How to Roll Back Device Drivers in Windows 11

You can roll back a update-windows-11-drivers-and-check-for-driver-updates-a-complete-guide/" class="sal-link" rel="noopener" target="_blank" data-sal-id="37362">device driver in Windows 11 to revert to a previous, stable version if a recent update causes hardware issues.

A driver rollback essentially uninstalls the current driver and reinstalls the last working version from Windows’ driver store. This is your go-to fix when a new driver, like one for your graphics card or printer, suddenly makes your hardware malfunction.

For instance, if your NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 starts stuttering after a driver update pushed on April 15, 2024, rolling back might be the quickest solution. This process specifically addresses problems caused by recent driver installations, aiming to restore functionality without affecting your personal files.

Once you complete the rollback and restart your PC, Windows will use the older driver, and your device should work correctly again.

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.