Skip to main content

Nvidia just fixed a major problem that may have slowed down your CPU

Nvidia’s latest graphics driver came out with an unfortunate side effect — it drained your CPU usage. What’s perhaps worse is that the only way to fix the issue permanently was to go back to an older version of the driver.

Fortunately, the problem was short-lived as Nvidia just rolled out a hotfix, and you should get it quickly to give your CPU a break. Here’s where to find it.

Related Videos
The RTX 4070 Ti graphics card on a pink background.
Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

If you tend to install new drivers the moment they come out, you may have received an unpleasant surprise bundled with Nvidia’s driver 531.18. It came with a bug that made Nvidia Container take up around 10% to 15% of CPU usage.

The bug, which seems to have affected each of Nvidia’s best GPUs, was triggered by starting a game and then exiting it. Even though the game wasn’t running anymore, Nvidia Container continued consuming CPU resources. There were only three workarounds available for the bug: rolling back the driver, restarting your PC, or forcing Nvidia Container to shut down after each gaming session.

Nvidia was quick to acknowledge the issue, but it made no promises as to when a fix would be coming. Fortunately, it didn’t take long for a hotfix to appear. It’s now time to update your drivers to Nvidia’s latest version (531.26).

As per the official Nvidia website, the hotfix addresses the issue of Nvidia Container hogging CPU resources and also fixes a problem with random bug checks on notebooks. If you want to get the latest (now functional) version of the driver, head to Nvidia’s support page to download the hotfix for Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Downloading drivers on day one is always a bit of a double-edged sword. Not too long ago, a clash between Nvidia’s drivers and a new Discord update caused the popular app to slow down Nvidia graphics cards. Holding off on updating right away usually helps users avoid these kinds of problems, but it’s also not a great idea to wait too long to install new drivers.

Editors' Recommendations

Here’s why Nvidia’s shots against AMD drivers just don’t add up
Three RTX 4080 cards sitting on a pink background.

Nvidia is no stranger to criticizing AMD, and more recently, Intel, as the three companies duke it out for the best graphics cards. Earlier this year, Nvidia jabbed at AMD for its drivers, claiming that optional or beta drivers (which AMD frequently releases) are "sub-par" and don't provide a "smooth user experience."

And Nvidia is at it again, shortly before AMD is set to release its new RX 7900 XTX graphics card.

Read more
Common GPU problems and how to fix them
A hand grabbing MSI's RTX 4090 Suprim X.

If you use a desktop PC or laptop for long enough, chances are you're going to come across one of the common GPU problems that have plagued gamers and workers since the humble graphics card debuted for the first time. The question is, do you know how to fix them? If not, never fear. We're here to help.

Here are some of the most common GPU problems and how to fix them.

Read more
Upcoming RTX 4070 may not succeed unless Nvidia makes a key change
An Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics card seen from the side.

Nvidia only has two Ada graphics cards out right now, and they're among the best graphics cards you can buy, but that lineup might soon expand to include not just one, but two new GPUs.

Specifications of the rumored RTX 4070 emerged today from a credible source. The card might be significantly slower than the RTX 4070 Ti, but there's one way in which Nvidia could make it succeed.

Read more