How to Fix the “Nvidia Driver Not Compatible With This Version of Windows” Issue?

Nvidia is an American company that is popular for its graphics card products. Most of the high-end gaming computer setups usually have the latest Nvidia graphics hardware installed for a wonderful, graphics experience for the users. 

While the company makes excellent products, there are instances when certain issues can occur.

One of the most common issues that occur in the operating system is that the user gets a prompt that the “Nvidia driver is not compatible with this Windows.” 

Before you click on any of the recommended troubleshooting steps on your computer for this particular problem,

You can try some of the following methods to get rid of this issue.

Methods to get rid of the “Nvidia driver not compatible with this version of Windows” issue:

METHOD # 1: Restarting the computer:

This is one of the most basic methods that usually work the best. 

All you have to do is:

  • Click on the power option of your computer.

  • Click on “Restart.”

Once the computer restarts, the operating system will refresh, and this may help you get rid of the issue. Most of the other common issues also get resolved by this one, simple step. 

 

METHOD # 2: Diagnose the problem:

1. Incompatible graphics driver or Nvidia drivers:

One very crucial reason to see this error on your computer is that you are probably trying the installation of a 32-bit graphics driver on a 64-bit Operating System. 

It can be vice versa too like you are probably trying the installation of 64-bit Nvidia on a 32-bit Operating System. 

Now, you must remember that the basic and the core architecture of both these operating systems are entirely different and they need a driver that is compatible with their functionality and content. Also, you cannot interchange these drivers like this, otherwise, your system will not work, and they will never be properly installed. 

To diagnose this problem, all you need to do is to:

  • Open Direct X Diagnostics.

This will give you the knowledge of the Operating System that you have. 

  • You can press the Windows logo key plus R on your keyboard to open the run dialog box.

  • Then type ‘dxdiag.’

  • Click on ‘OK.’

  • You will be in the Display that will show you whether your graphics driver is compatible with the Operating System that you are running or not.

2, Incompatible build and version of Windows:  

Another reason that can be causing this issue is that your version and build of the Operating System are probably not supported by Nvidia. 

You must remember that Nvidia drivers are not supported by the version of the Operating System that is below Windows 10 Threshold 2, 1511. 

All the Nvidia systems are supported by the series above this, and the 1607 and 1703 (Anniversary and the Fall Creators respectively.)

The builds of Windows 10 that support the Nvidia graphic cards are from build 10586 onwards. 

In order to diagnose if this is the problem, all you need to do is:

  • Press the Windows logo key plus R on your keyboard to open the run dialog box.

  • Now type ‘Winver’ in this box.

  • The display that you will see now will show you both the build and the version of your Operating System.

This way, you will be able to judge if the problem is with the graphics cards not being compatible with your Operating System or there is some other underlying issue. 

If both the diagnostic checks are clear, then you can proceed to the next method. 

METHOD # 2: Un-install the Nvidia drivers:

This is also a very simple step that can help you find out how to fix the “Nvidia graphics driver not compatible with this Windows” issue. All you have to do is:

  • First press the Windows logo key plus R on your keyboard to open the run dialog box.

  • Now type “devmgmt.msc.”

  •  Hit/click Enter. You can also click on OK. 

  • This will open the device manager window.

  • In the device manager windows section, click on Display Adapters.

  •  Expand that section and there, you will find your drivers.

  • Here, right-click on it.

  • Now click on “Uninstall.” 

Allow the uninstallation process as this will clear the corrupt or incompatible graphics card.

  • Now, click on “Restart” to reboot your computer

3. Reinstall the latest Nvidia driver:

You can find several online sources and authentic sites from where you can download the latest driver. 

It is always better to get the most authentic and original product to avoid all types of malware. 

  • Download the latest driver.

  • Now, run the setup file and follow the instructions which appear on the screen.

  • Choose the custom installation option.

  • Check all the boxes in the custom installation options window.

  • Make sure to check the box which states “perform a clean install.”

  • Restart your computer.

This whole uninstallation and reinstallation process of the driver is likely to solve your problem and help you get rid of the “driver not compatible with this Windows” issue.

METHOD # 4: Update your Windows Operating System:

If the above-mentioned method did not work, then perhaps there is some problem with your Windows. Sometimes when the Operating System of your computer is outdated, or you have not updated when Microsoft launches a new update, then many issues start occurring all of the sudden. 

It is always good to keep all your software updated at all times because the developers send fixes and patches for various vulnerabilities in the software of the computer, so when you download the latest updates, your computer system gets fixed too. 

So, if you are receiving this issue with the drivers, then perhaps you must look into updating your Operating System to the latest Windows 10. 

  • First press the Windows key plus I on your keyboard to open the Operating System’s settings. 

  • Then click on “update and security” at the windows update tab.

  • Click on “check for updates.”

  • Wait for checking of the update to complete.

  • Accept the installation of all updates you find.

Your Operating System might restart a few times during these updates, and you must not interrupt it in any way. 

  • After the entire update process of the Windows 10 is complete, click to check if the “Nvidia graphics driver not compatible with this Windows” issue still occurs.
  • Use GeForce experience to download the driver in case the issue persists.
  • If you don’t have the GeForce experience installed, then download and install it from the official portal. 
  • Follow the on-screen instructions on how to install it.

 

After following the methods mentioned above, it is highly likely that by now, you have successfully fixed the graphics driver not compatible with this Windows issue. 

If the problem still occurs, then you will have to contact a technician to help you solve the error. But mostly one of these above-mentioned methods is quite helpful in solving the problem. 

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