Nvidia has introduced a change in its latest GPU drivers that is causing significant problems for owners of older Windows 10 computers. Specifically, drivers from Release 555 and later are incompatible with CPUs that lack the POPCNT instruction, a specific computing function. This lack of computability leads to a frustrating BSOD (or blue screen of death) loop upon restarting the computer after driver installation.

The issue stems from Nvidia’s decision to discontinue support for older CPUs that don’t meet this requirement. While these CPUs were already unsupported by Windows 10 itself, the new Nvidia drivers have exacerbated the problem.

How to find out if you’re affected

To determine if your PC is affected, you can use a free tool called Coreinfo. This software provides detailed information about your CPU, including whether or not it supports the POPCNT instruction. If it doesn’t, it’s crucial to avoid installing Nvidia drivers from Release 555 or newer. Sticking with an older version, such as Release 550, is recommended to prevent the BSOD issue.

It’s important to note that this problem only affects older Windows 10 systems with compatible Nvidia GPUs but unsupported CPUs. More modern systems should not be impacted.

Nvidia has acknowledged the issue and provided instructions on how to check CPU compatibility. By understanding this problem and taking the necessary precautions, users can avoid the frustration of a non-bootable system. While this situation highlights a potential inconvenience for owners of older hardware, it also underscores the importance of keeping system components up-to-date to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with the latest software.

About the Author

Tom Valentine

Tom is a tech writer with a detailed view on ensuring the best buying advice, most useful information, and latest news makes its way into PC Guide's articles.