Why Clean Installs Matter
GPU drivers accumulate settings, cached shaders, and sometimes corrupt data over updates. A clean install using DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) removes everything and starts fresh — fixing crashes, visual glitches, and performance issues.
Download DDU
Get DDU from Guru3D (official source). Extract the zip — don't install it, just run the exe when needed.
Safe Mode DDU Process
- Download your NEW driver first (but don't install yet)
- Open Settings → Recovery → Advanced startup → Restart now
- Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced → Startup Settings → Restart
- Press 4 for Safe Mode
- Run DDU → select GPU type (Nvidia or AMD) → Clean and restart
- After reboot, install the new driver
This ensures no leftover driver fragments interfere.
Nvidia Driver Installation
- Download from nvidia.com/drivers (NOT GeForce Experience/App)
- Select 'Custom (Advanced)' install
- Check 'Perform a clean installation'
- Uncheck everything except the Graphics Driver and PhysX
- Skip GeForce Experience unless you specifically need ShadowPlay/recording
Nvidia Control Panel Settings
- Power management mode: Prefer maximum performance
- Texture filtering quality: High performance
- Threaded optimization: Auto
- Low Latency Mode: On or Ultra (for competitive games)
- V-Sync: Off (use in-game V-Sync or G-Sync instead)
AMD Driver Installation
- Download from amd.com/en/support
- Run the installer → Factory Reset option (equivalent to DDU)
- Or use DDU first, then install AMD driver
- Choose 'Minimal Install' to skip Adrenalin extras
AMD Adrenalin Settings
- Radeon Anti-Lag: On (reduces input latency)
- Radeon Boost: Optional (reduces resolution during fast movement)
- Radeon Image Sharpening: On at 80%
- Wait for V-Sync: Off (unless using FreeSync)
Troubleshooting
- Black screen after install: Boot into Safe Mode, run DDU, try an older driver version
- Driver timeout (TDR): Increase TDR timeout in registry, or GPU may be failing
- Stuttering: Disable fullscreen optimizations on game exe → Properties → Compatibility
- Crash to desktop: Try a driver version from 2-3 months ago — newest isn't always best
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