How to update Nvidia drivers

Whether you have an older graphics card or one of the latest models, keeping your graphics drivers up to date is essential. For most Nvidia GPU users, this means using Nvidia’s GeForce Game Ready drivers.

Why Updating Drivers Matters

Regularly updating your graphics drivers can lead to better performance and stability in games and applications. Knowing how to update them quickly can save you time and turn what could be a tedious process into a simple task that takes just a couple of minutes. But if something goes wrong after an update, it’s useful to know how to uninstall the problematic driver and reinstall a fresh version.

The good news is you don’t need to download any fancy third-party tools to manage your Nvidia Game Ready drivers. You can do everything with your Windows PC and just a few minutes of your time. This guide will walk you through both updating and uninstalling your drivers, ensuring the process is hassle-free.

Updating Game Ready Drivers Using GeForce Experience

The easiest way to update your Game Ready drivers is through Nvidia’s GeForce Experience. This handy tool not only updates drivers but also optimizes your game settings and allows you to record gameplay. However, note that it doesn’t allow you to roll back drivers if you encounter issues.

Step 1: Install GeForce Experience

Go to Nvidia’s website and download the GeForce Experience tool. Follow the installation instructions and create a user account. Once it’s installed, launch the app, and it should automatically detect your GPU.

Step 2: Check for Updates

To update your drivers, click on the Drivers tab in the top-left corner. Then, click on Check for updates so the tool can find any available driver updates for your GPU. Make sure to click on the three vertical dots next to the update button to confirm that you’re selecting the Game Ready driver instead of the Studio driver, which is better suited for creative tasks.

Once everything looks good, click on Download to get the latest driver.

Step 3: Install the Driver

You’ll have two options for installation: Express or Custom. The Express option is generally recommended as it’s simpler. If you choose Custom, you can decide whether to install additional Nvidia software or perform a clean installation, which resets all Nvidia settings to default.

After making your selection, the installation will begin. Don’t worry if your screen flickers during this process; that’s perfectly normal. After a few minutes, your driver will be updated!

Updating Game Ready Drivers Manually

If you prefer not to use GeForce Experience, you can update your drivers manually. While this method takes a little longer, it’s still straightforward.

Step 1: Visit Nvidia’s Website

Go to Nvidia’s website, where you’ll see dropdown menus. Knowing your exact GPU model is important to ensure you download the correct driver. If you’re unsure of your GPU model, you can check our guide on how to find it.

Step 2: Fill Out the Driver Information

In the dropdowns, select:

• Product Type: Usually “GeForce”
• Product Series: Choose the generation of your graphics card (this can vary based on whether you have a laptop or desktop).
• Product: Select your specific GPU model.
• Operating System: Choose your version of Windows.
• Download Type: Make sure to select “Game Ready Driver” (GRD).

Step 3: Install the Driver

Once you’ve downloaded the driver, launch the installer. You’ll need to choose where to extract the files. During the installation, you’ll again have the choice between Custom and Express installation. Opting for Express is usually the easiest route.

During the installation, you may see your screen flicker again, which is normal. When it’s done, your Game Ready driver will be up to date!

Uninstalling Game Ready Drivers

If you decide to uninstall your Nvidia driver, you have a few methods available. You can do this using the Add or remove programs feature in Windows, Device Manager, or a tool like Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU). Here’s how to use the Add or remove programs method, which also lets you remove any extra software linked to the driver.

Step 1: Access Add or Remove Programs

Click the Windows icon on your taskbar and type “Add or remove programs.” Alternatively, you can go to the Start menu, click on the gear icon to open Settings, then navigate to Apps and Installed apps.

Step 2: Search for Nvidia

In the search bar at the top, type “Nvidia.” This will show you a list of all Nvidia software installed on your system, including GeForce Experience and the driver itself.

Step 3: Uninstall the Driver

Find the Nvidia Graphics Driver in the list. Click the three horizontal dots next to it and choose Uninstall. Follow the uninstallation wizard, and if you want to completely remove everything related to the driver, make sure to select that option. Afterward, reboot your PC to finalize the uninstallation.

Important Note: After uninstalling, your PC will revert to a basic graphics driver, which may limit your display capabilities, like using multiple monitors or adjusting resolution. To fix this, you’ll need to reinstall the Game Ready driver.

Uninstalling Game Ready Drivers Using Device Manager

If you want a simple way to uninstall a driver, you can also do it through Device Manager. This method isn’t as thorough as others, but it’s effective for quick fixes or rolling back to a previous driver version.

Step 1: Open Device Manager

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager from the dropdown menu. Alternatively, type “Device Manager” into the search bar.

Step 2: Find Your GPU

In Device Manager, look for Display adapters. This section lists your GPUs, including your main graphics card and any integrated graphics. Right-click the GPU you want to uninstall the driver for and choose Properties.

Step 3: Uninstall the Driver

You can either roll back the driver or uninstall it. To uninstall, click on Uninstall Device. A prompt will ask you to confirm your decision. If available, check the box to “Delete the driver software for this device” for a complete removal, then click Uninstall. Restart your PC afterward.

Remember: Without a proper graphics driver, your computer will run on a basic driver that can lead to poor performance and low resolution until you reinstall your Game Ready driver.

Uninstalling Game Ready Drivers with DDU

If you want to ensure all traces of a GPU driver are completely removed, you might want to use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU). This tool is especially useful if you plan to switch to a different graphics card brand.

Step 1: Download DDU

Download Display Driver Uninstaller from its official website and extract the files.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

DDU recommends that you uninstall your GPU drivers in Safe Mode to prevent any other software from interfering with the process. If you need help booting into Safe Mode, we have guides for both Windows 10 and 11.

Step 3: Run DDU

Once in Safe Mode, open the folder where you extracted DDU and run the application. Close the options menu that appears without making any changes.

Step 4: Select Your GPU Vendor

On the right side of the DDU screen, choose Nvidia from the dropdown menu.

Step 5: Choose an Uninstall Option

You’ll see three options: Clean and restart, Clean and do not restart, and Clean and shutdown. The recommended option is Clean and restart. Click it, and DDU will start removing the Nvidia drivers. Your PC will automatically restart once the process is complete.

Afterward, you can proceed to install the Nvidia Game Ready driver as you’ll only be running on a basic driver.

Whether you’re updating or uninstalling your Nvidia Game Ready drivers, these steps can help make the process smooth and easy. Keeping your drivers updated is key to getting the best performance from your graphics card, and knowing how to uninstall them properly ensures you can resolve any issues that might arise.