Removing drivers from Windows 10 is straightforward. This guide will walk you through accessing Device Manager, uninstalling the driver, and cleaning up leftover files. With these steps, you’ll free up space and solve pesky hardware issues.
How to Remove Drivers from Windows 10
We’ll now get into the nitty-gritty details of removing drivers from your Windows 10 system. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
First, press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
Device Manager is like the control panel for all your drivers. You’ll find it under the menu that pops up. It lists all the hardware components and their drivers.
Step 2: Locate the Device
Next, find the device whose driver you want to remove.
You’ll see a list of categories like "Display adapters" or "Sound, video and game controllers." Click the arrow next to the category to expand it.
Step 3: Uninstall the Driver
Right-click the device name and select "Uninstall device."
A new window will pop up asking if you’re sure. Tick the box that says "Delete the driver software for this device" and click Uninstall.
Step 4: Restart Your Computer
Now, restart your computer to complete the uninstall process.
This step helps to ensure that Windows fully removes the driver and that any changes take effect.
Step 5: Delete Leftover Files
Finally, manually delete any leftover files from the system folders.
Drivers can leave behind residual files. Check the Program Files and System32 folders to ensure everything is gone.
Once you complete these actions, the driver will be removed from your system. This can help fix hardware issues or free up disk space that was being used by outdated drivers.
Tips for Removing Drivers from Windows 10
- Make a backup of your system before starting to avoid accidental issues.
- Ensure you know which driver you are removing to avoid system malfunctions.
- Use third-party software if manual removal does not work.
- Keep your system updated to prevent conflicts with new drivers.
- Reinstall drivers from the manufacturer’s website if you need them again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I uninstall the wrong driver?
No worries! Windows will likely reinstall a generic driver on restart, but you might need to download the specific one from the manufacturer.
Can I remove multiple drivers at once?
Yes, but it’s safer to do it one at a time to ensure nothing goes wrong.
Will removing the driver free up a lot of space?
It can, but how much depends on the driver’s size. Most drivers aren’t huge, but every bit helps!
Is it safe to use third-party software for driver removal?
Generally, yes, but always use reputable software. Some third-party tools can offer more thorough removal.
What happens if I don’t restart my computer?
The driver won’t be completely uninstalled, which could cause issues. Always restart to complete the process.
Summary
- Open Device Manager.
- Locate the device.
- Uninstall the driver.
- Restart your computer.
- Delete leftover files.
Conclusion
Removing drivers from Windows 10 doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these steps, you’ll have the know-how to tackle it like a pro. Whether you’re troubleshooting or just cleaning up your system, these steps are your go-to guide. Always back up your system before making changes and ensure you download new drivers from reputable sources if needed.
Now that you’ve got the basics down, why not dive deeper? Explore how drivers work or look up tools that can streamline the process even more. If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or leave a comment. Happy computing!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.