How to Uninstall a Driver in Windows 11

What Is a Driver in Windows 11?

A driver is software that allows Windows 11 to communicate with hardware devices like graphics cards, printers, network adapters, USB devices, and sound cards. If a driver becomes corrupted or outdated, uninstalling it is often the first troubleshooting step.

Method 1: Uninstall a Driver Using Device Manager (Recommended)

The easiest way to remove a driver in Windows 11 is through Device Manager.

Step 1: Open Device Manager

1. Right-click the Start button.
2. Click Device Manager from the menu.

You can also press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

Step 2: Locate the Device

1. Expand the category that contains your device (for example, Display adapters, Sound, video and game controllers, or Network adapters).
2. Right-click the device you want to uninstall.

Step 3: Uninstall the Driver

1. Click Uninstall device.
2. If available, check the box:
   ✔ Attempt to remove the driver for this device
3. Click Uninstall.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

Restart your PC. Windows 11 may automatically reinstall a generic driver after reboot.

Method 2: Uninstall Driver from Settings

You can also remove certain drivers via Windows Settings.

1. Press Windows + I to open Windows 11 Settings.
2. Go to Apps → Installed apps.
3. Find the related software (for example, audio or printer drivers).
4. Click the three dots and select Uninstall.

This method works best for drivers that install additional software packages.

Method 3: Remove a Driver Completely Using Command Prompt

Advanced users can remove drivers using Command Prompt:

1. Search for cmd.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

3. Use:

   pnputil /enum-drivers

4. Identify the driver and remove it:

   pnputil /delete-driver oemXX.inf /uninstall /force

⚠ Only use this method if you are comfortable identifying the correct driver file.

When Should You Uninstall a Driver?

You may need to uninstall a driver if:

• The device is not working properly
• You see a yellow warning icon in Device Manager
• Windows Update installed an incompatible driver
• You are installing a clean, updated version
• You are troubleshooting blue screen errors

What Happens After Uninstalling a Driver?

After removal:

• Windows may reinstall a basic driver automatically.
• The device may stop working until a new driver is installed.
• You can manually install the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website.

Final Tips for Safely Uninstalling Drivers in Windows 11

• Always create a restore point before removing critical drivers.
• Avoid uninstalling system drivers unless necessary.
• Restart your PC after every driver change.
• Download the new driver beforehand if possible.

Frequently Asked Question

Does uninstalling a driver delete the device?
No. It removes the software controlling the device, not the hardware itself.