How to Uninstall Graphics Drivers

Last Updated: March 25, 2024 Tested

You've installed a graphics card and driver. Uninstalling a card or a driver sounds more ominous than it really is. If you follow these steps, you can save yourself lots of money from having it done professionally.

1

Open the Windows Device Manager.

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You can uninstall and reinstall drivers easily in the Device Manager. Here's an easy way to get there:
- Press the Windows key on your keyboard.
- Type device manager .
- Click Device Manager in the search results.

2

Expand the "Display adapters" menu.

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This shows you all graphics drivers that are currently installed.

3

Double-click your graphics driver.

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This new window will open to the General tab.

4

Click the "Driver" tab.

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You'll see several options for your driver here, including the option to uninstall it.

5

Click the "Uninstall" button.

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This message asks if you also wan to delete the driver for this device.

6

Check the box and click "Uninstall."

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This ensures that the driver is actually removed from your hard drive.

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Question

What would happen to my display if I uninstall display drivers?

Community Answer

In most cases that should be fine (if you are just uninstalling the drivers for the same company you are going put back in). Also, you could just overwrite the files by simply installing the new drivers and not deleting anything.

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My screen is turning black while my computer is still running and it won't show anything. What should I do?

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There may be a problem with the connection from the motherboard to the screen (if it is a laptop), if it is a desktop there might either be a problem with your monitor, or the cable connecting the tower to the monitor has come loose. Also, you have to take into consideration how old the PC is.

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Tips

Be sure to restart to restart your computer in Safe Mode after uninstalling a graphics card driver, and run a computer scan (ex: CCleaner) to insure that all of the files for the driver are off the computer, before continuing to use the computer or reinstalling the drivers. Conflict of drivers can result if a trace of the old driver is still on your PC. Warning messages, software or video games not being able to work, glitches etc.

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Warnings

Do NOT uninstall without a disc, or a web site to reload the driver, unless you are absolutely certain you no longer need it. This is a permanent action.

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How to Uninstall Graphics Drivers

Steps

Open the Windows Device Manager.

Expand the "Display adapters" menu.

Double-click your graphics driver.

Click the "Driver" tab.

Click the "Uninstall" button.

Check the box and click "Uninstall."

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