How to Clean Install GPU Drivers Using DDU (Safe Clean Install Guide)

How to Clean Install GPU Drivers Using DDU (Safe Clean Install Guide)

Introduction

💡Ever had screen glitches, driver conflicts, or flaky GPU performance that don’t clear up with a normal driver uninstall? Using DDU can completely wipe out old NVIDIA/AMD/Intel GPU drivers — including hidden files and registry entries — so you can install fresh ones cleanly. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to use DDU safely, what you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips.
DDU will fix a lot of graphics issues, but it won't actually fix the hardware if it's broken (FYI)

DDU is also very useful to perform a clean uninstall and reinstall of the graphics driver if you are planning to swap/upgrade your GPU

There are lots of guides out there, but mine is definitive and is 100% the best method - it is the method I have used on over 50 PCs

There is a video link at the bottom of the page if you prefer. But the written guide will start now

What You’ll Need

  • No tools are needed - this is done purely with software!

Step 1: Download Drivers & DDU

  • First thing you need is to download your graphics driver, for the GPU that will be in the PC at the END of the process
    For NVIDIA graphics cards, google NVIDIA drivers. You want the MANUAL driver search, then use the dropdowns to get the correct drivers for your GPU
    For AMD Radeon, google AMD Radeon drivers. It is VITAL that you DO NOT USE THE AUTO DETECT AND INSTALL. Instead, scroll down, go to graphics, then find your GPU from the list. On the download page, again DO NOT GET THE AUTO DETECT AND INSTALL. Instead get the full Adrenalin driver
    For Intel ARC graphics, google Intel ARC graphics driver and follow the instructions on screen
  • Next, download DDU. This is easiest from Guru3D. There's a link here but you can get to it from Google fairly easily. LINK
  • ONLY FOR RYZEN CPU USERS (Intel can ignore): Download the AMD chipset drivers. Google download AMD chipset driver. DO NOT USE THE AUTO DETECT AND INSTALL. Instead, scroll down, find chipsets, and then your motherboard chipset, such as B650. Then download the latest chipset driver

or

or

 

DDU

 

Chipset driver (AMD Ryzen only)

Step 2: Boot Into Safe Mode

  • It is strongly recommended that you disconnect from the internet to complete this process. This will prevent Windows auto installing the wrong driver once you uninstall. You can do this by either: 
    • Unplugging your Router
    • Unplugging your ethernet cable (if you use wired internet)
    • Going to the bottom left of the desktop home screen, and disabling your WiFi
  • It’s strongly recommended to run DDU in Windows Safe Mode. This helps avoid driver conflicts and leftover files that Windows might lock
  • To enter Safe Mode: hold SHIFT while clicking Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → click the option to restart → select Safe Mode using the number 4 on your keyboard when you reach this screen
  • If you have issues logging into safe mode, this happens for some people and it's an issue with their login PIN. In which case, refer to the video guide at the bottom of this post and go to the troubleshooting section of the video
  • ⚠️ October 2025: There is a Windows bug that sometimes stops your keyboard and mouse working at the blue recovery environment shown below. If this occurs, go to the end of the article for a workaround

 

Step 3: Run DDU

  • Extract DDU by right clicking and then extract all
  • Open the DDU file, which will do another extraction
  • Then open the Display Driver Uninstaller application file
  • Settings will pop up. Copy what I show on screen below
  • Then ensure the dropdown menus say GPU and then All GPUs
  • Then click "Clean and Shutdown"
  • At this point, if you are changing to a new graphics card, you can perform the physical upgrade now

Step 4: Reinstall Drivers

  • After DDU completes your PC will be off. So turn your PC back on, but do not enable your internet yet
  • It should boot into normal mode (rather than safe mode). If you are still in safe mode, restart your PC. If still in safe mode after this, refer to the troubleshooting section of the video guide linked at the bottom of this blog post
  • (Ryzen CPU users only) - Find the AMD Chipset drivers you downloaded earlier, and install them by opening the file
  • Find your graphics driver file that you downloaded earlier, and open it, following the installation wizard through until your graphics driver is installed
  • Restart your PC
  • At this point you can reconnect to the internet because you are done!

Tips & Troubleshooting

⚠️ If DDU won't open, it may be due to OneDrive. Move the DDU file onto a USB flash drive instead
⚠️ October 2025: There is a Windows bug that sometimes stops your keyboard and mouse working at the blue recovery environment. If this occurs, go to the end of the article for a workaround
✅ Yes, you should be offline for the clean install process - it will work with your internet still on, but the result will be sub-optimal
✅ If your screen goes black briefly while removing old drivers — that’s expected, don’t panic.
✅ Be sure to install the correct version of the driver for your Operating System & GPU model.

Conclusion

🎉 That’s how you use DDU to perform a clean GPU driver removal and fresh install. Doing this can often fix glitches, improve performance, or resolve conflicts.

👉 Want to skip the technical setup and get a gaming PC already configured and clean out of the box? Our custom builds in Torquay come tested, bloat-free, and ready to go — with a 3-year warranty and free delivery. See our PCs HERE

correct file this time!

Video version

If you prefer, there is a video version of the guide here: 

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By Dr Jack Clulow
Founder of PC36 LTD, expert PC builder, and 1.0 KD Warzone player 🎮

⚠️ EDIT October 2025: There is a Windows bug that sometimes stops your keyboard and mouse working at the blue recovery environment. Follow below for the fix, where we activate safe mode the old school way

1) Open command prompt as administrator (search cmd in the search bar)

 

2) In command prompt, type:
bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal
⚠️ You must type it exactly like this including the curled brackets

Then press Enter and is should complete successfully
If it does not work, check spelling, and if all correct, try changing "current" to "default"

 

3) Now you can restart your PC
⚠️ Note you should NOT hold shift while doing this (because we have already enabled the safe mode on reboot manually)

4) You can see you are now in safe mode, but DO NOT proceed to use DDU just yet. There is 1 more step to ensure when you restart, that you will be back in the normal mode

 

5) Open command prompt the same way again, as administrator
This time, type: 
bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot

⚠️ You must type it exactly like this including the curled brackets

Then press Enter and is should complete successfully
If it does not work, check spelling, and if all correct, try changing "current" to "default"

 

6) You can now return to the main guide above at Step 3

 

⚠️ If you can't get in/out of safe mode using the command shown above, try this instead

1) Press Windows key + R together to bring up the "Run" window. Type msconfig and then OK

 

2) In the Boot tab, there is an option for "Safe boot"

To get into safe mode, ensure the box is ticked
To get out of safe mode, ensure the box is not ticked

 

 

 

 


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