Following an automated update, a Windows 11 graphics workstation experiences recurring `DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL` stop errors whenever GPU-intensive applications are launched. The system boots into Windows normally, but opening Device Manager reveals that the 'Roll Back Driver' button for the display adapter is grayed out and inaccessible. The technician needs to eliminate the corrupted driver and restore hardware functionality without performing a full operating system reinstallation. Which of the following is the most appropriate step to resolve this issue?
- Uninstall the display device in Device Manager while selecting the option to attempt driver removal, then scan for hardware changes.Answer
- BExecute `sfc /scannow` in an elevated Command Prompt to extract and replace the corrupted third-party driver binary.
- COpen the System applet in Control Panel and select 'Restore Previous Windows Edition' under Recovery options.
- DRun `dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth` to replace the faulty driver package in the local component store.
Answer
Uninstall the display device in Device Manager while selecting the option to attempt driver removal, then scan for hardware changes.
When a hardware driver becomes corrupted and the 'Roll Back Driver' option in Device Manager is unavailable (grayed out), the technician must uninstall the hardware device and explicitly choose to remove/delete the driver software. This removes the corrupted driver files from the Windows Driver Store (`C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore`). Performing a scan for hardware changes afterwards forces Windows to re-detect the hardware and install a clean default driver or allow installation of a known-good driver.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Resolving driver corruption when Device Manager Roll Back Driver is unavailable by uninstalling the device package from the Driver Store.
Estimated Time:2m 0s