How to Uninstall Graphics Card Drivers

Uninstalling graphics card drivers may be necessary for various reasons, such as installing a new version, troubleshooting graphics issues, or replacing the graphics card altogether. Follow the instructions below to safely remove old drivers from your computer.

Methods to Uninstall Graphics Card Drivers

There are several methods for uninstalling graphics drivers. The most popular methods include:

  • Using the Windows Control Panel;
  • Through the built-in Device Manager;
  • Using specialized software like Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU).

Step 1: Uninstall Drivers via the Control Panel

This method is suitable for standard uninstallation of programs and drivers:

  1. Open the Control Panel via the Start menu.
  2. Navigate to Programs and Features.
  3. Locate your graphics card driver (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel), right-click on it, and select Uninstall.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

Step 2: Using the Device Manager

This method allows you to uninstall drivers through system settings:

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Find the Display adapters section and expand it.
  3. Right-click on the graphics card and select Uninstall device.
  4. In the confirmation window, check the option to Delete the driver software for this device, then confirm the uninstallation.

Step 3: Uninstalling with Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU)

Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) is a powerful, free tool that completely removes graphics drivers from your system. It’s recommended to use it in Safe Mode to avoid potential issues.

  1. Download DDU from the official website here.
  2. Launch DDU and follow the on-screen instructions to enter Safe Mode.
  3. Select the driver type (e.g., GPU), then click Clean and restart.

Once the process is complete, your computer will automatically restart, and the drivers will be fully removed. You can now install new drivers or replace the graphics card as needed.

Recommendations After Driver Uninstallation

After uninstalling drivers, ensure that your system is functioning correctly. It’s recommended to install new drivers from the official website of your graphics card manufacturer to avoid compatibility and performance issues.