Problem

This article gives instructions for updating or rolling back the NVIDIA graphics card driver to a version certified by SOLIDWORKS for your environment. This is a common first step used to troubleshoot graphical performance and instability issues in SOLIDWORKS products.

The SOLIDWORKS Certified Graphics Driver can be checked from the SOLIDWORKS Hardware Certification Website.

No uninstall is required because the NVIDIA driver package has an advanced clean install option built-in. When enabled, this option takes care of completely removing any evidence of the previously installed version and then installs the new version. This is very helpful when the current driver is causing issues or is not in a stable condition. 

Solution

1. Obtain the latest NVIDIA Driver here: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/drivers/ 
2. Close down all programs on your computer
3. Run the downloaded exe file with administrator rights

4. Follow the prompts in the installer until the Installation options screen; select Custom (advanced), and click Next

   

5. Enable all components and select Perform a clean installation, then click Next to begin the installation

   

   Note: The monitor may go black, and the resolution may change a few times during the installation.

6. Restart the computer to complete the process.

For additional support, existing customers can submit a ticket or new customers can contact Hawk Ridge Systems.