This article provides an overview of the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 391.35, specifically designed for Windows 10 operating systems. Released on March 27, 2018, this driver, with the filename 391.35-desktop-win10-64bit-international-whql.exe, falls under Nvidia’s "Game Ready Driver" program. This program focuses on providing users with the best possible gaming experience for newly released titles, including those designed for Virtual Reality (VR).
Understanding Game Ready Drivers
The core philosophy behind Nvidia’s Game Ready Drivers is proactive optimization. The Nvidia driver team dedicates itself to working closely with game developers right up to the release date of a new title. This collaboration allows them to identify and implement performance tweaks, bug fixes, and compatibility enhancements specifically tailored for the game. The aim is to ensure smooth and optimized gameplay right from day one, eliminating common launch-day issues that can plague PC gaming. For gamers, this translates to a more stable, visually appealing, and enjoyable experience.
What’s New in Driver 391.35
While the provided source material doesn’t explicitly detail specific new features or game optimizations included in the 391.35 driver, it broadly states that it is a "Game Ready" driver. This implies that the driver contains optimizations and improvements for recently released or upcoming games at the time of its release (March 2018). To discover the exact games and features targeted by this driver, users would typically consult the official Nvidia release notes accompanying the driver on their website. These notes would provide specific details regarding performance boosts, bug fixes, and new features implemented.
Diving into Driver Specifications
The filename 391.35-desktop-win10-64bit-international-whql.exe itself offers some insight into the driver’s specifications:
- 391.35: This is the driver version number. Driver version numbers usually follow a convention where higher numbers indicate more recent releases, often incorporating new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes compared to older versions.
- desktop: This indicates that the driver is intended for desktop GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) as opposed to mobile GPUs found in laptops.
- win10: This confirms that the driver is specifically designed and compatible with the Windows 10 operating system. It’s crucial to use drivers designed for your specific OS to ensure proper functionality and avoid compatibility issues.
- 64bit: This specifies that the driver is designed for 64-bit versions of Windows 10. Most modern systems utilize 64-bit architecture, allowing them to address more memory and handle more complex operations. Using the correct driver architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) is essential for proper system operation.
- international: This suggests that the driver is a general release intended for use in various regions and languages.
- whql: This stands for Windows Hardware Quality Labs. WHQL certification indicates that the driver has undergone rigorous testing by Microsoft and meets their standards for stability, reliability, and compatibility with the Windows operating system. WHQL certified drivers are generally considered to be more stable and less likely to cause system issues.
Installing the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 391.35
Before installing the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 391.35 or any graphics driver, it’s generally recommended to follow these steps:
- Identify your GPU: Determine the exact model of your Nvidia GeForce graphics card. This information is crucial for ensuring you download and install the correct driver. You can find this information through the Windows Device Manager or by using Nvidia’s GeForce Experience software.
- Download the Driver: Download the driver from a reputable source. You can download the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 391.35 here: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/17682/.
As an alternative, you can download the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 391.35 from Softpedia: https://drivers.softpedia.com/get/GRAPHICS-BOARD/NVIDIA/NVIDIA-GeForce-Graphics-Driver-391-35.shtml. - Close Running Applications: Close all open applications, especially games or graphics-intensive programs. This will prevent potential conflicts during the installation process.
- Run the Installer: Locate the downloaded .exe file (391.35-desktop-win10-64bit-international-whql.exe) and double-click it to run the installer.
- Follow On-Screen Instructions: The installer will guide you through the installation process. It will typically involve agreeing to the license agreement, choosing installation options (Express or Custom), and selecting the components you want to install. A "clean install" option, if available, is recommended to remove any remnants of previous drivers, potentially resolving compatibility issues.
- Restart Your Computer: After the installation is complete, restart your computer. This is crucial for the new driver to be properly loaded and initialized.
Considerations and Troubleshooting
- Driver Conflicts: Before installing a new driver, consider uninstalling the previous one, especially if you are experiencing issues. You can do this through the Windows Device Manager or by using a dedicated driver uninstaller utility.
- System Requirements: While the driver is designed for Windows 10, ensure that your system meets the minimum hardware requirements for the games you intend to play. Insufficient hardware can lead to performance issues regardless of the driver version.
- Roll Back: If you encounter issues after installing the new driver, such as graphical glitches, instability, or performance degradation, you can roll back to a previous driver version through the Windows Device Manager.
- Official Nvidia Resources: Consult the official Nvidia website and forums for troubleshooting tips, known issues, and frequently asked questions regarding the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 391.35 and other drivers.
The Importance of Staying Up-to-Date
Keeping your graphics drivers up-to-date is crucial for optimal gaming performance and overall system stability. New drivers often include performance optimizations for the latest games, bug fixes that address compatibility issues, and security patches that protect your system from vulnerabilities. While it’s not always necessary to install every new driver release, staying relatively current is generally recommended.
Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 391.35: A Retrospective
While the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 391.35 is no longer the latest driver available, it represents a snapshot in time of Nvidia’s commitment to providing Game Ready Drivers. Understanding the purpose and benefits of these drivers, as well as the steps involved in installation and troubleshooting, remains relevant for users of Nvidia graphics cards. Remember to always prioritize downloading drivers from reputable sources and to follow best practices for installation and maintenance. This article provides essential information about the Nvidia GeForce Graphics Driver 391.35.