Downloading Older NVIDIA Drivers
Sometimes, you might need to use an older NVIDIA driver for compatibility reasons. Maybe a game you're trying to play runs better on a specific driver, or perhaps you're experiencing issues with a newer driver that an older version resolves.
Luckily, NVIDIA makes older drivers readily available for download. Here's how you can find and download an older driver:
1. Navigate to NVIDIA's Driver Download Page
- Head to the NVIDIA Drivers page on the NVIDIA website.
2. Select Your Graphics Card and Operating System
- Under "Find your graphics driver", select the Product Series of your NVIDIA graphics card (e.g., GeForce, Quadro).
- Choose the Product Family (e.g., GeForce GTX 1660, GeForce RTX 3080).
- Select your Operating System (e.g., Windows 10, Windows 11).
3. Find the "Older Drivers" Section
- You should now see a list of available drivers.
- Locate the "Older Drivers" section and click on it.
4. Choose the Driver Version You Need
- You'll see a list of older drivers that are compatible with your card and operating system.
- Carefully review the driver versions to find the one you need. The driver version number (e.g., 471.11) will be listed.
- Click on the version number to download the driver.
5. Download and Install the Driver
- Once you've selected the driver, you'll be prompted to download the driver file.
- Save the file to your computer and then run the installer.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.
Important Considerations
- Backup Your System: Before installing any driver, it's always a good idea to create a system restore point or backup your system in case something goes wrong.
- Compatibility: Always check that the driver you're downloading is compatible with your specific graphics card model and operating system.
- Driver Release Notes: Look for the release notes for the driver you're downloading to see if there are any known issues or improvements.
By following these steps, you can easily download and install an older NVIDIA driver when needed. Remember to always backup your system before installing any new software.