Rolling Back a Driver

Written by Eric Wyatt (last updated August 13, 2018)

There are times where you may discover that after a driver has updated that something isn't working properly. You might run into this type of issue a lot if you are downloading and using pre-release drivers or perhaps the updated driver causes a device to fail. When this happens, you can use Device Manager to roll back the driver to a previously installed version. To do this, follow these simple steps:

  1. Click on the Start button in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Windows displays the Start screen.
  2. Type Device Manager and press Enter. Windows displays the Device Manager.
  3. 3. Double-click the desired device category for the item that you want to roll back. Windows expands that category to show all of the corresponding devices.
  4. Find the device you want to roll back and double-click its name. Windows displays the Properties dialog box for that device.
  5. Click on the Driver tab. (See Figure 1.)

    6. Figure 1. The Driver tab of the Mouse Properties dialog box.

  6. Click on the Roll Back Driver button.

Your computer will either roll back the driver automatically or it will display a confirmation screen asking if you're sure you want to roll back the driver. If you do, click Yes and Windows rolls the driver back to the previous version.

Now you're able to return your device to a previous driver state that you were comfortable with.

 This tip (114) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Eric Wyatt

Eric Wyatt is a swell guy (or so his friends tell him). He is a formally trained designer and branding expert, bringing a wide range of skills to his Tips.Net articles. ...

MORE FROM ERIC

Search a Website Using the Run Dialog Box

The Run dialog box allows you to quickly run a search on a website that offers a search function. Performing web searches ...

Discover More

Grouping Tiles in the Start Menu

Arranging tiles into groups can make finding and starting your apps quicker. Discover how easy it is to group tiles in ...

Discover More

Change the Default Appended Name for New Folders

By default in Windows 10, when a folder or file is copied or duplicated within the same folder as the original, the ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Using Sticky Keys

Sticky Keys is an accessibility feature designed for people who have trouble holding down two or more keys ...

Discover More

Using an On-Screen Keyboard

For people who find it difficult to use a mechanical keyboard, the on-screen keyboard may provide an acceptable ...

Discover More

Getting to Know the Ease of Access Center

Do you have hearing, vision, or mobility impartments? Windows 10 offers a range of modifications in the Ease of Access ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is eight less than 8?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.