Understanding Disk Space Usage When Installing NVIDIA Drivers

When installing NVIDIA display drivers, including optional software like 3D Vision and NView, the process begins with the NVIDIA Installer creating a cache on your local drive. This cache is located in the C:Program FilesNVIDIA CorporationInstaller2 directory. Notably, even if you’re installing 32-bit software, the installer uses the standard Program Files folder, not the Program Files (x86) directory.

What is the Purpose of the Installer2 Folder?

The Installer2 folder serves a crucial role: it stores all driver files and associated add-ons to facilitate seamless re-installations and uninstalls. This means that if you need to reinstall drivers or perform a rollback, you won’t need the original installation media—be it a downloaded file, CD, or network drive—since the necessary files are already in the Installer2 folder. Without this cached data, only the drivers would be installed, potentially leading to version mismatches with previously installed add-on software.

Why Are Unwanted Files Present in the Installer2 Folder?

You might notice files in the Installer2 folder even if you opted out of installing certain add-ons. This happens during a Custom Install; the installer retains the necessary software files to ensure they can be reinstalled if needed during future updates or rollbacks.

How to Minimize the Size of the Installer2 Folder

If you’re looking to reduce the size of the Installer2 folder, here are two effective methods:

• Method 1: Uninstall Drivers Before Installing New Ones

  To properly clear out the Installer2 folder, always uninstall the driver along with any add-ons before installing a new driver. Simply removing the add-ons won’t suffice, as the main driver remains in the driver store, necessitating the presence of related files.

• Method 2: Perform a Clean Install

  Select the “Custom Install” option and check the box for “Perform Clean Install.” This option deletes the current NVIDIA drivers and any cached packages before installing the new driver, ensuring a clean slate. Keep in mind that a clean install does not preserve the previous driver set.

What if Files Remain After Uninstallation?

If you’ve uninstalled drivers but files persist in the Installer2 folder, it may be due to other NVIDIA drivers still residing in your operating system’s driver store. The installer retains these files for potential future reinstalls.

Issues After a Clean Install

Should you have performed a clean install yet still see files in the Installer2 folder, it’s possible that remnants from previous installations linger due to multiple install/uninstall cycles. Remember, a clean install only removes current driver files. The easiest way to clear out the folder is to manually delete the Installer2 directory.

Consequences of Deleting the Installer2 Folder

If you decide to delete the Installer2 folder while NVIDIA drivers and related software are still installed, it won’t harm your system. However, you may encounter difficulties with complete installations if you attempt to use older drivers from the operating system’s driver store.