How to Roll Back Device Drivers in Windows 11

Sometimes, a new driver update can cause your computer to act up. If your hardware stops working correctly after an update, you can easily go back to the version that worked before. This process is called a roll back device driver. It helps fix driver instability and device manager error issues quickly.

Why roll back a driver?

You should roll back a driver if your device, such as a printer, mouse, or graphics card, stops working or crashes after you install a new update. This is for recent updates only. It is not for general driver issues that have existed for a long time. Rolling back returns your computer to a stable state by reverting to the previous INF files stored in the driver store.

What happens when you are done?

Once you finish these steps, Windows will remove the problematic update and reinstall the previous driver version. Your device should return to its normal, working state after you restart your PC. This process does not delete your personal files.

How to revert to previous device drivers

Note: You must be signed in with an account that has administrator privileges to make these changes.

The fastest way to access the tools you need is through the Win+X menu. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager from the list.

Once the Device Manager is open, find the device causing the driver conflict. Click the small arrow next to the device category to see the hardware list. Right-click the specific device and select Properties.

In the new window that pops up, click the Driver tab at the top. You will see a button labeled Roll Back Driver. If the button is greyed out, it means there is no older version available to revert to.

Click the button to begin. A window will appear asking why you want to roll back. Select the reason that fits your situation, such as “The previous version of the driver performed better,” and click Yes to continue.

Windows will now revert the driver. Once it finishes, restart your computer to make sure the changes take effect. If the issue persists, you may need to perform a clean driver reinstallation or use System Restore to revert your entire system to a previous point.

Troubleshooting Driver Issues

If the rollback does not fix your hardware compatibility issues, you may be dealing with Windows DCH drivers that require a specific installation order. Check the manufacturer website for the latest version. You can also check the Hardware IDs in the Details tab of the Properties window to ensure you are downloading the correct software for your specific component.

Summary

• Rolling back is a simple way to fix stability issues caused by recent updates.
• Use the Device Manager (Win+X) to manage your hardware drivers.
• If the ‘Roll Back’ button is greyed out, no previous driver version is available.
• Rolling back drivers does not delete your personal files.
• Always restart your computer after the process to ensure everything works correctly.