How to fix Nvidia driver not compatible with this version of Windows

Nvidia graphics cards are known as top and top level gaming gear. Without a graphics card, the game is impossible. This is why the message "The NVIDIA graphics driver is not compatible with this version of Windows" can cause frustration and even panic.

If you're having trouble with your downloaded Nvidia driver incompatible with your Windows PC, we're here to help. In this guide, we will list the common factors that cause the incompatibility issue and explain how to fix it.

The Nvidia driver is not compatible with this version of Windows

The problem of Nvidia driver incompatibility with Windows operating system has been reported many times, especially with Windows 10. Simply put, incompatibility means that the drivers you are trying to run are not intended to your operating system. No one is to blame here – usually the reason is an attempt to install a 32-bit driver on a 64-bit OS, or vice versa.

To find out which version of the Windows operating system you are using, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Start menu.
   
2. Type “dxdiag” in the search field.
   
3. Click on OK. "
4. Select "Show".
   
5. After the diagnostics are complete, check the "Operating System" line. It will say either "32-bit" or "64-bit".
   

Once you find your PC's operating system version, head to Nvidia's driver download page. Set the correct operating system, your graphics card series, driver type and language, and download an appropriate driver.

If the problem persists after downloading the correct driver, the problem may lie with your version of Windows. Windows 10 versions earlier than Windows 10 Threshold 2 version 1511 do not support Nvidia drivers at all. As for builds, your PC should be running on build 10586 or later. Here's how to check your PC's Windows version and compile:

1. Simultaneously press the "Windows" and "R" keys.
   
2. Type "Winver" and press the "Enter" key.
   
3. Find the "Build [build])" and write down or remember your version and build of Windows.
   

If your version or build of Windows does not support the Nvidia driver, follow the steps below to fix it:

1. Simultaneously press the "Widows" and "I" keys to access the settings.
   
2. Select "Update & Security".
   
3. In the left sidebar, select "Windows Update".
   
4. Click on “Check for updates”.
   
5. If updates are available, accept the installation of all updates.
6. Wait for the updates to install. Your PC may restart several times throughout the process.
7. Once the update installation is complete, install an appropriate Nvidia driver.

The Nvidia driver is not compatible with this version of Windows 21h1

Windows 21h1 update was released on May 18, 2022. This is a relatively recent update that supports Nvidia drivers, so the incompatibility issue should lie with the incorrectly chosen driver version . For example, the driver can be created for 32-bit Windows while your PC is running 64-bit Windows. To check your PC's operating system, follow the steps below:

1. Launch the Start menu.
   
2. Type “dxdiag” in the search field, then click “OK”.
   
3. Click on “Show”.
   
4. Once the diagnostics are complete, look for the "Operating System" line. It will say either "32-bit" or "64-bit".
   

After finding your Windows system version, follow the instructions below to download an appropriate driver:

1. Head to the official Nvidia driver download page.
   
2. Expand the drop-down menu next to "Operating System" and select your PC's Windows version from the suggestions. If you don't see your version of Windows, click "Show all operating systems."
   
3. Select your Nvidia graphics card type and the type of driver needed.
   
4. Click on “Search”.
   
5. Click "Download".
   
6. Install the downloaded Nvidia driver.

Nvidia driver not compatible with this version of Windows 1909

All Windows 10 systems updated to version 1511 or later, including 1909, support Nvidia drivers. The incompatibility issue can occur when you try to install the wrong version of the driver. Here's how to find the driver version you need and download it:

1. Head to the Start menu.
   
2. Type “dxdiag” in the search field, then click “OK”.
   
3. Select "Show".
   
4. Once the diagnostics are complete, look for the "Operating System" line. It will say either "32-bit" or "64-bit". Remember your operating system type.
   
5. Head to the official Nvidia driver download page.
   
6. Select your Nvidia graphics card type from the suggested types.
   
7. Select your Windows operating system type. If you don't see it listed, click "Show all operating systems."
   
8. Select the required driver type and language.
   
9. Click on “Search”, then on “Download”.
   
10. Install the downloaded Nvidia driver.

If you are still unable to install the Nvidia driver on your PC, you can seek help from the GeForce Experience application. This is an official Nvidia application created to optimize your gaming experience and help you keep your drivers up to date. Follow the instructions below:

1. Visit the official GeForce website.
   
2. Click "Download Now" and install the app.
   
3. Make sure your monitor is connected using the Nvidia GPU (desktops only).
4. Launch the GeForce Experience app. If updates are suggested, accept them.
   
5. Navigate to the "Drivers" tab, then click "Check for Updates".
   
6. Select "Express Install" for automatic and hassle-free driver update "Custom Install" for manual installation.
   
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver update.
   
8. Restart your computer.
   

The most common reason for Nvidia driver incompatibility with Windows operating system is the wrong version of the driver. For example, if your PC is running Windows 7 32 bit and you try to install Nvidia driver for Windows 10 64 bit, it will be incompatible. To check which Nvidia driver version you need, follow the steps below:

The Nvidia graphics driver is not compatible with this version of Windows 7

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Type “dxdiag” in the search field, then press “OK”.
3. Select "Show".
4. Once the diagnostics are complete, look for the "Operating System" line. Remember or write down your operating system version.

Once you have found your operating system version, follow the instructions below to download an appropriate driver:

1. Head to the official Nvidia driver download page.
2. Expand the drop-down menu next to "Operating System" and select your PC's operating system version. If you don't see it listed, click "Show all operating systems."
3. Select your Nvidia graphics card version, driver type and language.
4. Click on “Search”.
5. Click "Download" under an appropriate driver.
6. Install the downloaded driver on your PC.

Good game

Hope our guide helped you find a suitable Nvidia driver version and fix the incompatibility issue. To avoid such problems in the future, make sure to update your Windows OS regularly and check the driver version in advance. To make your life easier, you can install the Nvidia GeForce Experience application which will automatically detect the necessary updates and optimize your gaming experience.

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