How to Roll Back Device Drivers in Windows 11
You roll back a device driver in Windows 11 to revert to a previous, stable version when a recent update causes hardware malfunctions.
This process involves uninstalling the current driver and restoring the last known working version stored by Windows, often called the driver store. It’s your quickest solution for issues like a graphics card suddenly failing after a software update.
For instance, if your specific graphics card, like an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090, begins to stutter after an update applied on April 15, 2024, rolling back the driver will likely resolve the problem.
You perform this fix when a new driver installation introduces instability, aiming to restore your hardware’s functionality without impacting your personal data.
To roll back a device driver in Windows 11, open Device Manager, right-click the device, select Properties, go to the Driver tab, and click “Roll Back Driver.” Select a reason and confirm to revert to the previous driver version.
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. First, 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 might be dealing with Windows DCH drivers, which need to be installed in a particular order. Check the manufacturer website for the latest version. You can also check the Hardware IDs in the Details tab of the Properties window. This helps make sure you’re downloading the right 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.
Why is the Roll Back Driver button greyed out?
The button is greyed out if no previous driver version is stored on your system. This happens if you performed a clean install of Windows, if the driver was never updated, or if the previous driver files were deleted during a disk cleanup. In this case, you must manually reinstall the driver.
Will rolling back a driver delete my personal files?
No, rolling back a device driver will not delete your personal files, photos, or documents. It only affects the specific software instructions used by Windows to communicate with your hardware. It is a safe troubleshooting step that only changes system-level driver files, not your user data.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
Cannot select “Roll Back Driver”, it is grayed out.
Same situation. Any solution to this problem?
Hello, Thank You for taking the time to help me. I did what you said.It seems my rollback driver is not even highlighted for me to click on
I want roll back driver
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