NVIDIA Driver Downgrade: Methods to Roll Back to an Earlier Version

NVIDIA’s graphics drivers are essential for ensuring optimal performance and compatibility between your NVIDIA GPU and various applications. However, newer driver versions can sometimes introduce issues such as system instability, decreased performance, or software incompatibilities. In such cases, rolling back to a previous driver version can be a practical solution. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to rollback NVIDIA drivers, covering methods for both Windows and Linux users.

Understanding the Need to Roll Back NVIDIA Drivers

Updating drivers is generally recommended to benefit from the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements. However, there are scenarios where a driver update may lead to unforeseen problems:

• System Instability: New drivers might cause crashes, freezes, or blue screen errors due to conflicts with existing hardware or software configurations.
• Performance Degradation: Instead of enhancing performance, some updates may lead to lower frame rates in games or sluggish application responses.
• Software Incompatibility: Certain applications, especially older ones, may not function correctly with the latest drivers, leading to errors or unexpected behavior.

In such situations, reverting to a previous, stable driver version can restore system functionality and performance.

Preparing for the Rollback Process

Before initiating the rollback, it’s crucial to take the following preparatory steps:

1. Identify the Current Driver Version: Knowing your current driver version helps determine if it’s the source of the problem.
   • On Windows:
     • Right-click on the desktop and select “NVIDIA Control Panel.”
     • Navigate to “Help” > “System Information.”
     • Note the driver version listed.
   • On Linux:
     • Open a terminal and execute: nvidia-smi
     • The driver version will be displayed at the top.
2. Download the Previous Driver Version: Obtain the desired older driver from NVIDIA’s official website to ensure authenticity and compatibility.
   • Visit the NVIDIA Driver Download page.
   • Input your GPU model and operating system details.
   • Browse through the available driver versions and download the one you intend to install.
3. Backup Important Data: Although driver rollbacks are generally safe, it’s prudent to back up essential data to prevent potential data loss.

Rolling Back NVIDIA Drivers on Windows

Windows users have multiple methods to revert to a previous NVIDIA driver version:

Method 1: Using Device Manager

1. Access Device Manager:
   • Press Win + X and select “Device Manager.”
2. Locate the NVIDIA Graphics Driver:
   • Expand the “Display adapters” section.
   • Right-click on your NVIDIA GPU and choose “Properties.”
3. Initiate the Rollback:
   • Navigate to the “Driver” tab.
   • Click on the “Roll Back Driver” button.
   • Provide a reason for the rollback when prompted and proceed.

Note: If the “Roll Back Driver” option is grayed out, it indicates that Windows doesn’t have a previous driver version stored. In this case, proceed to Method 2.

Method 2: Manual Reinstallation

1. Uninstall the Current Driver:
   • In “Device Manager,” right-click on your NVIDIA GPU and select “Uninstall device.”
   • Check the box for “Delete the driver software for this device” and confirm.
   • Restart your computer after uninstallation.
2. Install the Previous Driver:
   • Run the installer for the older driver version you downloaded earlier.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
   • Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Rolling Back NVIDIA Drivers on Linux

Linux users can revert to a previous NVIDIA driver version using package management tools. The process varies depending on the distribution:

For Debian-based Systems (e.g., Ubuntu)

1. Identify Available Driver Versions:
   • Open a terminal and execute: apt-cache showpkg nvidia-driver
   • This command lists available driver versions in the repository.
2. Install the Desired Driver Version:
   • To install a specific version, run: sudo apt-get install nvidia-driver-<version-number>
   • Replace <version-number> with the desired version (e.g., nvidia-driver-470).
   • Restart your system after installation.

For Red Hat-based Systems (e.g., Fedora)

1. Enable the RPM Fusion Repository (if not already enabled):
   • Execute: sudo dnf install https://download1.rpmfusion.org/free/fedora/rpmfusion-free-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm
2. List Available NVIDIA Driver Versions:
   • Run: dnf list available '*nvidia*'
   • This command displays available driver versions.
3. Install the Desired Driver Version:
   • Execute: sudo dnf install xorg-x11-drv-nvidia-<version-number>
   • Replace <version-number> with the desired version.
   • Restart your system to apply the changes.

Note: The exact package names and commands may vary based on your specific Linux distribution and its repositories.

Post-Rollback Considerations

After reverting to a previous driver version, consider the following:

• Disable Automatic Updates: Prevent the system from automatically updating to the problematic driver version.
  • On Windows:
    • Use the “Show or Hide Updates” troubleshooter from Microsoft to block specific driver updates.
  • On Linux:
    • Pin the installed driver version to prevent automatic updates. This process varies by distribution; consult your distribution’s documentation for precise instructions.
• Monitor System Performance: Observe your system’s behavior to ensure that the rollback has resolved the issues. If problems persist, further investigation into hardware or software conflicts may be necessary.
• Stay Informed: Regularly check NVIDIA’s official channels for updates on driver releases that address the issues you encountered. Future updates may resolve the problems present in the current version.
  
  Download the Latest Official NVIDIA Drivers

Conclusion

Rolling back NVIDIA drivers can be an effective solution when newer versions introduce instability, performance issues, or software incompatibilities. By following the methods outlined above, both Windows and Linux users can safely revert to a previous driver version, restoring system stability and performance. Always ensure that you download drivers from official sources and back up important data before making significant system changes.