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Installing the latest Nvidia drivers is essential for optimal graphics performance and stability on Windows 10 and 11. A clean installation ensures that old driver files do not interfere with the new drivers, reducing potential conflicts and issues. Follow this step-by-step guide to perform a clean install of Nvidia drivers on your Windows system.
Preparation Before Installing Nvidia Drivers
Before beginning the installation process, it is important to prepare your system to avoid any complications. This includes downloading the latest drivers and creating a restore point.
Download the Latest Nvidia Drivers
Visit the official Nvidia website to download the latest driver for your graphics card. Use the ‘Download Drivers’ section and select your GPU model, operating system, and language. Save the installer to a known location on your computer.
Create a System Restore Point
Creating a restore point allows you to revert your system in case something goes wrong during installation. Search for ‘Create a restore point’ in the Windows search bar, open the System Properties, and click on ‘Create’ to set a new restore point.
Uninstall the Current Nvidia Drivers
To ensure a clean installation, remove existing Nvidia drivers completely before installing new ones.
Open Device Manager
Press Windows + X and select ‘Device Manager’ from the menu.
Uninstall Nvidia Graphics Driver
Expand the ‘Display adapters’ section, right-click on your Nvidia graphics card, and choose ‘Uninstall device.’ Check the box that says ‘Delete the driver software for this device’ if available, then click ‘Uninstall.’
Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) for a Thorough Cleanup
For a more thorough removal, use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU). Download DDU from its official website, run the tool in Safe Mode, and follow the on-screen instructions to completely remove Nvidia drivers.
Install the New Nvidia Drivers
Once the old drivers are removed, proceed with installing the new drivers.
Run the Installer
Locate the driver installer you downloaded earlier and double-click to run it. Follow the on-screen prompts.
Choose Custom Installation
During the installation process, select the ‘Custom (Advanced)’ option. This allows you to choose a clean installation.
Perform a Clean Installation
Check the box labeled ‘Perform a clean installation.’ This option resets all Nvidia settings to default and removes previous driver files.
Finish Installation and Restart
Complete the installation process by following the remaining prompts. Once finished, restart your computer to apply the new drivers.
Verify the Driver Installation
After restarting, verify that the new drivers are installed correctly. Right-click on the desktop and select ‘Nvidia Control Panel.’ In the ‘System Information’ section, confirm the driver version matches the latest download.
Performing a clean installation of Nvidia drivers ensures your graphics system runs smoothly and efficiently. Regular updates and clean installs help maintain optimal performance for gaming, creative work, and other graphics-intensive tasks.