Why you may want to avoid the latest Nvidia driver release

Nvidia recently released its GeForce 566.03 WHQL driver update, but it appears that there’s a quirky issue affecting some users. According to Overclock3D, those using Corsair’s iCUE software and Bluestacks may experience “higher than normal CPU usage.” Because of this, users are being advised to hold off on updating to the latest graphics driver.

Corsair’s iCUE software allows users to manage their compatible hardware from a single platform. This includes controlling RGB lighting, adjusting fan speeds, creating macros, and monitoring system performance. Bluestacks is an Android emulator for Windows that many gamers and app developers use to run Android apps on their PCs.

It’s unusual for a graphics driver to cause increased CPU usage, but the impact might not be too noticeable since modern CPUs are generally quite powerful.

Corsair is aware of the issue and recommends that users roll back their GeForce drivers to version 561.09 until Nvidia addresses the problem. They shared a tweet with a temporary workaround: “For NVIDIA users – As a temporary workaround, try rolling back your NVIDIA Drivers to 561.09 while this issue is being investigated.”

How to Roll Back Your Nvidia Drivers

If you need to roll back your Nvidia drivers, the easiest way is through Device Manager. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Open Device Manager: You can do this by right-clicking on the Start menu and selecting “Device Manager.”
2. Expand Display Adapters: Find the section labeled “Display adapters” and click on the arrow to expand it.
3. Right-click Your Nvidia GPU: Find your Nvidia graphics card in the list, right-click it, and select “Properties.”
4. Go to the Driver Tab: In the Properties window, navigate to the “Driver” tab.
5. Click Roll Back Driver: If you recently installed a newer driver, you should see the “Roll Back Driver” button. Click this to restore the previous version that worked without issues.

If the Roll Back option isn’t available, you can manually download and install an older driver. However, it’s recommended to use a tool like Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) for a cleaner removal of the problematic driver. Here’s how to do that:

1. Download DDU: Get Display Driver Uninstaller from a trusted source.
2. Run DDU in Safe Mode: It’s best to run DDU in Safe Mode to ensure a complete removal of the current driver.
3. Remove Residual Files: This will eliminate any leftover files or settings from the faulty driver, reducing the chance of conflicts when you install the older driver.
4. Download an Older Driver: After using DDU, head to the Nvidia driver archive and download the older version that worked well for your system.
5. Install the Older Driver: When installing, choose the Custom (Advanced) option and check the “Clean Installation” box to ensure a fresh start without remnants of the previous driver.

By following these steps, you can revert to a stable driver while waiting for Nvidia to fix the current issue.