NVIDIA Releases New GeForce Hotfix Driver to Address Windows Update Performance Bug

NVIDIA has issued a new GeForce Hotfix display driver, version 581.94, designed to resolve performance degradation that users experienced after installing the recent Windows 11 October 2025 KB5066835 update. The hotfix is built upon the latest GeForce Game Ready driver, version 581.80, which released two weeks ago with day one support for Call of Duty Black Ops 7, Europa Universalis V, and Anno 117 Pax Romana. Full

Shortly after the deployment of the 581.80 Game Ready driver, a number of PC gamers began reporting lower than expected performance across select titles, an issue ultimately traced to the Windows KB5066835 [5561605] update. NVIDIA has confirmed that the new hotfix resolves the problem and recommends affected users download and install it immediately to restore expected performance levels.

For those who have not encountered issues or prefer to wait for official Game Ready driver updates, NVIDIA has stated that the fix will be integrated into the next full Game Ready driver release. However, users currently facing reduced frame rates or instability following the Windows update are encouraged to apply the hotfix without delay to avoid ongoing disruption.

NVIDIA continues to monitor and respond to emerging issues across Windows update cycles, ensuring stability for both newly launched titles and the broader GeForce ecosystem.

Have you noticed performance drops after the recent Windows update? Let us know whether the hotfix resolves the issue for you.