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How to do a clean graphics driver install with DDU

By Michael Steininger · Updated October 2026

Normal driver updates install over the old driver, and that works fine almost always. When it doesn't, after switching between NVIDIA and AMD, or when crashes and odd behaviour started with a driver update, a clean install with Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) removes every trace first.

Quick answerDownload DDU and the new driver, disconnect the internet, restart into Safe Mode, run DDU with Clean and restart, then install the new driver and reconnect.

When you need it#

  • You switched from an NVIDIA to an AMD card or the other way round.
  • Crashes, black screens or missing settings started after a driver update, and a normal reinstall didn't fix it.
  • The driver installer fails.

For normal updates you don't need it. NVIDIA's and AMD's installers also have a clean installation or factory reset option, which is often enough.

Step by step#

  1. Download Display Driver Uninstaller from its official site (Wagnardsoft) and the new driver from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel. Save both somewhere easy to find.
  2. Disconnect the internet (unplug the cable or turn off Wi-Fi). Otherwise Windows Update may install a driver of its own as soon as DDU is done.
  3. Restart into Safe Mode: hold Shift while clicking Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → 4.
  4. Run DDU, choose the device type (GPU) and the vendor, and click Clean and restart.
  5. Windows starts normally, at low resolution. Install the new driver, restart, then reconnect the internet.
NoteSettings you made in the NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Software are reset by a clean install. Note the ones you want to keep.

Questions#

Should I use DDU for every driver update?
No. Normal updates over the old driver work fine. Use DDU when switching vendors or when problems started with a driver.
Why disconnect the internet for DDU?
So Windows Update doesn't install its own driver before you install the one you downloaded.
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