Completely Uninstall Drivers in Windows: A Comprehensive Guide
Drivers are essential software components that enable your operating system to communicate with hardware devices like printers, graphics cards, network adapters, and more. Sometimes, drivers become corrupted, outdated, or incompatible, leading to performance issues, system crashes, or device malfunctions. In such cases, completely uninstalling the problematic driver and reinstalling a fresh copy can often resolve these problems. This comprehensive guide provides detailed steps and instructions on how to effectively uninstall drivers in Windows, ensuring a clean slate for new installations.
## Why Uninstall Drivers?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand why uninstalling drivers is crucial:
* **Resolving Conflicts:** Incompatible or conflicting drivers can cause system instability and device malfunctions. Uninstalling the problematic driver removes the conflict.
* **Fixing Corruption:** Corrupted drivers can lead to errors and system crashes. Uninstalling and reinstalling can replace the corrupted files with a fresh, functional copy.
* **Updating Drivers:** Sometimes, the best way to update a driver is to completely uninstall the old one first, ensuring a clean installation of the new version.
* **Troubleshooting Issues:** When troubleshooting hardware problems, uninstalling and reinstalling the driver can help identify whether the driver is the root cause.
* **Removing Legacy Drivers:** Old or unused drivers can clutter your system and potentially cause conflicts. Removing them helps keep your system clean and efficient.
## Methods for Uninstalling Drivers in Windows
Windows offers several methods for uninstalling drivers. Here are the most common and effective techniques:
### 1. Using Device Manager
Device Manager is a built-in Windows tool that allows you to manage hardware devices and their associated drivers. It’s the primary method for uninstalling drivers.
**Steps:**
1. **Open Device Manager:**
* Press the Windows key + X to open the Power User menu.
* Select “Device Manager” from the list.
* Alternatively, search for “Device Manager” in the Start menu and open it.
2. **Locate the Device:**
* Expand the category of the device you want to uninstall the driver for (e.g., “Display adapters” for graphics cards, “Network adapters” for network cards, etc.).
* Right-click on the specific device.
3. **Uninstall the Device:**
* Select “Uninstall device” from the context menu. A confirmation window will appear.
* **Important:** Check the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device.” This is crucial for completely removing the driver files from your system. If you skip this step, Windows might automatically reinstall the old driver when you restart your computer.
* Click “Uninstall” to proceed.
4. **Restart Your Computer:**
* After the uninstallation is complete, restart your computer. This allows Windows to completely remove the driver files and finalize the process.
**Pros:**
* Simple and straightforward.
* Built-in Windows tool, no additional software required.
**Cons:**
* May not completely remove all driver-related files and registry entries.
* Can be time-consuming if you need to uninstall multiple drivers.
### 2. Using Programs and Features (Add or Remove Programs)
Some drivers are installed as software packages and can be uninstalled through the Programs and Features control panel.
**Steps:**
1. **Open Programs and Features:**
* Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
* Type `appwiz.cpl` and press Enter. This will open the Programs and Features control panel.
* Alternatively, search for “Add or remove programs” in the Start menu and open it.
2. **Locate the Driver Package:**
* Browse the list of installed programs and look for the driver package you want to uninstall. The name may vary depending on the manufacturer and device. For example, you might see entries like “NVIDIA Graphics Driver,” “AMD Radeon Software,” or “Intel PROSet/Wireless Software.”
3. **Uninstall the Program:**
* Select the driver package and click “Uninstall.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
4. **Restart Your Computer:**
* After the uninstallation is complete, restart your computer.
**Pros:**
* Easy to use for driver packages installed as software.
* Removes the entire software package, including associated utilities and components.
**Cons:**
* Not all drivers are installed as software packages.
* May not completely remove all driver-related files and registry entries.
### 3. Using Third-Party Driver Uninstaller Tools
Third-party driver uninstaller tools are designed to completely remove all traces of a driver, including files, registry entries, and associated components. These tools are often more thorough than the built-in Windows methods.
**Popular Driver Uninstaller Tools:**
* **Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU):** Specifically designed for uninstalling graphics card drivers (NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel).
* **Driver Fusion:** A comprehensive driver management tool that includes a driver uninstaller feature.
* **IObit Uninstaller:** A general-purpose uninstaller that can also be used to uninstall drivers.
**Steps (using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) as an example):**
1. **Download and Install DDU:**
* Download the latest version of DDU from a reputable source (e.g., the official DDU website or Guru3D.com).
* Extract the downloaded archive to a folder on your computer.
2. **Boot into Safe Mode:**
* It is highly recommended to run DDU in Safe Mode for the best results. To boot into Safe Mode:
* Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
* Type `msconfig` and press Enter. This will open the System Configuration utility.
* Go to the “Boot” tab.
* Under “Boot options,” check the “Safe boot” box and select “Minimal.” Click “OK.”
* Restart your computer. It will boot into Safe Mode.
3. **Run DDU:**
* Navigate to the folder where you extracted DDU and run the `Display Driver Uninstaller.exe` file.
* A warning message may appear. Read it carefully and click “OK.”
4. **Select Device Type and Driver:**
* In the DDU interface, select the device type (e.g., “GPU” for graphics card). DDU will automatically detect the installed graphics card driver.
* Choose the driver manufacturer (e.g., “NVIDIA,” “AMD,” or “Intel”).
5. **Choose Uninstall Option:**
* DDU offers several uninstall options:
* **Clean and Restart:** This is the recommended option. It completely uninstalls the driver and restarts your computer.
* **Clean and Shutdown:** This option uninstalls the driver and shuts down your computer. Useful if you plan to install a new graphics card immediately.
* **Clean, but do NOT restart:** This option uninstalls the driver but does not restart your computer. Use this option only if you have a specific reason not to restart.
* Select the “Clean and Restart” option.
6. **Wait for the Process to Complete:**
* DDU will now uninstall the driver and remove all associated files and registry entries. This process may take several minutes.
7. **Restart Your Computer (if not already done):**
* If you chose the “Clean and Shutdown” option, turn on your computer and install the new driver.
**Pros:**
* Thoroughly removes all traces of the driver.
* Reduces the risk of conflicts and errors during new driver installations.
* Often recommended by hardware enthusiasts and professionals.
**Cons:**
* Requires downloading and installing third-party software.
* May be more complex to use than the built-in Windows methods.
* Using DDU incorrectly can potentially cause system instability (always follow the instructions carefully).
### 4. Using the Command Prompt (for Advanced Users)
For advanced users, the Command Prompt provides a powerful way to uninstall drivers using specific commands. This method requires a good understanding of Windows commands and driver names.
**Steps:**
1. **Open Command Prompt as Administrator:**
* Search for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu.
* Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”
2. **Identify the Driver’s INF File Name:**
* You need to know the INF file name of the driver you want to uninstall. You can find this information in Device Manager:
* Open Device Manager.
* Locate the device.
* Right-click on the device and select “Properties.”
* Go to the “Driver” tab.
* Click “Driver Details.”
* The INF file name will be listed (e.g., `oem1.inf`).
3. **Uninstall the Driver using PNPUtil:**
* In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
pnputil /delete-driver
* Replace `
* The `/force` parameter forces the uninstallation, even if the driver is currently in use.
4. **Restart Your Computer:**
* After the command completes successfully, restart your computer.
**Pros:**
* Can be very effective for removing stubborn drivers.
* Provides more control over the uninstallation process.
**Cons:**
* Requires advanced knowledge of Windows commands and driver details.
* Can be risky if used incorrectly.
* Not recommended for novice users.
## Important Considerations and Best Practices
* **Create a System Restore Point:** Before uninstalling any drivers, it’s always a good idea to create a system restore point. This allows you to easily revert your system to a previous state if something goes wrong.
* **Download the Latest Drivers:** After uninstalling a driver, download the latest version from the manufacturer’s website. Ensure that the driver is compatible with your operating system and hardware.
* **Install Drivers in Compatibility Mode (if necessary):** If you’re having trouble installing a driver, try installing it in compatibility mode. Right-click on the driver setup file, select “Properties,” go to the “Compatibility” tab, and choose a previous version of Windows.
* **Disable Automatic Driver Updates:** Windows automatically updates drivers in the background. This can sometimes cause problems, especially if you prefer to use specific driver versions. To disable automatic driver updates:
* Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
* Type `SystemPropertiesAdvanced` and press Enter. This will open the System Properties window.
* Go to the “Hardware” tab.
* Click “Device Installation Settings.”
* Select “No (your device might not work as expected)” and click “Save Changes.”
* **Check for Driver Conflicts:** After installing a new driver, check Device Manager for any driver conflicts (indicated by a yellow exclamation mark). If you find any conflicts, try uninstalling and reinstalling the driver, or try a different driver version.
* **Consult the Manufacturer’s Documentation:** Always refer to the manufacturer’s documentation for specific instructions and recommendations on uninstalling and installing drivers for your hardware device.
* **Research Specific Error Messages:** If you encounter any error messages during the driver uninstallation or installation process, research the error messages online to find solutions.
* **Be Patient:** Uninstalling and installing drivers can sometimes take a while, especially for complex devices like graphics cards. Be patient and allow the process to complete without interruption.
## Troubleshooting Common Driver Uninstall Issues
* **Driver Reinstalls Automatically:** Windows might automatically reinstall the old driver after you uninstall it. To prevent this, temporarily disable automatic driver updates or use a tool like DDU to completely remove the driver.
* **Error Message During Uninstallation:** If you encounter an error message during the uninstallation process, try running the uninstallation program as administrator or using a different uninstallation method.
* **System Instability After Uninstallation:** If your system becomes unstable after uninstalling a driver, try restoring your system to a previous restore point or reinstalling the driver.
* **Device Not Working After Uninstallation:** If your device is not working after uninstalling the driver, make sure you have downloaded and installed the correct driver for your device and operating system.
## Conclusion
Completely uninstalling drivers is a crucial skill for maintaining a stable and efficient Windows system. By following the detailed steps and instructions outlined in this guide, you can effectively remove problematic drivers, resolve conflicts, and ensure a clean slate for new installations. Remember to always create a system restore point, download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website, and consult the manufacturer’s documentation for specific recommendations. Whether you choose to use Device Manager, Programs and Features, a third-party driver uninstaller tool, or the Command Prompt, the key is to be thorough and careful. With the right approach, you can keep your drivers up-to-date and your system running smoothly.