Nvidia GeForce Driver 572.83: Black Screen Issues Affecting Windows Users

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 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.

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