, inadequately-tested updates, experimental developer or beta builds, etc. Unless there are immediate problems that are traceable back to the graphics card, rolling back an Nvidia driver is a troubleshooting tactic that's best to leave in one's 'back pocket.'