Nvidia Driver 572.83 Black Screen Issues: Windows 11 Gamers Frustrated

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Nvidia’s latest Game Ready Driver 572.83 is once again causing headaches for Windows 11 gamers, as a frustrating black screen issue rears its ugly head—this time with renewed stubbornness. It appears that the woes users experienced with previous driver versions, notably 572.16, have not been resolved, and the woes persist even with the newest driver update that promises support for cutting-edge games and RTX 5000 series notebooks.

A man with a serious, slightly concerned expression in a dimly lit room with a blue background.
A Rocky Road with Nvidia's Driver Updates​

Nvidia has long been a household name among gamers and Windows enthusiasts. With every driver update, the company aims to enhance game performance, add support for newer hardware, and introduce innovative technologies like DLSS 4. However, driver 572.83 seems to have missed the mark by reintroducing a black screen bug that leaves users stranded—often during installation or when booting into Windows 11 using a DisplayPort connection.

Key Points at a Glance​

  • The new Game Ready Driver 572.83 promises support for upcoming titles and the latest RTX 5000 series notebooks.
  • Despite these enhancements, users report a persistent black screen issue.
  • The bug first appeared in driver 572.16 during the rollout of DLSS 4.
  • Complaints have flooded social platforms like Reddit, with both new and older RTX GPU users experiencing the frustrating problem.
  • The black screen can occur either right after installing the driver or during the Windows 11 login process, particularly when using DisplayPort connectivity.

What’s Causing the Black Screen?​

Nvidia’s Game Ready Driver is pivotal for leveraging the latest gaming technologies. The driver in question is meant to unlock enhancements such as DLSS 4 override—a system that vastly improves frame generation and overall image quality for titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and The Last of Us Part 2. Unfortunately, the bug means that some users are repeatedly met with an unresponsive black screen, forcing them to perform a hard reboot. This forces a precarious decision: update to harness the new features at the risk of system instability, or revert to an older driver version that offers a more reliable, albeit less feature-rich, experience.

Root Causes and Technical Context​

  • Early indications suggest that the issue might be tied to the way the driver interacts with the DisplayPort interface on Windows 11 systems.
  • The problem seems to manifest during critical system operations, such as driver installation or boot-up when the GPU transitions control to Windows’ display manager.
  • While innovations like DLSS 4 have been eagerly anticipated and indeed perform groundbreaking tasks, the integration appears to conflict with certain hardware configurations.
The recurrence of this bug indicates that the root cause might lie deeper within the driver’s code than a simple compatibility oversight. As Nvidia moves forward with innovations around DLSS and the new RTX GPUs, ensuring robust stability remains a significant challenge.

Impact on Windows 11 Users and New RTX GPU Owners​

For gamers and enthusiasts relying on Windows 11, this driver glitch isn’t just a minor hiccup—it’s a significant deterrent to enjoying the newest game titles and optimizing hardware performance. The update isn’t only essential for those with the latest notebooks featuring RTX 5090, RTX 5080, and RTX 5070 Ti GPUs; even users with older RTX cards are not immune to this headache.

Why This Matters​

  • New Hardware Functionality: For many users who have invested in the new Blackwell GPU notebooks, the driver update is not optional. The new hardware requires the enhanced capabilities provided by driver 572.83 to realize its full potential.
  • Performance vs. Stability: While the driver promises blazing performance improvements and enhanced visual fidelity, the stability issues—specifically the black screen—lend a significant risk. There’s a trade-off that gamers must now weigh: higher performance and updated features against a system that might not boot or display correctly.
  • Widespread Frustration: The discussion on platforms like Reddit illustrates that this isn’t an isolated incident. Multiple users have voiced their frustrations, indicating the issue is pervasive across various hardware configurations.
It’s clear that for some, rolling back to an earlier, more stable driver version seems like the lesser evil. Yet for those with the new RTX 5000 series or Blackwell GPUs, the official driver is necessary for the intended performance enhancements, leaving them in a quandary over whether to risk instability for advanced features.

Rollback: A Temporary Solution?​

For those affected by the new driver's black screen anomaly, the immediate workaround appears to be a rollback to previous driver versions known to function reliably on the affected systems. Here’s a quick rundown on what users can do:

Steps to Roll Back Nvidia Drivers​

  • Boot into Safe Mode: Since the black screen might lock you out before Windows fully loads, booting into Safe Mode can allow for driver removal.
  • Uninstall the Current Driver: Use the Device Manager to uninstall the problematic Nvidia driver.
  • Download a Stable Version: Head to Nvidia’s official website or a trusted repository to download a previous version of the driver that didn’t have the black screen issue.
  • Install the Driver: Follow the installation process carefully. Reboot your system and verify stability.
  • Disable Automatic Driver Updates: If Windows 11 automatically updates drivers, consider disabling this feature temporarily until a permanent fix is released.
By following these steps, users might bypass the immediate crisis, though it’s certainly not a permanent fix. While rollback is a common troubleshooting measure, it’s hardly satisfying when cutting-edge technology is undermined by such persistent bugs.

Historical Context: DLSS 4 and Recurring Bugs​

This isn’t the first time Nvidia has faced criticism for unstable driver updates. The onset of DLSS 4 with driver 572.16 initially sparked optimism, followed by unwelcome complications that seem to persist. The promise of enhanced AI-driven frame generation and super resolution comes with added complexities in the underlying software architecture.

The Big Picture for Gamers​

  • Innovation vs. Reliability: With every major update, there’s a balance between pushing forward technological innovation and maintaining system reliability. Nvidia’s recent misstep is a reminder that rapid innovation sometimes comes at the cost of current user experience.
  • Community Feedback: Many avid Windows 11 users and gamers have taken to Reddit and other platforms to share their dismay. Their collective concerns highlight a recurring theme—one that underscores the delicate balance Nvidia must strike between new features and robust performance.
  • Developer Pressure: The scrutiny from a passionate user base ensures that Nvidia’s development teams are under significant pressure to deliver stable releases. As users continuously point out these issues, it remains to be seen what steps will be taken to address the underlying problems.
DLSS technologies and the rapid evolution of GPUs have set high expectations for both performance and stability. In this context, the black screen issue not only hampers current gaming experiences but also casts a shadow over future innovations if reliability is not restored promptly.

Broader Implications for Windows 11 and Nvidia’s Reputation​

The recurring driver issues are more than just a pesky bug—they reflect the challenges that come with integrating advanced graphics technologies into sophisticated operating systems like Windows 11. For many users balancing between productivity and high-performance gaming, system crashes or black screens are unacceptable, especially when they happen during critical system operations like booting up.

Points to Consider​

  • System Compatibility: Windows 11 brings its unique set of challenges and opportunities. The ongoing issues with Nvidia’s drivers could potentially prompt Windows users to explore alternative solutions or even other GPU vendors, though switching ecosystems isn’t just a matter of preference—it’s a substantial investment.
  • User Trust and Brand Loyalty: Nvidia has a long-standing reputational advantage among gamers. However, repeated missteps like these may erode trust, pushing the community to adopt a more cautious approach toward every driver release.
  • Long-Term Oversight: The need for stable, reliable drivers is paramount. For both enthusiast gamers and professional users, consistent performance is critical. These incidents serve as an important lesson for Nvidia to perhaps refine its beta testing and user feedback loops before deploying critical updates.
Rhetorically speaking, one has to wonder: in the high-speed race of graphics innovation, how much sacrifice of user experience is too much? For those who rely on their systems for both work and play, a black screen error isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a major disruption.

Navigating the Uncertainty: What’s Next?​

The question remains: When will Nvidia step up and resolve these black screen issues permanently? As the company anticipates new Blackwell GPUs and further advancements in DLSS technologies, it faces the dual challenge of meeting high performance benchmarks while ensuring unwavering system stability.

Looking Ahead​

  • Pressure for a Fix: With mounting community frustration and the dual demands of supporting new hardware and offering stable performance, Nvidia is under significant pressure to issue an updated driver that resolves the bug.
  • Potential for Further Update Delays: Given how recurring these issues have been, users might be wary of future Game Ready Driver releases until Nvidia can guarantee a long-term fix.
  • Community Vigilance: Windows 11 users should keep a close eye on both Nvidia’s official channels and community forums. Sharing troubleshooting tips and temporary workarounds can foster a collaborative environment until an official resolution is delivered.
For those looking forward to unleashing the full potential of Assassin’s Creed Shadows with DLSS 4 enhancements, patience might be the only virtue left until Nvidia delivers a fix that restores both performance and system reliability.

Final Thoughts​

The plight of Windows 11 users facing the black screen issue with Nvidia’s Game Ready Driver 572.83 is a stark reminder that pushing technological boundaries sometimes comes with unforeseen pitfalls. While Nvidia’s drive for innovation with technologies like DLSS 4 and support for the new RTX 5000 series is commendable, stability remains paramount. Users are encouraged to weigh the risks against the rewards, consider rolling back drivers if necessary, and stay engaged with community updates.
In the grand scheme, this incident underscores the delicate balancing act of delivering next-generation gaming improvements without sacrificing everyday usability. As Nvidia works to address these recurring issues, the community will undoubtedly remain vocal, ensuring that user experience stays front and center in future updates. Until then, Windows 11 enthusiasts must navigate this turbulent period with caution, all while eagerly anticipating a resolution that brings both brilliance and stability to their high-performance gaming rigs.

Source: TechRadar Nvidia's new Game Ready Driver repeats an annoying black screen issue from previous versions - it needs fixing ASAP
 

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Nvidia’s latest GeForce Game Ready driver 572.83 has emerged as a major headache for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users, leaving many in the dark—literally. Released on March 18 with promises to boost performance for overclocked RTX 5080/5090 setups, this driver update is now notorious for triggering unexpected black screens during installation, post-reboot, and even in the midst of an intense gaming session.

A dark, unlit widescreen monitor and keyboard sit on a desk in a dim, colorful room.
A Closer Look at the Issue​

Under normal circumstances, driver updates like these are eagerly anticipated for the performance gains and stability fixes they promise. However, in this case, the intended remedy for RTX performance bottlenecks has ironically come with its own set of problems, including:
  • A sudden black screen during driver installation on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
  • Black screens after rebooting the PC once the driver is installed.
  • Instances where the screen goes dark mid-game, accompanied only by a visible cursor.
  • Isolated incidents of the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with error codes such as “DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL” linked to the nvlddmkm.sys file, which is associated with Nvidia’s driver suite.
In short, the update designed to eliminate glaring issues has instead introduced a slew of new ones. As one frustrated user on a forum reported, “4090 here, same issue. Black screen during driver update,” a sentiment echoed by many across Reddit and other tech communities.

Understanding the Driver Update’s Intentions​

Nvidia released driver 572.83 with a specific aim—to fix a bug where RTX 5080/5090 cards, when overclocked, could underperform or not run at full speed. Paradoxically, while the release notes mentioned a fix for black screen issues encountered with GeForce RTX 50-series cards, real-world reports suggest that the problem is not only persisting but appears to be more widespread.

The Affected GPU Range​

The mishap isn’t limited to a single series of graphics cards. Reports have shown that multiple GPUs are suffering from this driver glitch:
  • 50‑series cards: Including the 5070 Ti, 5080, and 5090.
  • 40‑series cards: Such as the 4060 Ti, 4070 Ti, 4080, and 4090.
  • Even some older 30‑series GPUs have not been spared.
This indicates that while Nvidia intended to target a specific subset of the GPU lineup, the fallout is affecting a broader spectrum of users.

Initial Theories on the Cause​

Initially, some speculated that the issues could be tied to DisplayPort handshake problems—especially at higher refresh rates (144 Hz, 165 Hz, or 240 Hz). However, further scrutiny suggests that this is likely not the root cause. Instead, certain configurations, such as when G-Sync HDR and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) are enabled, appear to trigger the black screen phenomenon, particularly on Windows 11 systems.

The Technical Underpinnings​

At its heart, the problem may have its origins in the way the driver interacts with Windows’ display settings and the GPU’s firmware. The fact that users have reported scenarios where the update process suddenly freezes with only a blinking cursor visible implies that the underlying issue could be due to conflicts in initialization routines between the updated driver and existing system configurations.
  • The error code “DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL” points directly to the faulty nvlddmkm.sys file, suggesting that the crash isn’t a Windows fault but a deeper problem with the Nvidia driver.
  • In some severe cases, the update can lead to aberrant display behavior—including random white lines and complete system crashes—forcing affected users to reboot their machines urgently.
Given these technical disruptions, one has to wonder: Are driver updates now a gamble for Windows users looking to maximize gaming performance?

Troubleshooting and Workaround Strategies​

If you’re one of the many affected by driver 572.83, take solace in the fact that there are several workarounds that have shown promise for mitigating these issues. Here are some strategies that you can try:

Reverting to a Previous Driver Version​

Since Nvidia drivers aren’t mandatory, reverting to an older, stable version like 566.36 is often the simplest way to restore system stability.
  • Boot into Windows Safe Mode to avoid the black screen issue during the transition.
  • Open the Device Manager and locate your Nvidia graphics adapter.
  • Right-click and select “Properties,” then navigate to the “Driver” tab.
  • Choose “Roll Back Driver” to revert to the previous version.
  • Alternatively, you can uninstall the current driver and manually install the stable version you know works.

Adjusting Display and Performance Settings​

If you’re reluctant to roll back the driver and want to stick with 572.83, you might consider adjusting some settings that have been reported to help:
  • Disable G-Sync or Frame Generation: Some users have successfully avoided black screens by turning off these features, which are known to cause conflicts in certain configurations.
  • Turn Off Overlays: Disabling overlays like the Nvidia in-game overlay, Discord overlay, and MSI Afterburner can reduce the chance of conflicts during gameplay.
  • Lower Your Refresh Rate: If you’re using a monitor with high refresh rates (especially 144 Hz or above), try lowering the refresh rate to 144 Hz or less. This can alleviate certain display handshake issues that may be contributing to the problem.

Practical Steps for Recovery​

For those who find themselves stuck with a black screen and a stubborn cursor, here are some practical steps to regain control of your system:
  • Forced Reboot: When the screen goes black, hold down the power button to force a system reboot. While not ideal, this is the only immediate recourse in the absence of a responsive interface.
  • Disable Automatic Driver Installation: Avoid having Windows automatically reinstall the problematic driver by using Group Policy or registry settings, ensuring that you stick with a known stable version.
  • Consult Official Forums and Support: Engage with communities on Windows-focused and Nvidia forums. Often, other users and experts can share insights or updated workarounds that might not yet be available in official documentation.

Broader Implications and Lessons for Windows Users​

This driver debacle isn’t just a minor hiccup—it’s a significant reminder of the risks associated with driver updates in a multi-vendor ecosystem like Windows. While Microsoft’s operating system is designed to leverage the best available drivers for optimal performance, third-party updates like Nvidia’s GeForce drivers introduce an extra layer of complexity.

Key Takeaways​

  • Driver Updates Aren’t Always a Free Lunch: Unlike Windows updates that are critical and mandatory, third-party drivers like Nvidia’s are optional. Users should exercise caution and perform adequate research before installing new versions.
  • Community Vigilance is Key: Online forums and user communities remain invaluable resources. The rapid sharing of experiences on platforms like Reddit and Windows-specific forums has helped many avoid the pitfalls of this problematic update.
  • Test Environments and Staging: For enthusiasts and professionals who cannot afford downtime or system instability, setting up a test environment to trial new driver versions might be the most prudent approach.

A Note on Windows Compatibility​

It’s also important to distinguish between issues arising from driver updates and those linked to Windows 11 itself. Recent Windows updates have occasionally led to similar aesthetic or stability problems, but in this case, the problems seem specifically tied to the Nvidia driver. Nonetheless, as Windows continues to evolve, users should remain aware of how system updates and driver updates interact, especially when cutting-edge hardware (like the newest RTX cards) is involved.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect from Nvidia​

With the negative feedback and mounting user reports, all eyes are now on Nvidia to deliver a fix that addresses these black screen issues once and for all. It’s likely that Nvidia will release a revised driver update or provide additional guidance on configuration tweaks that may reduce conflicts. Until then, Windows users—especially those with high-end GPUs—should weigh the benefits of performance enhancements against the risk of severe display disruptions.
In many ways, the current situation serves as a wake-up call for the industry. As hardware grows more sophisticated and the interplay between drivers and operating systems becomes even more critical, thorough testing and robust fallback systems become essential to maintain user trust.

Final Thoughts​

The saga of Nvidia driver 572.83 is more than just an isolated incident—it’s a vivid illustration of the challenges that can arise at the intersection of cutting-edge hardware and software updates. For gamers, professionals, and everyday users alike, the lesson is clear: always proceed with caution when installing new drivers, especially if they promise radical improvements and fixes.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to remember:
  • The driver update was intended to fix performance issues with overclocked RTX 5080/5090 cards but has instead caused unexpected black screens.
  • The problem spans multiple GPU series (50‑series, 40‑series, and even some 30‑series cards) and affects both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
  • Potential causes include conflicts involving G-Sync HDR, VRR settings, and possibly issues with the nvlddmkm.sys file.
  • Workarounds include reverting to an older driver (566.36), disabling certain display features, and lowering your monitor’s refresh rate.
  • User communities and forums continue to provide updates and troubleshooting tips, highlighting the importance of staying connected with the broader tech community.
While the predicament is certainly frustrating, informed users armed with the right troubleshooting tips can navigate through these issues until Nvidia releases a definitive solution. As always, keeping abreast of both official updates and community feedback will be key to maintaining a smooth Windows experience.
Remember, in the digital world, even the brightest updates can sometimes leave you in the dark. Stay informed, stay prepared, and may your display always shine bright.

Source: Windows Latest Nvidia driver 572.83 is causing a black screen on Windows 11, Windows 10
 

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