NVIDIA graphics drivers play a crucial role in optimizing gaming performance and enabling advanced display features on Windows systems. However, some Windows 11 users have reported a frustrating issue where their NVIDIA drivers automatically uninstall after rebooting their PC. This can lead to degraded graphics performance and missing NVIDIA Control Panel functionality.
Let’s explore some effective troubleshooting steps to resolve this persistent driver problem and get your NVIDIA GPU working properly again.
Perform a Clean Driver Installation
The most reliable fix for NVIDIA driver uninstallation issues is to perform a complete clean installation of the latest drivers. This process removes all traces of existing drivers before installing a fresh copy.
Step 1: Download the latest NVIDIA drivers for your GPU model from the official NVIDIA website.
Step 2: Temporarily disable your internet connection by turning on Airplane Mode in Windows 11 settings. This prevents Windows from automatically reinstalling drivers.
Step 3: Uninstall existing NVIDIA software:
- Open Control Panel and go to “Programs and Features”
- Uninstall all NVIDIA-related applications and drivers
- Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) for thorough removal
Step 4: Restart your computer to complete the uninstallation process.
Step 5: Install the new NVIDIA drivers you downloaded:
- Run the installer and choose “Custom Installation”
- Select “Perform a clean installation” option
- Install GPU drivers, PhysX, and GeForce Experience
Step 6: Restart your PC again and re-enable internet access.
Step 7: Verify the installation by checking the NVIDIA Control Panel for the correct driver version.
This clean installation method eliminates conflicting driver files and often resolves persistent uninstallation issues.
Disable Windows Automatic Driver Updates
Windows 11 sometimes overwrites GPU drivers with its own versions, which can lead to instability. Disabling automatic driver updates can prevent this behavior.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings and navigate to System > About > Advanced system settings.
Step 2: In the Hardware tab, click on “Device Installation Settings”.
Step 3: Select “No (your device might not work as expected)” and click Save Changes.
Step 4: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
This setting prevents Windows from automatically replacing your manually installed NVIDIA drivers.
Check for Conflicting Software
Certain antivirus programs or system optimization tools can interfere with NVIDIA driver installations. Temporarily disable these applications before installing drivers.
Step 1: Open Task Manager and review running processes.
Step 2: Look for any antivirus, firewall, or system optimization software.
Step 3: Temporarily disable or exit these applications.
Step 4: Perform the clean driver installation process described earlier.
Step 5: Re-enable your security software after successful driver installation.
Update Windows 11
Outdated Windows system files can sometimes cause conflicts with GPU drivers. Ensuring your Windows 11 installation is up-to-date may resolve driver stability issues.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings and go to Windows Update.
Step 2: Click “Check for updates” and install any available updates.
Step 3: Restart your computer after updates are installed.
Step 4: Perform a clean installation of NVIDIA drivers if the issue persists.
Use System Restore as a Last Resort
If all else fails, you can use Windows System Restore to roll back your system to a point before the driver issues began.
Step 1: Type “Create a restore point” in the Windows search bar and open the System Properties window.
Step 2: Click the “System Restore” button.
Step 3: Choose a restore point from before the NVIDIA driver problems started.
Step 4: Follow the prompts to complete the system restoration process.
Step 5: After restoration, install the latest NVIDIA drivers using the clean installation method.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of NVIDIA drivers uninstalling after reboots on Windows 11. Remember to always download drivers from the official NVIDIA website and perform clean installations when updating. If problems persist, consider seeking support from NVIDIA’s customer service or community forums for further assistance.