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GeForce 388.71 WHQL is an official NVIDIA Game Ready driver released on December 20, 2017. NVIDIA still provides archived downloads for compatible GeForce and TITAN hardware on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10. Use it only when a legacy game, application, CUDA environment, older Windows installation, or troubleshooting procedure specifically requires version 388.71—not as a general-purpose driver for modern PCs.
Official GeForce 388.71 downloads
Choose the package that matches both your Windows version and system architecture. Do not install a 64-bit package on 32-bit Windows.
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| Windows | Architecture | Official NVIDIA page | Direct installer | Listed size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 | 64-bit | NVIDIA driver page | Download installer | 440.49 MB |
| Windows 7, 8, 8.1 | 64-bit | NVIDIA driver page | Download installer | 398.51 MB |
| Windows 10 | 32-bit | NVIDIA driver page | Use the NVIDIA download page | Not stated in the supplied listing |
| Windows 7, 8, 8.1 | 32-bit | NVIDIA driver page | Use the NVIDIA download page | 339.17 MB |
For maximum confidence, use the NVIDIA result page first and confirm that it identifies GeForce Game Ready Driver 388.71, WHQL, before downloading. The direct installer links above are NVIDIA-hosted URLs identified by NVIDIA’s download confirmation pages.
What is GeForce 388.71?
GeForce 388.71 is a GeForce Game Ready Driver in NVIDIA’s Release 387 driver family. It is WHQL-certified and was released on December 20, 2017. The official release documentation covers Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10.
#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
WHQL certification means the driver went through Microsoft’s Windows Hardware Quality Labs submission and testing process. It does not mean the package is current, universally compatible, or free from known issues. NVIDIA’s release notes list several open issues and limitations for this release.
As an archived 2017 package, 388.71 does not contain driver improvements or security fixes released afterward. NVIDIA’s documentation does not establish Windows 11 support for this driver.
Compatibility
Supported desktop GPUs
The official NVIDIA product tables include specified models from these legacy families:
- GeForce 10 series, including GTX 1080 Ti, GTX 1080, GTX 1070 Ti, GTX 1070, GTX 1060, GTX 1050 Ti, GTX 1050, and GT 1030
- GeForce 900 series
- GeForce 700 series
- GeForce 600 series
- GeForce 500 series
- GeForce 400 series
- NVIDIA TITAN products, including TITAN V and earlier models listed by NVIDIA
This is not a universal driver for every NVIDIA graphics card. The complete model-by-model list is in NVIDIA’s official release notes and the relevant driver result page.
GeForce RTX 20-series, RTX 30-series, RTX 40-series, and newer RTX generations are not included in the documented supported-product list. An RTX owner should use a current driver intended for that GPU instead.
Supported notebook GPUs
NVIDIA’s archived notebook package covers specified mobile models from the GeForce MX100, GeForce 10 notebook, 900M, 800M, 700M, 600M, 500M, and 400M families. The exact notebook model must still be checked against NVIDIA’s table.
NVIDIA describes the notebook package as a reference driver. Laptop manufacturers may provide a certified package better suited to the machine’s display routing, Optimus or hybrid graphics, power management, sleep and wake behavior, brightness controls, hotkeys, fan profiles, and HDMI or DisplayPort audio. Check the support page for Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, MSI, Toshiba, Sony, or the relevant manufacturer before replacing a working OEM driver.
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- 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
The notebook documentation also identifies exceptions involving Hybrid Power, Sony VAIO systems, and Fujitsu systems. A generic NVIDIA package can install successfully yet remove or disrupt manufacturer-specific functionality.
Check your Windows architecture and GPU
- Press
Win+R, enterwinver, and confirm the Windows edition and version. - Open System Information and check System Type. An entry such as “x64-based PC” indicates 64-bit Windows; “x86-based PC” indicates 32-bit Windows.
- Open Device Manager → Display adapters to identify the installed GPU. You can also open NVIDIA Control Panel → System Information when the NVIDIA driver is already installed.
What 388.71 changed
Release highlights
- Game Ready optimization for PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS
- CUDA 9.1 support
- An SLI profile for Warframe
- Additional or updated 3D Vision profiles
The release documentation lists component versions including nView 148.92, HD Audio Driver 1.3.35.1, NVIDIA PhysX 9.17.0524, GeForce Experience 3.11.0.73, and CUDA 9.1. CUDA 9.1 support should not be interpreted as compatibility with current CUDA toolkits.
Notable fixes
NVIDIA’s release notes identify these version-specific fixes:
- Full-screen YouTube videos could flicker.
- Notebook systems could show artifacts when video playback was paused.
- Lines could briefly appear across the display while Windows was booting.
- TITAN V systems could encounter a TDR error and blank display while playing high-resolution Blu-ray content.
- A GeForce GTX 1080 notebook driver could fail to recognize or install the GPU.
The PUBG Game Ready designation does not guarantee a universal frame-rate increase. Install 388.71 for a specific compatibility or reproducibility reason rather than an unsupported expectation of higher FPS.
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These are documented historical limitations, not defects that every user will experience:
- A G-SYNC display on TITAN V systems could go blank after repeatedly switching between overclocked memory clocks.
- SLI GeForce GTX 780 Ti systems could encounter display-output problems with DisplayPort and two DVI monitors.
- Some Threadripper-based motherboards could experience operating-system failures after installation of a Kepler-based TITAN.
- Pascal GPUs could experience blue-screen crashes in Gears of War 4.
- Star Wars Battlefront II could hang when launched in DirectX 12 mode on Kepler GPUs.
Download and install 388.71
Standard installation
- Confirm the exact GPU, Windows edition, and 32-bit or 64-bit architecture.
- Open the matching official NVIDIA archived page above and verify the product table.
- Select Download, accept NVIDIA’s software license, and save the executable. Saving it is preferable if you may need to troubleshoot or reinstall.
- Right-click the downloaded file and choose Run as administrator.
- Allow the installer to extract its files.
- Accept the NVIDIA license agreement and follow the installer prompts.
- Restart Windows if requested.
- Verify the installed version using one of the checks below.
The package extracts files before installation. NVIDIA lists minimum extraction and installation space of 589 MB for a 64-bit English-only desktop installation and 610 MB for a 64-bit international desktop installation. The listed minimums are 450 MB for desktop 32-bit, 577 MB for notebook 64-bit, and 439 MB for notebook 32-bit. Keep at least 1 GB free on the system drive to leave practical working room.
Verify that 388.71 is installed
- Open NVIDIA Control Panel → System Information and check the driver version.
- In Device Manager → Display adapters, open the GPU’s Properties → Driver tab.
- Run
dxdiagand inspect the Display tab for a basic Windows-side check.
Verification matters because Windows Update or an OEM utility may later replace the archived package with a different driver.
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
Clean installation and reverting from a newer driver
A normal installation is appropriate when the existing driver is working and you simply need 388.71. Consider a clean installation only for corrupted profiles, failed upgrades, persistent crashes, or incompatible driver remnants. Back up important settings first, and take extra care with notebooks that depend on OEM recovery or graphics packages.
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NVIDIA’s 388.71 documentation recommends removing NVIDIA software through Add or Remove Programs or Programs and Features. It warns that removing the driver through Device Manager can leave associated files or applications behind; Device Manager should not be the default complete-removal method.
To return deliberately from a newer driver:
- Download and save the 388.71 installer before removing anything.
- Use Windows’ Add or Remove Programs or Programs and Features to remove the current NVIDIA driver/software.
- Restart if Windows requests it.
- Run the saved 388.71 installer as administrator.
- Restart and verify the version.
NVIDIA specifically advises against relying on Windows’ driver rollback feature because it may not restore every previous driver file.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshooting
“No compatible hardware” or “Install failed”
First recheck the GPU model, Windows architecture, and package type. A 64-bit package cannot install on 32-bit Windows, and 388.71 does not support newer RTX generations. If the GPU is listed and the package matches, NVIDIA’s release notes document a separate possibility: a damaged or missing Windows Management Instrumentation service can produce “Install failed” or “could not find compatible graphics hardware” messages even with compatible hardware. Repair WMI in Windows, then retry the installation.
Black screen after installation
On an older notebook, check whether the OEM driver is required for Optimus or hybrid display routing. The release notes document a historical Windows 8.1 Optimus clean-overinstall issue involving older drivers; it should not be treated as an explanation for every black-screen failure. If the problem began after replacing a working OEM package, restore the manufacturer’s certified graphics driver where possible.
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Reinstall the laptop manufacturer’s graphics package rather than assuming the generic reference driver is the best choice. OEM software and firmware may control functions that a standard NVIDIA package does not provide.
GPU temperature shows zero on an Optimus notebook
NVIDIA notes that monitoring tools may show zero while the discrete GPU is in a low-power state. The reading should become accurate when the NVIDIA GPU wakes and is running an application.
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
Windows replaces 388.71
Confirm the version again in NVIDIA Control Panel or Device Manager. If Windows Update or an OEM utility installed another package, reinstall the saved 388.71 installer and use the system’s driver-update controls to prevent an immediate replacement where appropriate. Keep in mind that an old driver may be replaced because the operating system considers a newer package applicable.
Should you install GeForce 388.71?
Install it when:
- Your GPU is explicitly listed by NVIDIA.
- You are running Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10 with the matching architecture.
- A legacy game, application, benchmark, CUDA 9.1 workflow, or reproducible software environment requires version 388.71.
- A newer driver causes a specific compatibility regression and you need a controlled rollback.
Do not choose it when:
- You are using Windows 11.
- Your GPU is an RTX 20-series or newer model.
- You simply want the latest driver or current game optimizations.
- You have a modern laptop whose OEM supplies a customized graphics package.
- You expect current security fixes, modern hardware support, or support for current APIs and CUDA toolkits.
For a current system without a specific legacy requirement, use NVIDIA’s current driver selector instead of this archived package. GeForce 388.71 is best understood as a compatibility download for a defined older configuration.
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Further reading
See NVIDIA’s official GeForce 388.71 release notes for the complete desktop and notebook product tables, installation details, fixes, open issues, and limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GeForce 388.71 an official NVIDIA driver?
Yes. It is an official NVIDIA GeForce Game Ready Driver, version 388.71, WHQL-certified and released on December 20, 2017.
Does GeForce 388.71 support Windows 11?
NVIDIA’s 388.71 documentation covers Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10, but does not document Windows 11 support.
Does 388.71 support RTX graphics cards?
The documented product list does not include RTX 20-series or newer GPUs. RTX owners should use a driver intended for their specific card and operating system.
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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 glitchesIs there a 32-bit version of GeForce 388.71?
Yes. NVIDIA provides separate archived packages for Windows 10 32-bit and Windows 7/8/8.1 32-bit.
Why does the installer say that no compatible hardware was found?
Check the GPU model, Windows architecture, and package type first. NVIDIA also documents damaged or missing Windows Management Instrumentation as a possible cause on otherwise compatible systems.
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