Nvidia has released a crucial hotfix driver, version 581.94, to address significant gaming performance issues that emerged after Microsoft’s October cumulative update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. Users reported substantial frame rate drops, with some experiencing up to a 50% decrease in performance in certain titles. This new driver aims to restore lost performance and mitigate the impact of the problematic Windows update.
Key Takeaways
- Nvidia’s hotfix driver 581.94 resolves performance degradation in games caused by a recent Windows 11 update.
- Users have reported performance gains of up to 50% after installing the hotfix, effectively recovering lost frames.
- The issue stems from Microsoft’s October 2025 cumulative update (KB5066835) for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2.
- This hotfix is considered a beta driver and is recommended for users experiencing performance issues.
- AMD and Intel GPU users are also reportedly affected, but no fixes have been released by those vendors yet.
The Problematic Windows Update
Microsoft’s October 2025 cumulative update, specifically KB5066835, introduced a bug that negatively impacted gaming performance on Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. This unintended consequence led to noticeable frame rate drops in various games, frustrating many users who rely on consistent performance for their gaming experience. The issue was significant enough that Nvidia felt compelled to intervene directly.
Nvidia’s Swift Response
In response to the widespread performance issues, Nvidia quickly deployed a GeForce Hotfix Display Driver, version 581.94. This driver is designed to specifically counteract the performance regressions caused by the Windows update. Early reports from users, including benchmark results shared on social media platforms, indicate substantial performance improvements, with some seeing gains as high as 47-65% in games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This effectively restores the performance levels that gamers expected before the problematic Windows update.
Beta Driver and Broader Impact
It is important to note that the 581.94 driver is classified as a beta or hotfix driver. While it undergoes a more abbreviated quality assurance process compared to standard releases, its primary purpose is to address critical issues promptly. Nvidia advises that this driver is optional and recommended for users who are actively experiencing the performance degradation. While Nvidia has provided a solution for its users, reports suggest that AMD and Intel GPUs are also affected by the same Windows update bug, though no corresponding driver fixes have been released by those manufacturers yet.
