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.

  7. 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

Configuring Windows' Secret Start Menu

You can quickly access either Command Prompt or PowerShell by using the Win+X shortcut key command. But which one is ...

Discover More

Displaying the Volume Icon in the Taskbar

Having access to the volume slider in the Taskbar is handy. Learn how to display or hide the volume icon in the Taskbar.

Discover More

Get Text Suggestions and Autocorrection

As mobile devices became more prevalent in our lives we become more reliant on text suggestions and autocorrect. With ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Adjusting Hearing Settings in the Ease of Access Center

If you have hearing difficulties that affect your ability to use your computer, Windows 10's Ease of Access Center can ...

Discover More

Adjusting Display Magnification

Sometimes our eyes fail us, or what we're trying to read is just too small to make out comfortably. Fortunately, Windows ...

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 seven more than 5?

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


Newest Tips