"Driver download failed" errors in NVIDIA GeForce Experience typically occur when the application encounters connectivity issues, corrupted files, or conflicts with existing drivers. Resolving this error enables smooth driver installations and ensures optimal GPU performance.

Method 1: Restart NVIDIA Services

The most effective initial step is restarting the NVIDIA-related services, which often resolves temporary glitches preventing driver downloads.

Step 1: Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type services.msc and hit Enter. This opens the Services window.

Step 2: In the Services list, locate the following services:

  • NVIDIA Display Container LS.
  • NVIDIA NetworkService Container.
  • NVIDIA LocalSystem Container.

Step 3: Right-click each service individually and select "Restart." Wait for each service to restart completely before proceeding to the next one.

After restarting these services, launch GeForce Experience again and attempt to download the driver.

Method 2: Update GeForce Experience Application

Outdated versions of GeForce Experience can cause driver download issues. Updating the application to the latest version often resolves these problems.

Step 1: Open GeForce Experience and click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner to access Settings.

Step 2: Under the "General" tab, select "Check for updates." If an update is available, follow the on-screen prompts to install it.

After updating, restart GeForce Experience and attempt to download the driver again.

Method 3: Manually Download and Install NVIDIA Drivers

If GeForce Experience continues to fail, manually downloading drivers directly from NVIDIA's official website is a reliable workaround.

Step 1: Visit the official NVIDIA driver download page.

Step 2: Select your GPU model, operating system, and language from the provided dropdown menus. Click "Find" to find the correct driver.

Step 3: Download the driver installer and run it as an administrator. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

After installation, restart your computer to apply the new drivers.

Method 4: Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily

Sometimes, antivirus software or firewall settings can block GeForce Experience from downloading drivers. Temporarily disabling these tools can help identify the issue.

Step 1: Open your antivirus or firewall software and temporarily disable real-time protection or firewall settings. Usually, this option is available in the software's settings or system tray icon.

Step 2: With protection temporarily disabled, open GeForce Experience and attempt to download the driver again.

Caution: Remember to re-enable your antivirus or firewall immediately after completing the download to maintain system security.

Method 5: Clean Reinstall GeForce Experience

If none of the previous methods resolve the issue, performing a clean reinstall of GeForce Experience removes corrupted files and restores the application's functionality.

Step 1: Press Windows Key + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter to open the Programs and Features window.

Step 2: Locate NVIDIA GeForce Experience in the list, right-click it, and select "Uninstall." Follow the prompts to remove it completely.

Step 3: Restart your computer. Then, download the latest version of GeForce Experience from the official NVIDIA website and install it.

After installation, log in and try downloading the driver again.

Following these steps should resolve the "Driver download failed" error, allowing your NVIDIA drivers to update smoothly and your GPU to operate at peak performance.