How to Install Only the Nvidia Driver - No Nvidia App, No Extras

You don't need the Nvidia App to keep a GeForce card running well - here is how to install just the graphics driver, remove the extras, and still stay up to date.

The driver is the only piece Windows needs to use your Nvidia card.

Everything else - the app, the overlay, recording - is optional, and you can leave it out.

This takes about ten minutes and works on Windows 10 and 11.

Before You Start: Know Your Card

You need your exact card model to pick the right driver. Open Task Manager, click Performance and choose GPU - the name is in the top right corner.

For full details, the free GPU-Z shows the model, memory and current driver version in one window.

Install Only the Driver

1. Download from Nvidia. Go to nvidia.com/drivers and use Manual Driver Search: pick your card, Windows version and driver type, then click Find.
2. Pick the right type. Game Ready is for gaming, Studio is for video editing and creative apps - our Game Ready vs Studio driver guide helps you choose.
3. Choose driver only. When the installer asks, pick "NVIDIA Graphics Driver" instead of the option that also installs the Nvidia App.
4. Select Custom (Advanced). Untick anything you don't need, such as the HD Audio driver if you never send sound to a TV or monitor over HDMI.
5. Tick "Perform a clean installation" to reset old settings, then finish and restart.

Already Have the Nvidia App? Remove It Safely

Open Settings, then Apps and Installed apps, find NVIDIA app and click Uninstall. Your graphics driver stays in place, so your screen and games keep working.

Want to keep the app but share less with Nvidia? Our guide to what the Nvidia App sends home covers the two settings to switch off.

Two Free Tools for Power Users

• NVCleanstall (TechPowerUp). It builds a custom driver package with the extras removed - including bits the normal Custom option won't let you untick.
• Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU). It wipes every trace of an old driver before a fresh install, which fixes most stubborn driver problems - run it in Safe Mode and follow its instructions carefully.

How to Stay Up to Date Without the App

Without the Nvidia App, nothing will tell you about new drivers. Check nvidia.com/drivers every month or two, or after a big new game comes out.

Windows Update also delivers Nvidia drivers now and then - usually a little behind, but tested and safe. If you would rather have automatic updates back, you can install the Nvidia App again at any time.

Quick questions