The Nvidia App collects some data about your PC by default - here is what it sends, which parts you can switch off, and how to slim it down in two minutes.
The Nvidia App is how most GeForce owners get driver updates, and it no longer needs an account.
Like most PC software, it reports back to its maker - some of it you can turn off, and some you can't.
With Nvidia in the news, here is a plain guide to what goes where.
What the Nvidia App Sends
Nvidia's privacy policy says it collects details about your hardware, software and network setup - things like your Windows version, graphics card, installed apps and IP address. It also notes which features you use and which games you run.
- Required data - always on. A basic set the app needs to work, such as checking which driver your card needs - there is no switch for it.
- Usage data - on by default. How you use the app plus configuration and performance details - you can turn this off.
- Crash data - your choice. Error reports sent when something breaks, which you can also switch off.
No account needed.
Signing in is only for game bundles and rewards. Without an account, what Nvidia sees is not tied to your name or email.
How to Turn Off Data Sharing
- Open the Nvidia App and click Settings in the left menu.
- Go to the About tab. Scroll to the data sharing options.
- Untick both boxes - "Configuration, performance, and usage data" and "Error and crash data". The change saves straight away.
Check again after big updates.
App updates can move settings around. If a new version arrives, take ten seconds to confirm the boxes are still unticked.
Slim Down What Runs in the Background
Fewer features running means less activity overall, and often a little more performance.
- Turn off the overlay. In Settings, open Features and switch off the in-game overlay (the Alt+Z menu) if you never use it.
- Stop Instant Replay. If you don't record clips, leave Instant Replay off, so it isn't constantly keeping the last seconds of your game.
- Use a separate tool for stats. MSI Afterburner shows frame rates and temperatures, and GPU-Z tells you everything about your card without sending anything.
Want Less Than That?
You don't need the Nvidia App at all for a working graphics card. You can install only the GeForce Game Ready Driver and update it by hand every month or two.
Our step-by-step guide to installing only the Nvidia driver shows how, including removing the app without losing your driver.
Quick questions
Does the Nvidia App collect data?
Yes. It always sends some required data, and by default also usage and performance data, which you can turn off in Settings under About.
Can I turn off Nvidia telemetry completely?
Not inside the app - the required data has no switch. Installing only the driver, without the Nvidia App, is the way to cut it down most.
Do I need an Nvidia account for the Nvidia App?
No. Sign-in is optional and only needed to claim game bundles and rewards.
Will turning off data sharing break anything?
No. Driver updates, game settings and recording all keep working with both data options switched off.
The bottom line
Two unticked boxes stop the optional data the Nvidia App sends, and turning off the overlay and Instant Replay trims what runs in the background. If you want the leanest setup, skip the app and keep just the driver.
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