The latest Windows 11 updates once again impacted game performance — particularly CS2, where FPS stability directly determines shooting comfort. Amid numerous complaints, NVIDIA quickly released a Hotfix driver that not only restores FPS to normal, but improves stability beyond previous levels.
NVIDIA responds to the issue after the Windows 11 update
NVIDIA officially introduced the GeForce Hotfix Driver 581.94, released on an accelerated schedule specifically to fix the performance degradation that appeared after installing the Windows 11 October Update KB5066835.
The issue manifested through unstable 1% Lows, periodic micro-stutters, and inconsistent frametime — all of which are critical for CS2, where players immediately notice discomfort.
The Hotfix includes one key fix: the elimination of reduced performance after KB5066835, which affected a number of modern video games.
NVIDIA emphasizes that a Hotfix is an interim solution designed to quickly address urgent issues before the next WHQL release. It has a shorter QA cycle but is fully functional for those who want stable FPS immediately.
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Test results: +11% FPS stability improvement in CS2
Benchmark measurements conducted by ThourCS2 show that this patch is not just theoretical — it delivers real performance gains.
Test configuration:
- Ryzen 9800X3D
- RTX 5070
- Windows 11 25H2
- 1280×960, MSAA 4×
- NVIDIA Reflex Enabled
- Dust2 FPS Benchmark Map
Driver comparison 581.29 → 581.94:
Average FPS:
780.4 → 794.5
1% Low FPS:
297.1 → 331.6
(+11.61% stable FPS improvement)
1% Lows are the most important parameter for CS2 — they show how often the game dips into micro-lags and how consistent frametime is.
An 11% increase indicates that the Hotfix truly smooths engine performance and reduces short freezes that players noticed after the Windows 11 update.
🚨 CS2 FPS BOOST – 11% increase in 1% Lows for me after installing the NVIDIA Hotfix Driver 581.94 🚨
📊 Avg. FPS, 1% Lows:
581.29: 780.4 FPS, 297.1
581.94: 794.5 FPS, 331.6 (11.61%🔼)1280×960, Reflex Enabled, MSAA 4x, Dust2 FPS Map.
9800X3D, RTX 5070, Windows 11 25H2 https://t.co/7u9QDvPqgW pic.twitter.com/yXRYcNO1AD— Thour (@ThourCS2) November 20, 2025
Why such Hotfixes are released out of schedule
In NVIDIA’s explanation, the company notes that driver development is a complex process with thousands of commits. Because of this, important fixes sometimes get “stuck” in the queue for a major release.
Hotfix drivers exist specifically so that such fixes:
- do not wait for the WHQL version,
- become available earlier,
- resolve widespread problems quickly,
- and receive user feedback.
It is a temporary but fully functional tool that will be integrated into the next official driver.
What this means for CS2 players
Given the nature of Source 2, even minor changes in frametime can be critical — especially when it comes to low 1% Low values.
Update 581.94:
- removes FPS drops after KB5066835,
- reduces micro-stutters,
- improves stability under load,
- makes shooting and movement more predictable.
For professional players and those pushing high-ranked gameplay, this is a noticeable improvement.
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Hotfix Driver 581.94
Hotfix Driver 581.94 is an important technical update for Windows 11 users, especially regarding CS2. It not only fixed the performance drop after the system patch but also increased stability — clearly visible in the 1% Lows.
In upcoming releases, NVIDIA will include these changes in the official WHQL driver. For now, this is the optimal choice for anyone whose CS2 became unstable after the recent Windows 11 updates.
