Our verdict: NVCleanstall gives you the control the NVIDIA installer does not: you pick exactly which driver components get installed and skip the rest. It is portable and works offline with a downloaded driver. Removing the wrong component can break features you use, so read its help texts before unticking things.
About NVCleanstall
NVCleanstall is free software from TechPowerUp, the makers of GPU-Z. The standard NVIDIA installer, even in custom mode, always installs parts NVIDIA considers essential. NVCleanstall lets you remove components such as Stereo 3D glasses support, USB-C, telemetry or notebook optimizations, which reduces disk usage and memory footprint.
It works in two ways: it downloads only the driver components you select from the internet, or it customizes a driver package you already downloaded, which works without an internet connection. The result can be installed right away or saved as a portable installer for another PC. Help texts describe each component, and dependency checks prevent invalid selections. NVCleanstall itself needs no installation.
What it does well
- Component selection. Removes telemetry, USB-C, 3D Vision, notebook optimizations and other parts.
- Smaller downloads. Fetches only the driver components you selected.
- Offline mode. Customizes an NVIDIA driver package you already have on disk.
- Portable installer. Saves the customized driver package to install later or on another PC.
- Help and dependency checks. Explains each component and checks that required parts stay selected.
Who it is for
Good fit
Gamers and enthusiasts with NVIDIA GeForce cards who want a lean driver without extras.
Look elsewhere
AMD or Intel graphics users, and anyone who does not want to decide which driver parts they need.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free and portable
- Removes components the NVIDIA installer forces
- Works offline with a downloaded driver
- Builds reusable installers for other PCs
Cons
- Only for NVIDIA GeForce drivers
- Deselecting a component removes its feature, such as HDMI audio
- Download needs a mirror choice on TechPowerUp
How to install NVCleanstall
The official TechPowerUp download page asks you to pick a download server, so the button opens that page. NVCleanstall is portable: run the downloaded EXE, choose the driver version, untick the components you do not want and let it build the package. Keep the NVIDIA display driver itself selected.
Questions about NVCleanstall
Is NVCleanstall free?
Yes. NVCleanstall is free software published by TechPowerUp, with no paid edition.
Does NVCleanstall modify the NVIDIA driver itself?
It repackages the official NVIDIA driver files and leaves out the components you deselect; the driver you install still comes from NVIDIA.
Does NVCleanstall need installation?
No. It is a portable program; download the EXE from TechPowerUp and run it.
