If you want to learn how to uninstall GPU drivers, then our step-by-step guide has got you covered.
There is nothing quite like the excitement of purchasing your first GPU or upgrading to a more powerful one, especially for gamers and creative professionals. However, before installing that new graphics card, it’s crucial to uninstall the GPU drivers properly. Failure to do so can lead to compatibility issues, instability, and a worst-case scenario – decreased overall performance.
The process of uninstalling GPU drivers is fairly simple and it will hardly take you a few minutes to do it. So, without any further ado, let’s dive in!
Quick Answer
To uninstall GPU drivers, you need to go to the Device Manager > Display adapters > GPU > Driver tab > and select Uninstall Device.
How to uninstall graphics drivers
There are currently two ways to uninstall GPU graphics driver. Firstly, you can do so from the ‘Device Manager’, and secondly by using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU). Let’s go through both the methods. Both methods are compatible with Nvidia drivers and AMD.
How to uninstall old GPU drivers from the Device Manager
You can access the GPU drivers and uninstall them from the Device Manager. Below are the steps needed to follow this process.
Step
Open ‘Device Manager’
Now, there are multiple ways to open the Windows ‘Device Manager’. Firstly, click the ‘Start’ button or search in the taskbar to find and access ‘Device Manager’.
Alternatively, you can use the Run dialog. Simply click Windows + R on your system to open the Run dialog. Next, type “devmgmt.msc” in the text box and hit the ‘Ok’ button.
Step
Select the ‘Display adapters’ option
Once in the Device Manager, you will find different options.
Find and click on the ‘Display adapters’ option. This will show you the GPU installed in your system.
Step
Double-click on the GPU’s name
Double-click on the name of your GPU. This will open a new properties window with all the details.
Step
Go to the ‘Driver’ tab
The window opened after double-clicking the GPU driver will be in the ‘General’ tab. Proceed to the second tab (the ‘Driver’ tab).
Step
Click the ‘Uninstall Device’ button
In the ‘Driver’ tab, you will find a button towards the end of the settings window with the text ‘Uninstall Device’. Click the button to start uninstallation.
Step
Confirm uninstallation
The last step is to confirm uninstallation.
When you hit the ‘Uninstall Device’ button, you will see a popup confirmation message. It will ask you to confirm if you want to go ahead and uninstall the GPU driver. Simply check the checkmark box and hit the ‘Uninstall’ button.
Follow steps closely
We know it is easy to skip ahead and miss certain steps, but we recommended moving through this guide methodically and slowly. Missing a step could mess things up or result in failing the process.
How to uninstall old graphics drivers using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU)
Another way to uninstall old graphics drivers before installing new GPU drivers is by using DDU.
Step
Download DDU
You can download the DDU from the Wagnardsoft website. You can download the latest version from the website. It will be in a zip format, so you will have to extract it to your desired location/folder.
Step
Launch DDU
Launch the file Display Driver Uninstaller.exe
After downloading and extracting DDU, launch it. The program might ask you to uninstall the GPU drivers in the Safe Mode. You can either ignore it and proceed with the next step or launch Windows in the Safe Mode.
Step
Uncheck the extra options
Launching the DDU for the first time will open the Options settings. You can go through the list and uncheck the options that don’t fit your needs. For instance, we unchecked ‘Show offers from our partners’ to avoid seeing any advertisements.
Step
Select GPU
Once the settings are done, select GPU from the device type menu on the right-hand side of the screen. Then, on the next menu, select the GPU device you have installed: Nvidia, AMD, or Intel.
Step
Select the ‘Clean and Shutdown’
Lastly, select the ‘Clean and Shutdown’ option to uninstall old GPU and graphics drivers.
Do you need to uninstall your graphics drivers before installing a new GPU?
In simple terms, yes. This is a valid warning for those looking to install new GPUs and graphics drivers. Uninstalling your graphics drivers is a wise move to make as it avoids further driver conflicts with a new card installed. Furthermore, it is likely your new drivers will not work properly due to the existence of drivers in the device. For more helpful tips, be sure to follow our guide on how to install a graphics card when proceeding further.
Final thoughts
Learning how to uninstall GPU drivers is crucial in upgrading your system with the latest drivers. Following this step-by-step guide ensures a smooth transition to your new GPU. It minimizes the risk of compatibility issues and system instability. Remember to exercise caution during the uninstallation process and always refer to the official documentation provided by the GPU manufacturer for specific instructions related to your hardware.
