When games stutter, creative apps flag a driver error, or Windows has just been reinstalled, your NVIDIA GPU driver is one of the first places to look. The fastest Windows route is NVIDIA App, and NVIDIA still offers standalone driver downloads when you need a specific package. Start with the normal update path, then use the manual, Windows, or laptop-maker options when they fit your setup.
1. Update NVIDIA GPU drivers with NVIDIA App
Open NVIDIA App.
Select Drivers.
Click Download for the newest driver.
When the download finishes, click Install.
Restart your PC when the installer asks you to.
Use this first on supported Windows 10 and Windows 11 GeForce PCs for Game Ready and Studio driver updates.
2. Choose Game Ready or Studio drivers
Pick the driver channel before downloading so the package matches how you use the PC.
In NVIDIA App, use Drivers > top-right driver dropdown and choose Game Ready Drivers for gaming or Studio Ready Drivers for creator work.
NVIDIA RTX and Quadro systems can also show NVIDIA Recommended Production Branch WHQL, Leading Edge, and Conservative drivers.
3. Enable automatic driver downloads
This fixes missed driver releases without installing the update before you approve it.
Open NVIDIA App.
Select Settings.
Choose Drivers.
Turn on the option to automatically download a new driver when released.
When NVIDIA App shows the downloaded driver, click Install.
4. Download drivers manually from NVIDIA
Go to NVIDIA Drivers.
Use Latest Driver Downloads or Manual Driver Search.
Choose your Product Category, Product Series, Product, operating system, download type, and language.
Click Find Drivers or choose the latest listed driver.
Click Download, then run the installer.
Standalone GeForce drivers remain available without NVIDIA App, which helps when you want to install the package yourself.
5. Run a clean NVIDIA driver install
This fixes failed NVIDIA App installs and stubborn driver problems after a normal update.
Download the NVIDIA driver installer.
Right-click the installer and choose Run as administrator.
Approve the Windows prompt with Yes.
Confirm the extraction path with OK.
Select NVIDIA Graphics Driver and NVIDIA App.
Click AGREE AND CONTINUE.
Choose Custom (Advanced), then click NEXT.
Check Perform a clean installation, then click Next.
Restart when the installation completes.
6. Use Windows Update for recommended drivers
Windows can download recommended hardware drivers, including video card drivers, during its normal update scan.
On Windows 11, open Start > Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates, select the driver update, choose Download and install, then restart from Shutdown or sign out > Restart.
This is a Windows driver route, while NVIDIA App remains the direct path for the newest Game Ready or Studio release.
7. Check Device Manager for a driver update
Right-click Start.
Open Device Manager.
Expand Display adapters.
Right-click your NVIDIA GPU.
Select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
Use Search for updated drivers on Windows update when Windows offers it.
8. Use your PC maker's driver tool on laptops
On a Dell PC, open SupportAssist, select Home, choose Update software, click Start, review View updates, then choose Install.
On a Lenovo PC, open Lenovo Vantage, go to System Update, select Check for Updates, then install the selected updates.
On Dell or Lenovo's support website, enter your service tag, model, or product page, then download the listed NVIDIA or display driver when one is offered.
This matters most on laptops because OEM-validated display drivers can be the right match for that exact model.
9. Roll back or reinstall after a bad update
This fixes problems that start right after a newer NVIDIA driver is installed.
In NVIDIA App, open Drivers.
Below the driver details, click the three dots.
Choose Reinstall for a driver installed through NVIDIA App.
For a Windows rollback, right-click Start, open Device Manager, expand Display adapters, right-click the NVIDIA GPU, open Properties, choose the Driver tab, then select Roll Back Driver.
Choose a reason and click Yes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to uninstall the old NVIDIA driver before updating?
No. For a typical Windows display driver update, NVIDIA says you can install the newer driver over the older one. Uninstall first only when troubleshooting or when switching special driver types requires it.
Can I download NVIDIA GPU drivers without NVIDIA App?
Yes. NVIDIA says standalone GeForce drivers remain available from its GeForce driver download pages, where you choose the product, operating system, download type, and language before downloading.
Can Ubuntu install NVIDIA drivers without NVIDIA's Windows app?
Yes. Ubuntu users can open Additional Drivers, choose the recommended NVIDIA proprietary driver, apply the change, and reboot. Ubuntu also supports the sudo ubuntu-drivers install command for automatic driver selection.
Should I use GeForce Experience to update NVIDIA drivers now?
Use NVIDIA App for the current consumer driver flow. GeForce Experience is listed as legacy in the supplied research, and NVIDIA says it will no longer be supported.
