NVIDIA has deployed a specialized hotfix driver to address specific performance and stability issues affecting two high-profile PC titles. If you are planning to dive into Halo: Campaign Evolved today or have been experiencing unexpected interruptions in Path of Exile 2, this update is designed to resolve those problems before they impact your session.
#1 Halo: Campaign Evolved RTX 50 Stability
Halo: Campaign Evolved enters early access on PC today, July 23, with general availability rolling out on July 28 across all platforms and Xbox Game Pass. As the game launches, NVIDIA has identified a stability issue specifically tied to the RTX 50 series graphics cards when paired with the recent 610.xx driver branch.
While the 610.xx series drivers have been widely distributed, they appear to conflict with certain rendering pipelines in the newly remastered title. Rather than waiting for a full driver cycle to address this, NVIDIA has prioritized a hotfix deployment. This ensures that PC gamers with next-generation hardware can experience the game without encountering crashes or graphical instability right out of the gate.
#2 Path of Exile 2 DX12 Performance
Beyond the Halo launch, the hotfix targets a persistent grievance for Path of Exile 2 players. Users running the action RPG in DirectX 12 mode have reported intermittent, lengthy pauses that tend to emerge after extended gameplay sessions. These stutters can disrupt combat flow and break immersion during critical moments.
The update specifically resolves these DX12 mode interruptions, smoothing out performance during long playthroughs. For players who typically switch between DX11 and DX12, this fix ensures that the newer API option remains a viable choice for optimal performance without trade-offs in stability.
How to Download and Install the Hotfix
Because this is a targeted hotfix rather than a standard driver release, it will not appear in the NVIDIA app or GeForce Experience. You will need to manually download the installer from NVIDIA’s dedicated support page. The process requires a bit more effort than a routine update, but it is straightforward.
Once you have downloaded the installer, a clean installation is strongly recommended. During the setup wizard, you can check the option for a clean install, which resets driver settings to default and removes leftover configuration files. Alternatively, you can use a tool like Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to completely strip the previous 610.xx drivers before running the hotfix. This approach minimizes the risk of residual conflicts and ensures the new files are properly registered.
What This Means for You
If you are not currently playing Halo: Campaign Evolved or Path of Exile 2, you can safely skip this update. NVIDIA has confirmed that these fixes will be integrated into the next regular driver release, meaning you will receive them automatically through your standard update channel soon.
For now, the hotfix is exclusively relevant to users running the affected titles on RTX 50 series hardware or those experiencing DX12 pauses in Path of Exile 2. Admins managing a fleet of gaming PCs should note that manual deployment will be necessary until the broader driver rollout begins.
How to Get It
To install the hotfix, visit the NVIDIA support page linked in the original announcement. Select your specific GPU model and operating system from the dropdown menus, then download the installer. Run the file as an administrator, follow the on-screen prompts, and restart your system once the installation completes. Verify your driver version in the NVIDIA Control Panel to confirm the update was applied successfully.
Source: Latest from Windows Central
Over to you: Will you be grabbing the hotfix for Halo right away, or waiting for the next standard driver update?
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