Windows won't install NVIDIA drivers: How to fix it quickly

¿Windows does not install NVIDIA drivers? When Windows gets stuck with the "Microsoft Basic Display Adapter" and the NVIDIA drivers just won't work, the experience becomes a real pain. Many users experience this right after a new PC or after reinstalling the system: GeForce Experience won't install, Windows Update promises a display update that always fails, and no matter how many times you manually download the driver, the installer never arrives.

In this guide you will find all causes and practical solutions that appear again and again in real-life cases: from the confusion between DCH and Standard drivers, to antivirus interference, system integrity failures, CRC errors when unzipping, and even doubts with BIOS updates. In addition, you will see verified steps for Windows 10 (including version 1507) and Windows 11, with multiple installation paths to break the loop.

Why Windows displays “Microsoft Basic Display Adapter”

That generic adapter appears when the correct driver for your GPU is not installed or fails to load. This is common when you get a new computer or after formatting. A typical case: a new PC with a GeForce RTX 4060 arrives home, the user installs programs and games, but everything is slow and the Device Manager only shows the basic Microsoft driver.

In such situations, several avenues are usually attempted: Windows Update offers a display update which, no matter how many times you download and install it, it fails again; GeForce Experience refuses to install even though it came pre-installed; and when downloading drivers from the NVIDIA website (both Game Ready and Studio, both the newer and previous versions), the installer also fails to complete.

When nothing works, some try to force the installation: Extract the NVIDIA package with 7-Zip, point Device Manager to that folder (Update Driver > Browse My Computer) and let it search for the correct .inf file. The wizard appears to start the installation, but fails; if you try the "Choose from a list" + "I have a disk..." path, not even the GPU model appears because the correct .inf is not available for that computer.

After days of tinkering, frustration is understandable. The good news is that there's almost always a clear reason and a tailor-made solution. without having to change hardware nor return the PC.

Common causes that block the installation of NVIDIA drivers

The most repeated is the Incompatibility between DCH and Standard driversIn Windows 10 since version 1803 and in Windows 11, NVIDIA distributes two types of drivers. If you try to install one type over the other without properly cleaning it, the installation often fails. Additionally, on computers running Windows 10 1507 (OS build 10240), systematic failures have also been observed when using the official installer.

Another common cause is that some process interferes: an active antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes caused unexpected shutdowns in one real-life case), Windows Update services running in the background, or programs that hijack graphical components. If the installer detects file or service crashes, it aborts or leaves the system unfinished.

also appear Integrity errors in the system or download filesA typical symptom is a "bad CRC" when unzipping the driver package, which indicates a corrupted file (corrupted download, browser cache, SSD with bad sectors, unstable overclocking, etc.). Tools like MemTest86, SFC, or SMART diagnostics help rule out physical and system issues.

Finally, collateral factors can complicate the picture: Browsers closing when visiting the NVIDIA website, OEM utilities not opening properly (e.g. Armoury Crate redirecting to Microsoft Store) or BIOS update issues (valid .cap file not recognized if not for exact model or not done using proper manufacturer method).

Pre-checks and safe preparation

Before touching anything, create a restore pointYou can do this using Windows (Control Panel > System > System Protection) or, if you're using third-party utilities, using its backup and restore module to have a lifeline in case something goes wrong.

Find out which Windows you're running: tap Windows + R, type winver and confirm. If you are using Windows 10 1507 (build 10240), the indicated option is update the system as soon as possible; this version is a pain with NVIDIA installers, and it's a good idea to upgrade to a more recent build via Windows Update.

Temporarily disable the antivirus and close any utilities that may be blocking the driver (capture tools, overlays, OEM apps). Many problematic installations are resolved with this alone, especially if the antivirus program ends up closing or blocking installer processes.

Check system integrity: run sfc / scannow in an administrator console, and if it detects errors, let it repair them. If the problem persists, add DISM with the usual parameters to repair the Windows image. These checks resolve library errors that the installer requires.

If you suspect hardware, spend a MemTest86 and check the SSD with its official utility (e.g., Samsung Magician for a 980 Pro) and SMART. When all of this comes back clean, the problem is more likely to be software/compatibility related.

DCH or Standard: How to know what type of driver your computer uses

You have two easy ways to check it. The first: open the NVIDIA control panel, go to System Information and look at the “Driver Type” field. If it says DCH, you know what’s installed.

The second is by registration: press Windows + R, type regedit and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\nvlddmkm. If a value related to DCHU (such as “DCHUVen”), this is a sign that this is the type of controller in the system.

Step by step solutions

Scenario A: Windows 10 1507 (OS build 10240)

Update Windows from Settings > Update & security > Windows Update. Let restart as many times as you ask Don't interrupt the process. When you're done, check if the antivirus has been reinstalled or reactivated and close it temporarily.

With the system up to date, try installing the driver: you can use a driver update tool or go directly to the NVIDIA website to download the package corresponding to your graphics card and operating system. If you choose manual installation, select "Custom (Advanced)" and select "Perform a clean install."

Scenario B: Windows 10 1803 or higher / Windows 11 with DCH vs Standard conflict

If you have DCH drivers and want to continue with DCH, go to the official NVIDIA website and specifically choose the DCH controller type for your card and Windows version. Download, run the installer, and perform a clean install to remove any previous residue.

If you prefer to upgrade to Standard drivers (or need them because your update tool only offers Standard), first completely uninstalls DCHs and the NVIDIA Control Panel:

• Open Device Manager (Windows + R > devmgmt.msc). Under Display Adapters, uninstall the NVIDIA GPU by checking “Delete the driver software for this device.”
• Under Sound, video and game controllers, uninstall “NVIDIA High Definition Audio” with the same Remove software box checked.
• In Settings > Apps, search for “NVIDIA Control Panel” and uninstall itIf you're using a third-party uninstaller, select the option to create a restore point and clean up leftovers.
• Restart your computer to allow Windows to load the basic adapter.

Now install the Standard driver. You can use a one-click driver updater or download it manually from http://www.nvidia.com/Download/Find.aspxRun the installer, choose a custom install, and select the "clean" option. Restart and verify that the NVIDIA Control Panel is working and that Device Manager displays your model correctly.

If GeForce Experience doesn't install or closes

It is not uncommon for GeForce Experience to get stuck while the base driver is also not stableIn these cases, first install the graphics driver using the full package downloaded from the NVIDIA website (you can uncheck GeForce Experience during installation). Once the driver is installed, reinstall GeForce Experience if necessary.

Install manually from Device Manager

This method only makes sense if the normal installer fails from its interface. Extract the driver executable with a tool like 7-Zip, go to Display adapters > Update driver > Search my computer and points to the extracted NVIDIA folder. If Windows detects the correct .inf, proceed; if your GPU doesn't appear or asks for an .inf that doesn't exist, it's almost always a sign incorrect package (wrong DCH/Standard type or driver for another Windows/architecture).

Persistent failures: DDU, system integrity, downloads and BIOS

If you keep looping, clean with DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller)Download it from the official website, disconnect the internet, reboot into safe mode, select NVIDIA, and use the "Clean and Reboot" option. When you return to Windows, install the correct driver from scratch (offline if possible) and reboot.

When you get “bad CRC” errors when unzipping, think about corrupt downloadTry downloading the driver with a different browser, clearing the cache, temporarily disabling antivirus/antimalware, and saving the file to another drive. If you overclock (CPU, RAM, or GPU), reset it to factory settings while installing to avoid write/read errors.

Repeat the system scan: If SFC has already “fixed some things,” run SFC again, then DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. These steps replenish critical components that the installer uses (services, runtime, system libraries).

About BIOS: On ASUS boards, the files usually have .cap extension and are applied with EZ Flash from the BIOS. Make sure the file corresponds exactly to your model/revision (for example, TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI), copy it to a FAT32 USB drive, and run the update from the BIOS menu. If it tells you it's invalid, check the model, version, and the manufacturer's recommended method (some motherboards require renaming the file or using BIOS FlashBack). Don't force the update if you have any doubts.

If you're using Windows 11 and don't see 24H2, it's okay: you don't need 24H2 to install NVIDIA drivers. Focus on stabilizing your current system, cleaning up any leftovers, and using the correct package (DCH/Standard) for your setup.

Symptoms, Causes, and Resolution: Quick Guide

Symptoms: NVIDIA driver installation fails; basic display adapter appears; GeForce Experience fails to install; browser crashes when visiting the NVIDIA website; CRC errors when unzipping; sporadic blue screens.

Causes: conflict between DCH and Standard; antivirus and background processes; corrupted download files; damaged system integrity; interfering OEM tools; older versions of Windows (1507) with known incompatibilities.

Resolution: Update Windows if it's 1507; disable antivirus; confirm the driver type (NVIDIA Control Panel or registry); uninstall completely DCH drivers if you're using Standard (or vice versa); install the correct package with a "clean install"; use DDU in safe mode if the problem persists; check integrity with SFC/DISM; retry downloads with another browser.

Practical, step-by-step guide (recommended route)

1) Create a restore point2) Check your Windows with Winver. 3) Temporarily close or uninstall your antivirus/antimalware (if you're using Malwarebytes and it closes on its own, uninstall it, restart, and try installing the driver). 4) Determine whether you're using DCH or Standard.

5) If you are going to change type (from DCH to Standard or vice versa), uninstall completely the current one: Device Manager (by removing the software), uninstall NVIDIA High Definition Audio and the NVIDIA Control Panel from Applications. Reboot.

6) Download the package http://www.nvidia.com/Download/Find.aspx or https://www.nvidia.es/Download/index.aspx?lang=es by correctly selecting your GPU, operating system, and driver type. 7) Install in "Custom (Advanced)" mode, selecting "Perform a clean install." 8) Reboot and check Device Manager.

If it fails: Use DDU in safe mode, repeat the installation offline, try another browser for the download, and if the browser closes when visiting the NVIDIA website, download from another computer and copy the installer with a Reliable USB.

When to ask support for help

If, after cleaning with DDU, installing the correct driver type, running SFC/DISM and discarding corrupted downloads, you still get errors or blue screenshots, contact your manufacturer's support (for example, if the computer is from an integrator) or NVIDIA/Microsoft. Official support pages provide guidance on reinstalling or resetting Windows if necessary: ​​https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4026528/windows-reset-or-reinstall-windows-10 and https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4000735/windows-10-reinstall.

With a driver type check, a complete uninstall, and a clean install of the correct package, the system should normally leave the Microsoft Basic Adapter and GPU behind. works at 100% without any stutters or strange errors; if you also keep Windows updated and monitor antivirus and background tools, you'll prevent the problem from recurring. For more information, check out the Nvidia Drivers.