A driver is essentially software that ensures that your operating system ‘communicates’ effectively with the device. When a driver updates, it removes any bugs that existed in the previous version. However, sometimes a new update brings a new problem that’s worse than the previous one. Luckily, when such a thing happens in Windows 10, you can easily roll back drivers. This means that you can switch to the previous version working out for you without any hassle.

When Do You Roll Back Drivers

If you are wondering how you would know that a driver isn’t working properly, there is no universal symptom to a bad driver. It can range from poor performance to frequent system crashes. If you recently updated a driver and noticed that your system is slower, your devices aren’t working as smoothly as they did before. Even if your computer crashes very often, there is a possibility that there is an issue with the new driver.

It is generally suggested not to update drivers unless you have some serious concerns about the driver, and you know for sure that the new update will make the device perform better. Otherwise, stick to the old driver. If you updated your driver or it was updated automatically, you can roll it back in just a few simple steps.

Things To Keep In Mind Before Switching Your Driver

a) If you are using an office computer, there is a possibility that you don’t have administrator privileges. Before rolling back the driver, make sure that you are logged into an administrator account.

b) You will only be able to go back to the previous driver version. Windows 10 does not keep a whole archive of all the drivers for any device.

c) Back up your PC before any update.

d) Roll Back Drivers feature does not apply to printer drivers.

How To Roll Back Driver – Steps

Step-1: You need to open up the device manager to roll back drivers. To open up the device manager, press Win + X keys on your keyboard. A list of options will show up as below. Click on Device Manager.

This is the screen that will open up. There is another way you can open the Device Manager window. Go to the Start Menu and type Device Manager in the search bar. Click Open. The Device Manager window will open up.

Step-2: When the window pops open, you will see a whole list of devices. Click on the device that is causing you problems. For example, when I clicked on Mice and other pointing devices, the options expanded, and a list of drivers is seen. Right-click on the driver and click on Properties.

Step-3: When the properties open up, click on the Driver tab at the top of the Properties window.

Step-4: Click on the Roll Back Driver option. If you have updated the driver previously, you will be able to click the option. (As you can see, the button is grey for me because I haven’t updated my driver.)

Step-5: Once you click the option, a window will open up asking you, 'Are you sure you would like to roll back to the previously installed driver software?' There is a list of options underneath. Checkthe option that is most appropriate for you and click Yes. If you want to give more information about your decision to roll back drivers, write it in the Tell us more section.

After this, Windows will restore your driver to the previous one. It may take a few minutes depending on the size of your driver. Video card drivers take longer as they are larger in size, so be patient. In some cases, your PC will restart (make sure you have backup up your PC) and once it does, your computer will be using the older driver.