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GeForce 385.28 is a historical NVIDIA Game Ready WHQL driver released on August 14, 2017. Download it only from NVIDIA’s archived pages if you have a specific legacy-compatibility reason. The verified packages support 64-bit Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1, with separate desktop and notebook downloads. It is not a current Windows 11 driver and should not be treated as a general-purpose modern installation.
Official GeForce 385.28 downloads
Choose the package that matches both your computer type and Windows edition. These links point to NVIDIA’s archived driver pages rather than third-party mirrors.
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| System | Official download |
|---|---|
| Windows 10 64-bit desktop | NVIDIA driver page |
| Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 64-bit desktop | NVIDIA archive page |
| Windows 10 64-bit notebook | NVIDIA notebook driver page |
| Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 64-bit notebook | NVIDIA notebook driver page |
NVIDIA’s archived pages identify version 385.28 as WHQL-certified and date the release August 14, 2017. Historical package sizes differ between pages and editions—for example, approximately 460.32 MB for the Windows 10 desktop package and 398.45 MB for the Windows 7/8/8.1 desktop package—so size should not be used as the sole authenticity check.
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What GeForce 385.28 was released for
At launch, 385.28 was optimized for Agents of Mayhem and added support for Killing Floor: Incursion in VR. Those are release-era Game Ready highlights, not evidence that the driver is suitable for current games or current Windows systems. The package belongs to NVIDIA’s historical 384 driver family.
#1 Best Overall
- AI Performance: 767 AI TOPS
- OC mode: 2632 MHz (OC mode)/ 2602 MHz (Default mode)
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
- Axial-tech fan design features a smaller fan hub that facilitates longer blades and a barrier ring that increases downward air pressure
- A 2.5-slot design maximizes compatibility and cooling efficiency for superior performance in small chassis
View NVIDIA’s release details for the archived WHQL designation, date, and release information.
Supported Windows versions
The verified official pages list these 64-bit editions:
- Windows 10 64-bit
- Windows 7 64-bit
- Windows 8 64-bit
- Windows 8.1 64-bit
The archived pages do not list Windows 11, Windows XP, Windows Vista, 32-bit Windows 10, Linux, macOS, or Windows on ARM. Do not describe 385.28 as officially supporting any of those platforms. A historical third-party archive mentions older 32-bit installers, but NVIDIA’s currently surfaced official pages do not provide a verified 32-bit download path.
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NVIDIA’s desktop packages cover many models in these families:
Rank #2
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
- Powered by GeForce RTX 5060
- Integrated with 8GB GDDR7 128bit memory interface
- PCIe 5.0
- WINDFORCE cooling system
- GeForce 10 Series, including GTX 1080 Ti, GTX 1080, GTX 1070, GTX 1060, GTX 1050 Ti, GTX 1050, and GT 1030
- GeForce 900 Series, including GTX 980 Ti, GTX 980, and GTX 970
- GeForce 700 Series, including GTX 780 Ti, GTX 780, GTX 770, and GTX 760
- GeForce 600 Series, including GTX 680, GTX 670, and GTX 660 Ti
- GeForce 500 Series, including GTX 590, GTX 580, and GTX 570
- GeForce 400 Series, including GTX 480, GTX 470, and GTX 465
- NVIDIA TITAN models, including TITAN Xp, TITAN X (Pascal), TITAN X, TITAN Black, TITAN Z, and the original TITAN
These are representative models, not a substitute for NVIDIA’s exact product list. GPU variants and product categories can have exceptions. Check the supported-products section on the relevant Windows 10 desktop page or Windows 7/8/8.1 desktop page before installing.
Supported notebook GPUs
The notebook packages list mobile GPUs from the following groups:
- GeForce MX100 Series, including MX150
- GeForce 10 Series notebooks, including GTX 1080, 1070, 1060, 1050 Ti, and 1050
- GeForce 900M Series, including GTX 980M, 970M, 965M, and 960M
- GeForce 800M Series, including GTX 880M, 870M, 860M, and 850M
- GeForce 700M Series, including GTX 780M, 770M, 765M, and 760M
- GeForce 600M Series, including GTX 680M, 675M, and 660M
- GeForce 500M and 400M Series models, including GT 555M, GT 550M, GT 540M, GT 520M, GTX 485M, GTX 480M, and GTX 460M
NVIDIA describes the notebook package as a reference driver. Your laptop manufacturer’s certified driver may be preferable for Optimus switching, brightness controls, HDMI or DisplayPort routing, power management, hotkeys, sleep and hibernation, docking, and vendor control software. Check the laptop maker’s support page first, especially if the system is working normally.
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How to check whether 385.28 is appropriate
- Press Win + X, open Device Manager, expand Display adapters, and record the exact NVIDIA model.
- Confirm whether the computer is a desktop or notebook.
- Open Settings → System → About and check the Windows edition and system type. The verified packages are for 64-bit Windows.
- Compare the exact GPU and operating system with the matching NVIDIA archive page.
Install 385.28 only when a legacy game or application needs it, a later driver introduced a known regression, or you are preserving a validated Windows 7/8/8.1 system. Prefer a newer NVIDIA-certified driver when you need current game support, modern Windows compatibility, current fixes, or support for a GPU newer than the archived product list. Use NVIDIA Advanced Driver Search to check current options.
Rank #3
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4. System Requirements: Minimum 850W PSU with 16-pin 12V-2x6 (12VHPWR) connector required. Verify before purchasing.
- Military-grade components deliver rock-solid power and longer lifespan for ultimate durability. Compatibility: 348mm (13.7") length, 3.6 slots, 4.3 lbs. Confirm case clearance and slot spacing. GPU bracket included.
- Protective PCB coating helps protect against short circuits caused by moisture, dust, or debris
- 3.6-slot design with massive fin array optimized for airflow from three Axial-tech fans
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad helps ensure optimal thermal performance and longevity, outlasting traditional thermal paste for graphics cards under heavy loads
WHQL does not mean bug-free or universally optimal. It indicates certification for the package; it does not make a 2017 driver current or guarantee compatibility with every application and configuration.
How to install GeForce 385.28
- Download the matching installer from NVIDIA before removing your existing driver.
- Create a restore point or otherwise preserve a working system configuration.
- Close games, browsers, monitoring utilities, overlays, capture software, and other GPU-accelerated programs.
- Run the downloaded
.exeand allow it to extract its files. - Accept the license and choose Custom/Advanced installation if that option is available.
- Select Perform a clean installation only when replacing a corrupted or problematic installation.
- Install the components you need. The Graphics Driver is essential; PhysX may be needed by older games; HD Audio is useful when sending sound through HDMI or DisplayPort. Install GeForce Experience only if you specifically require it.
- Restart Windows and test the affected game or application.
A clean installation is not mandatory for every update. It resets NVIDIA settings and may not fix Windows Update interference, an OEM customization problem, a faulty cable or monitor, overclocking instability, conflicting software, or failing hardware.
How to verify the installed version
- Open Device Manager → Display adapters.
- Open the NVIDIA adapter’s Properties.
- Select the Driver tab and confirm that the installed release is 385.28.
- Alternatively, open NVIDIA Control Panel → System Information.
You can also use PowerShell:
Get-CimInstance Win32_VideoController | Select-Object Name, DriverVersion, DriverDateWindows may show an internal package number or date that looks different from the public release label, so verify the complete driver information rather than relying on one field alone.
Troubleshooting installation problems
“No compatible hardware found”
- Recheck the exact GPU model in Device Manager.
- Make sure you selected desktop versus notebook correctly.
- Confirm the Windows edition and 64-bit architecture.
- Try NVIDIA’s Advanced Driver Search.
- For a laptop, try the manufacturer’s certified driver.
Do not force the installation by editing the driver INF unless you understand the risks and have a recovery plan. A modified INF can create installation, stability, or update problems.
Rank #4
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
- Powered by GeForce RTX 5070 Ti
- Integrated with 16GB GDDR7 256bit memory interface
- PCIe 5.0
- WINDFORCE cooling system
Notebook features stopped working
Restore the laptop manufacturer’s driver if brightness, graphics switching, external displays, sleep, battery profiles, hotkeys, docking, or vendor control software fails. Reference drivers can work at the GPU level while lacking the OEM-specific integration your notebook requires.
Black screen or an unstable display
Restart in Windows Recovery or Safe Mode if necessary, roll back the driver, reconnect or replace the display cable, remove overclocks, and test the previously working package. Hardware failure and monitor configuration problems can resemble driver faults.
Rollback after installation
- Open Device Manager and the NVIDIA adapter’s Properties.
- On the Driver tab, select Roll Back Driver if available.
- If rollback is unavailable, remove the package through Windows’ installed-app controls or Device Manager and reinstall the previously working driver.
- Restart and verify the display adapter.
Display Driver Uninstaller can be useful for advanced recovery, but it is not required for a normal install or rollback and can remove more configuration than intended.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesSecurity and download provenance
Use NVIDIA’s archived pages as the primary source. Avoid generic driver-download sites and modified or repacked installers. If an NVIDIA archive page is temporarily unavailable, an unverified mirror is not automatically equivalent merely because it uses the same filename. Do not disable security protections or run an installer whose origin and integrity you cannot establish.
Final recommendation
GeForce 385.28 is legitimate, WHQL-certified, and useful as a narrowly targeted legacy driver. It is not a current driver: it was released on August 14, 2017, its verified official packages target 64-bit Windows 10 and Windows 7/8/8.1, and the official pages do not claim Windows 11 support. Use the exact NVIDIA desktop or notebook package only when your hardware and software have a documented reason to remain on this release; otherwise choose a newer certified driver through NVIDIA’s current search.
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