NVIDIA has released GeForce Hotfix Display Driver version 581.94, a beta driver based on the latest Game Ready Driver 581.80, designed to deliver targeted fixes more quickly without waiting for a full WHQL-certified release. This hotfix addresses a specific performance issue where lower frame rates and slowdowns may be observed in some games following the installation of the Windows 11 October 2025 cumulative update KB5066835, which impacts systems on Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 builds and certain newer updates incorporating the same code changes. The driver provides a workaround to restore gaming performance affected by this Microsoft update, and the fix—along with many others—will be integrated into the next official Game Ready Driver release, after which the hotfix will be discontinued.
The hotfix supports Windows 10 64-bit and Windows 11 64-bit operating systems, targeting GeForce desktop and notebook GPUs compatible with the underlying 581.80 driver. It is available as an optional, as-is beta through NVIDIA’s Customer Care support site, having undergone an abbreviated QA process to expedite delivery to affected users. NVIDIA recommends it specifically for those experiencing the performance regression post-KB5066835, while advising others to await the next stable driver for maximum reliability. For optimal results, perform a clean installation by uninstalling the existing driver, rebooting the system, and then installing 581.94, while also ensuring the latest system firmware and BIOS are applied. The release was announced and updated on November 19, 2025, reflecting NVIDIA’s ongoing efforts to mitigate issues stemming from OS updates through rapid hotfix deployments.
Source: NVIDIA
