How to Uninstall NVIDIA Drivers: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to keeping our computers running smoothly, sometimes we need to take a step back and remove outdated drivers. This is especially true for gamers, designers, or anyone who relies heavily on their graphics card. If you’ve been experiencing issues or simply want to update your drivers to the latest version, knowing how to uninstall NVIDIA drivers is crucial. Let’s dive into the steps to uninstall NVIDIA drivers safely and effectively.

First off, why might you want to uninstall NVIDIA drivers? Whether it’s to fix issues, update drivers, or ensure a clean NVIDIA driver installation, removing the old drivers can help improve your system’s performance. Our website offers a free, safe, and legal solution for managing system drivers on Windows and Linux, specializing in how to uninstall NVIDIA drivers.

Step 1: Use the Device Manager

Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
Expand the Display adapters section.
Right-click on your NVIDIA graphics card and select Uninstall device.
Check the box to Delete the driver software for this device if available, then click Uninstall.

Step 2: Uninstall NVIDIA Software

Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
Look for any NVIDIA software (e.g., GeForce Experience, NVIDIA Control Panel) and uninstall them.

Step 3: Reboot in Safe Mode (Optional but Recommended)

Rebooting in safe mode prevents any NVIDIA drivers from loading, which can make the uninstallation process cleaner.
To enter safe mode: Restart your computer and press F8 or Shift + F8 as it boots.

Step 4: Use Our Website’s Tool for a Clean Uninstallation

Our website provides tools specifically designed to remove NVIDIA graphics drivers completely and safely. This ensures that no leftover files will cause issues with new driver installations.

Step 5: Check for Leftover Files (Manual Cleanup)

Navigate to C:\NVIDIA or wherever your drivers were installed and delete any remaining NVIDIA folders.
Use the Run dialog (Win + R) and type temp and then %temp% to clear out temporary files that might still contain NVIDIA driver files.

🛠 Pro Tip: After uninstalling the drivers, it’s a good idea to run a system cleaning tool or our website’s specialized tool to ensure all traces of the drivers are gone. This can help prevent conflicts with new driver installations.

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Uninstalling NVIDIA Drivers on Linux

Command-line methods for Ubuntu and other distributions

When it comes to uninstalling NVIDIA drivers on Linux, especially on Ubuntu and other distributions, we’ve got some straightforward command-line methods to share. Whether you’re looking to remove outdated drivers, clean NVIDIA driver installation, or simply want to uninstall NVIDIA drivers for a fresh start, these steps will guide you through the process smoothly.

First off, it’s essential to know why you might need to uninstall NVIDIA drivers. Maybe you’re experiencing compatibility issues, or you’re preparing to update to the latest drivers for better performance. Whatever the reason, removing the drivers correctly is crucial to avoid potential system problems.

📌 Here’s how to uninstall NVIDIA drivers using the command line in Ubuntu and similar Linux distributions:

Open a Terminal Window: You can do this by searching for ‘Terminal’ in your applications menu or by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.
Identify Your Installed NVIDIA Drivers: Before removing anything, you need to know what’s installed. Enter the following command:
```
dpkg -l | grep nvidia
```
This command lists all NVIDIA-related packages. Take note of the driver package names.
Uninstall the NVIDIA Drivers: To remove the drivers, use the apt-get remove command followed by the package names you identified earlier. For example:
```
sudo apt-get remove nvidia-XXXX
```
Replace XXXX with the version number of your installed drivers.
Optional – Remove Additional NVIDIA Software: If you want to delete NVIDIA software completely, including utilities like the NVIDIA Control Panel, you can use:
```
sudo apt-get remove --purge nvidia-*
```
This command removes all NVIDIA packages, but be cautious as it might remove more than just the driver.
Update Your System: After uninstalling, it’s a good idea to update your system’s package list and upgrade any remaining packages to ensure everything is up-to-date.
```
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade
```
Reboot Your System: Finally, reboot your system to ensure all changes take effect.
```
sudo reboot
```

🛠 Tips for Success:

Always back up important data before making significant changes to your system.
If you’re planning to reinstall NVIDIA drivers, ensure you’ve completely removed the old ones to prevent conflicts.
For users looking to uninstall NVIDIA drivers for troubleshooting, consider booting into safe mode to prevent the drivers from being used during the removal process.

Reinstalling NVIDIA Drivers After Uninstallation

After you’ve learned how to uninstall NVIDIA drivers, it’s crucial to reinstall them correctly to ensure your graphics card functions optimally. Whether you’ve uninstalled NVIDIA drivers to fix issues or to update drivers, reinstalling them is a straightforward process. We’ll guide you through finding the right driver version and the installation process for both Windows and Linux systems.

Finding the right driver version

To ensure the best performance and compatibility, finding the correct NVIDIA driver version for your system is essential. Here’s how we do it:

Visit the NVIDIA Driver Download Page: This is your starting point. NVIDIA provides an auto-detect tool that can help identify your graphics card and the appropriate drivers.
Manual Search: If you prefer, you can manually search for drivers by specifying your graphics card model and your operating system version. This method ensures you find the most compatible driver.
Check for Recommendations: Sometimes, forums and community discussions like how to uninstall NVIDIA drivers Reddit threads can offer advice on the best driver versions for specific games or applications.

Installation process for Windows and Linux

Windows:

Download the Driver: Once you’ve found the right version, download the installer from NVIDIA’s website.
Run the Installer: Double-click the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions. Choose a clean installation option if available, to ensure no old settings or files interfere with the new driver.
Restart Your Computer: After the installation is complete, a restart is often required to apply the changes.

Linux:

Remove Old Drivers: Before installing a new driver, ensure any previous versions are fully uninstalled. This might involve using the terminal to uninstall NVIDIA drivers Linux style.
Download the Driver: NVIDIA provides drivers for Linux on their website. Download the correct version for your distribution.
Install via Terminal: Open your terminal, navigate to the directory where you downloaded the driver, and run the installation command. This usually involves chmod +x to make the file executable, followed by sudo ./<driver_name>.run.
Follow On-Screen Instructions: The installer will guide you through the process. You may need to disable the Nouveau drivers if prompted.
Reboot: Like with Windows, a reboot is necessary to apply the changes fully.

Reinstalling NVIDIA drivers ensures your system runs smoothly and your graphics card delivers the best possible performance. Whether you’re a Windows or Linux user, following these steps will help you achieve a successful installation.

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FAQ: Uninstalling NVIDIA Drivers

How do I completely Uninstall Nvidia drivers?

To completely uninstall NVIDIA drivers, follow these steps to ensure a thorough removal:

Go to Control Panel: Access the Control Panel on your Windows PC and navigate to “Programs and Features.”
Uninstall NVIDIA Programs: Look for any programs with NVIDIA in the name. Click on each and select “Uninstall.” This includes the graphics driver, GeForce Experience, and any other NVIDIA software.
Use Device Manager: Right-click on the Windows icon and select Device Manager. Under “Display adapters,” find your NVIDIA graphics card, right-click on it, and choose “Uninstall device.” Make sure to check the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device.”
Restart Your Computer: After uninstalling everything, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
Clean Leftover Files: Sometimes, files remain even after uninstalling. You can use a third-party cleaner or manually search for NVIDIA folders in your Program Files and delete them.

Is it safe to Uninstall Nvidia drivers?

Yes, it’s safe to uninstall NVIDIA drivers. In fact, uninstalling and reinstalling your graphics card drivers can resolve many issues related to graphics performance, software glitches, or compatibility problems. After uninstalling, Windows will revert to basic display drivers, ensuring you still have display output. For optimal performance, though, you should reinstall the latest NVIDIA drivers compatible with your system.

How do I Uninstall graphics card drivers?

Uninstalling graphics card drivers, particularly NVIDIA drivers, involves a few key steps:

Access Device Manager: Right-click the Start menu and select Device Manager.
Find Your Graphics Card: Under “Display adapters,” locate your NVIDIA graphics card.
Uninstall: Right-click on the NVIDIA card and select “Uninstall device.” Ensure you tick the option to “Delete the driver software for this device.”
Restart Your PC: This step is crucial as it helps remove any remaining traces of the drivers.

For a more thorough removal, consider using software like Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode to remove outdated drivers and clean up leftover files.

Can not Uninstall Nvidia drivers?

If you’re having trouble uninstalling NVIDIA drivers, here are a few tips:

Restart in Safe Mode: Sometimes, drivers can’t be removed because they’re in use. Restarting in Safe Mode ensures minimal drivers are loaded, making it easier to uninstall.
Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU): This third-party tool is designed to uninstall GPU drivers completely, including those that are stubborn or corrupted.
Check for Permissions: Ensure you have administrative rights to uninstall programs on your PC.
Update Windows: Occasionally, compatibility issues with Windows can prevent driver uninstallation. Make sure your system is up to date.

If you’ve tried these steps and still can’t uninstall NVIDIA drivers, it might be time to consult with a professional or explore online forums for more specific advice.

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How to Uninstall NVIDIA Drivers ➤ Free Driver Download for Windows