NVIDIA has launched the hotfix driver 581.94 to correct significant performance drops in certain games triggered by the Windows 11 update KB5066835. The hotfix is based on driver 581.80 and resolves issues affecting systems running Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2.
What’s the Issue?
- The Windows 11 cumulative update KB5066835 introduced a bug that caused FPS drops and reduced gaming performance on systems with NVIDIA GPUs.
- NVIDIA confirms that only some games were affected, though no official list of impacted titles has been published.
- The 581.94 hotfix restores performance for affected users but is labeled as a “beta/hotfix” driver with reduced QA.
How to Install the Hotfix
- Download hotfix driver 581.94 directly from NVIDIA’s official website.
- In the NVIDIA App, the update may appear dated “16 April 2025” — ignore the date and verify the version number (581.94).
- Reboot your system after installation and test game performance to confirm the fix.
Why This Matters
For gamers and PC hardware enthusiasts, stable performance is crucial. A sudden FPS drop can disrupt gameplay, affect competitive performance, and degrade the overall user experience. NVIDIA releasing an unscheduled hotfix highlights the severity of the issue and the urgency to maintain performance consistency.
Because Windows updates are applied automatically for many users, issues like this can spread rapidly across a massive install base. A timely fix prevents widespread frustration and ensures users retain confidence in both NVIDIA drivers and Windows platform stability.
What Remains to Be Seen
- It is still unconfirmed whether all affected games have had their performance fully restored.
- As a hotfix, this driver does not carry WHQL certification — some users may prefer to wait for the next stable release.
- Similar performance issues have been reported on AMD and Intel GPUs, suggesting the root cause may extend beyond NVIDIA hardware.
Source: NVIDIA . Compiled by PromakAI News.