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Problems after a driver update: go back to the old version

Step 1 of 3

Open the device in Device Manager

Right-click Start, choose Device Manager, then double-click the device with the problem (for example under Display adapters).

The simulation shows Windows in English, like most laptops.

  1. Open the device in Device Manager

    Right-click Start, choose Device Manager, then double-click the device with the problem (for example under Display adapters).

    Start (right-click)Device Manager

  2. Open the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver

    This button brings back the driver you had before the update.

    PropertiesDriverRoll Back Driver
    Button greyed out? No older version was kept. Use System Restore instead.

  3. Pick a reason, click Yes, then restart

    Any reason is fine. After the restart the device uses the old driver again.

Technical details (for the curious)

How Roll Back works

Every driver ever installed is kept in C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository. Roll Back reinstalls the previous package from there, so no internet is needed.

Why the button can be greyed out

There is no earlier driver for that device (for example it was the first driver installed), or the old package was removed. Other options: System Restore to a point before the update, or download an older version from the maker’s site.

Stop Windows reinstalling the bad driver

Windows Update may install the new driver again. Pause it in Settings › Windows Update › Pause updates until the maker fixes it.

Check the result

On the Driver tab, Driver Version and Driver Date should go back to the older numbers.

Coming soon

Still not fixed?

In the next update you can tell us what happened, and our AI helper will suggest another way. Until then, restart the device and go through the steps once more.