A malfunctioning or outdated graphics driver can lead to screen flickering, low resolution, game crashes, or complete system instability. Whether you're using an AMD, NVIDIA, or Intel GPU, knowing how to uninstall and reinstall graphics drivers properly is crucial. This guide walks you through every method to ensure a clean, optimized graphics driver installation that restores your system’s performance.
Why Reinstall Graphics Drivers?
Reinstalling graphics drivers can resolve several issues:
Crashes or freezing during games or video playback
Poor resolution or display problems after a Windows update
GPU not detected by system or software
Driver conflicts caused by corrupted installations
How to Uninstall Graphics Drivers Properly
To ensure a fresh start, you must completely remove any existing or corrupted graphics drivers. Below are the most effective methods for uninstalling graphics drivers.
Method 1: Uninstall via Device Manager
Device Manager provides a built-in and straightforward way to remove your current graphics driver.
Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
Expand Display adapters.
Right-click your GPU (e.g., AMD Radeon, NVIDIA GeForce, Intel HD Graphics) and click Uninstall device.
In the confirmation box, check Delete the driver software for this device.
Click Uninstall and restart your computer.
This method is easy but may leave residual files behind.
Method 2: Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) [Recommended]
For a complete and clean removal, using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) is highly recommended. It erases all driver-related files, registry entries, and system traces that could cause future conflicts.
Download DDU from the official Wagnardsoft website.
Boot into Safe Mode (Shift + Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Enable Safe Mode).
Launch DDU and select your GPU brand.
Click Clean and restart.
Your PC will reboot with all traces of the driver removed.
This method is ideal for advanced users and guarantees the cleanest uninstallation.
Method 3: Uninstall Graphics Drivers Using Driver Talent X
If you're looking for a more user-friendly approach to driver management, Driver Talent X offers a powerful solution to uninstall, repair, and reinstall graphics drivers without diving into system utilities or Safe Mode.
Steps to uninstall drivers using Driver Talent X:
Download and install Driver Talent from the official website.
Launch the tool and click Scan to detect existing drivers.
Click Uninstall in the left menu bar.
Click the drop-down menu and choose Uninstall.
Confirm the action and restart your system.
This is the safest option for beginners who want full control with minimal technical effort.
How to Reinstall Graphics Drivers
After successfully uninstalling your current driver, you’ll want to install a fresh, up-to-date version to restore GPU functionality and performance. Below are the most effective methods to reinstall graphics drivers.
Method 1: Automatically Using Windows Update
Windows Update can automatically detect missing drivers and install a generic version for your GPU. This is a basic way to get your system running again quickly.
Press Win + I to open Settings.
Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
Click Check for updates.
Windows will search for and install a compatible graphics driver.
While this method is convenient, it may not install the most optimized or latest version.
Method 2: Install via Manufacturer’s Website
This is the most reliable method to get the latest, stable drivers tailored to your hardware.
Reinstall AMD Graphics Drivers
If you're using an AMD graphics card, follow these steps for a proper reinstallation.
Visit the AMD Drivers and Support page.
Select your GPU model from the dropdowns or search bar.
Download the latest Adrenalin Edition driver.
Run the installer and select Factory Reset to ensure a clean install.
Follow the on-screen instructions and restart your PC.
This method ensures you get the best performance and compatibility for AMD GPUs.
Reinstall NVIDIA Graphics Drivers
NVIDIA users should always install the latest Game Ready Driver or Studio Driver directly from the official website.
Visit the NVIDIA Driver Download page.
Enter your GPU details and click Search.
Download the latest driver compatible with your GPU.
Run the installer and select Custom (Advanced).
Check the box for Perform a clean installation.
Complete the process and reboot your system.
This method helps avoid conflicts and provides access to features like GeForce Experience and CUDA.
Reinstall Intel Graphics Drivers
If your PC uses integrated graphics from Intel, here’s how to reinstall drivers safely.
Go to the Intel Download Center.
Use the Intel Driver & Support Assistant (DSA) for automatic detection or enter your processor/GPU manually.
Download the latest graphics driver package.
Run the installer and complete the setup.
Restart your computer to apply changes.
Method 3. Using Driver Talent X to Reinstall Graphics Drivers
If you're not comfortable manually finding the correct drivers, Driver Talent X provides a streamlined solution to reinstall your graphics drivers with a few clicks.
Steps to reinstall drivers using Driver Talent X:
Launch Driver Talent after uninstalling the old driver.
Click Scan to detect missing or outdated drivers.
When the tool detects that your graphics driver is missing or outdated, click Repair Now.
Driver Talent will automatically download and install the correct driver.
Restart your PC to complete the installation.
Great for users who want an error-free, automatic experience with verified drivers.
How to Delete and Reinstall Graphics Drivers from Scratch
In stubborn cases where standard uninstall/reinstall fails, you may need a complete wipe and fresh installation.
Use DDU in Safe Mode to fully remove drivers and associated files.
Manually delete remaining folders:
C:\AMD
C:\NVIDIA
%ProgramFiles%\Intel
Open Run → enter C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository
Locate and delete entries related to your GPU
Warning: Only for advanced users with full backups
Reinstall the latest driver via the manufacturer's website or Driver Talent X.
This process ensures no residual conflicts or corrupted files remain.
Tips to Keep Graphics Drivers Stable
Avoid beta drivers unless testing specific features
Always create a System Restore Point before installing new drivers
Disable automatic driver updates using Group Policy or Windows settings
Keep DirectX and Windows fully up to date
Conclusion
Understanding how to uninstall and reinstall graphics drivers can significantly improve your PC's stability and performance. Whether you're using AMD, NVIDIA, or Intel, always begin with a clean removal using DDU or Driver Talent X, followed by a fresh installation of the latest official driver.
If you want the easiest path, Driver Talent simplifies the entire process—uninstall, scan, reinstall—with just a few clicks, making it perfect for users of all skill levels.
