Upgrading to Windows 11? Wondering if your GTX 1660 Super will keep up?
You’re not alone.
With Microsoft’s push toward newer hardware standards in Windows 11, many users are asking if their existing graphics cards. Especially, the popular GTX 1660 Super can handle the switch smoothly.
Windows 11 introduces stricter system requirements than its predecessor, including support for DirectX 12, WDDM 2.0, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0. While CPUs and storage often get the spotlight during upgrade discussions, GPU compatibility is equally crucial. Especially if you rely on your PC for gaming, content creation, or graphics heavy workloads.
Why does this matter?
Because a GPU that isn’t fully compatible can lead to reduced performance, visual glitches, driver crashes, or even upgrade failures. Whether you’re already running Windows 11 or just planning the jump, it’s essential to know where your GTX 1660 Super stands.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know.
Is GTX 1660 Super Compatible with Windows 11? Everything You Need to Know
Let’s dive in and make sure your system is ready for the future of Windows.
Windows 11 System Requirements Overview
Before checking if the GTX 1660 Super plays nicely with Windows 11, it’s important to understand what the OS actually demands from your hardware especially your GPU.

Key Requirements
Microsoft has set stricter minimum requirements for Windows 11 compared to Windows 10, with a strong focus on security, stability, and modern driver models. Here are the essentials your system must meet:
- Processor: 1GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC).
- RAM: 4 GB or more
- Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device
- System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
- TPM: Version 2.0 required
- Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
- Display: High definition (720p) display, 9” or greater
Importance of GPU Compatibility
While most attention goes to the CPU and TPM module, your graphics card plays a critical role in overall compatibility and experience:
- DirectX 12: Windows 11 relies heavily on DirectX 12 for rendering modern UI animations, gaming, media decoding, and hardware accelerated tasks.
- WDDM 2.0 or later: Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) is the architecture that connects your GPU drivers to Windows. WDDM 2.0+ ensures your GPU can communicate effectively with Windows 11’s new rendering pipeline.
If your GPU doesn’t support these, you’ll likely experience lags, rendering issues, driver crashes, or even upgrade errors.
Thankfully, the GTX 1660 Super fully supports both DirectX 12 and WDDM 2.0, making it technically and practically compatible but more on that in the next section.
Optimize Your PC for Windows 11:
Ensuring your CPU drivers are up to date is just as important as having a compatible GPU. 👉 Learn how to update your CPU drivers in Windows 10/11 to get the best performance and stability.
GTX 1660 Super Specifications
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super may not be the latest kid on the block, but it still packs enough muscle for gaming, content creation, and smooth Windows 11 performance. Let’s break down its capabilities and see how well it stacks up against the demands of Microsoft’s newest OS.

Technical Overview
Feature | Specification |
GPU Architecture | Turing (TU116) |
CUDA Cores | 1,408 |
Base Clock | ~1,530 MHz |
Boost Clock | ~1,785 MHz |
Video Memory (VRAM) | 6GB GDDR6 |
Memory Bandwidth | 336 GB/s |
Interface | PCIe 3.0 |
TDP | 125W |
Outputs | HDMI 2.0b, DisplayPort 1.4, Dual-Link DVI-D |
These specs make it a solid choice for 1080p and light 1440p gaming, but more importantly. It’s technically well-suited for Windows 11’s graphical demands.
DirectX and WDDM Support
Here’s where it really matters for Windows 11:
- DirectX 12 Support: The GTX 1660 Super is fully compatible with DirectX 12, which is a core requirement for Windows 11.
- WDDM 2.6 Driver Support: It supports WDDM 2.6, well above the WDDM 2.0 minimum. This ensures it can leverage all of Windows 11’s rendering and security features without issues.
- Game Ready & Studio Drivers: NVIDIA provides Windows 11 certified drivers regularly for both gamers and creatives.
From a technical standpoint, the GTX 1660 Super checks every compatibility box for Windows 11, and then some.
Compatibility Analysis: The main Focus
Now that we know the GTX 1660 Super is technically compatible with Windows 11, let’s dig deeper into how well it actually performs in real world use. We’ll cover driver availability, performance benchmarks, and what real users are saying.
Driver Support
NVIDIA has kept the GTX 1660 Super well supported, even post the release of Windows 11. Here’s what you need to know:
- Windows 11 Ready Drivers: NVIDIA’s Game Ready and Studio drivers fully support Windows 11 and are updated frequently.
- Automatic Installation: Upon upgrading to Windows 11, most systems will automatically install the correct drivers through Windows Update or GeForce Experience.
- Manual Download Option: Users can always manually download the latest drivers from NVIDIA’s official.
Expert Tip: For the best performance, especially if you’re gaming or using productivity tools, opt for the Game Ready Driver unless you’re a content creator then go with the Studio Driver.
Performance Benchmarks
Let’s see how the GTX 1660 Super handles Windows 11 in real-world performance tests (based on benchmarks from reputable tech sites and YouTube testers):
Task | Performance on Windows 11 (2024–2025 builds) |
1080p Gaming | Smooth 60-90 FPS in modern titles with Medium-High settings |
4K Video Playback | Flawless (hardware accelerated) |
Adobe Premiere/Photoshop | Fast, no lags or driver related issues |
General UI/Multitasking | Snappy and responsive |
Sleep/Wake Cycles | No known GPU related issues |
Performance is near identical to Windows 10, with some users reporting even better stability on newer driver versions (post-531.xx Game Ready series).
User Experiences
We checked in on Reddit, Microsoft forums, and GPU subreddits to gather community insights. Here’s what users are saying:
“Upgraded to Windows 11 with a 1660 Super with zero issues. Just installed latest NVIDIA drivers, and it’s smooth sailing.”
– Reddit user @amdvsintel
“Gamers with GTX 1660 Super have nothing to worry about. It’s fully compatible. Just make sure to update your drivers.”
– WindowsCentral forums
“I had minor flickering at first, but a clean reinstall of drivers fixed everything.”
– NVIDIA Forum contributor
The community broadly confirms the GTX 1660 Super is fully stable and reliable with Windows 11.
Troubleshooting Common Issues: You Must Take Account on These
Even though the GTX 1660 Super is fully compatible with Windows 11, some users may experience hiccups during or after the upgrade. Here’s a breakdown of the most common issues and how to solve them effectively.
Black Screen After Driver Installation
Some users report a black screen after updating or installing NVIDIA drivers, especially when switching from legacy OS setups or doing a clean install of Windows 11.
Fixes:
- Boot into Safe Mode:
- Press Shift + Restart > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart > Press 4 for Safe Mode.
- Use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller):
- Download DDU and perform a clean driver uninstall.
- Reboot, then install the latest NVIDIA Game Ready Driver from the official site.
- Switch Display Ports:
- Temporarily switch from HDMI to DisplayPort (or vice versa), as some setups resolve black screens this way.
Pro Tip: Ensure your display cable is plugged into the GPU, not the motherboard’s HDMI (if you’re using a discrete GPU).
No Sound After GPU Upgrade?
Installing or upgrading to a GTX 1660 Super on Windows 11 can sometimes trigger audio issues.
👉 Check out our ultimate 2025 guide to fix the Audio Renderer Error and restore crystal-clear sound in minutes.
BIOS Settings
Secure Boot & TPM 2.0
For Windows 11 to run officially, your motherboard must have TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot enabled.
How to Check and Enable:
- Enter BIOS:
- Restart and press Del or F2 during boot.
- Look for Secure Boot & TPM Options under:
- Security, Advanced, or Boot tabs.
- Enable Both, save changes, and reboot.
If your system doesn’t support TPM 2.0, Windows 11 might still work unofficially but you may run into stability or driver certification issues.
Driver Conflicts
Symptoms:
- Driver installation fails
- Display artifacts or stuttering
- Control Panel not opening properly
Fixes:
- Use DDU for a Clean Slate:
- Remove all older drivers to avoid conflicts.
- Check for Windows Driver Overwrites:
- Go to Device Manager > Display Adapters > GTX 1660 Super.
- Roll back driver if Windows installed an outdated version.
- Disable Automatic Driver Updates Temporarily:
- Run gpedit.msc > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Do not include drivers with Windows Updates > Enable.
Experiencing system crashes or boot errors?
Some users upgrading hardware like the GTX 1660 Super may encounter the ene.sys error on Windows 11.
👉 Follow this expert guide to fix ene.sys errors and keep your system running smoothly.
Alternatives and Upgrades: How to Maximize GTX 1660 Super’s Performance on Windows 11
While the GTX 1660 Super remains a solid performer in 2025, some users may wonder if it’s time for a hardware refresh especially when gaming, content creation, or AI workloads push the card to its limits.
When to Consider Upgrading
Signs Your GTX 1660 Super Might Be Holding You Back:
- Frequent FPS drops in newer AAA games, even on medium settings.
- Limited VRAM (6GB) causing stuttering in high resolution textures or multitasking scenarios.
- No hardware ray tracing support, which limits next-gen visual features.
- Incompatibility with DLSS 3 or Frame Generation technologies.
- Performance bottlenecks when pairing with modern high refresh rate monitors (144Hz+).
- Thermal or driver related issues becoming more common over time.
If you’re consistently tweaking in-game settings to stay above 60 FPS, or your system struggles with newer creative apps, it’s probably time.
Recommended GPUs for Windows 11
Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or casual user looking for a future proof card, here are top-tier options based on budget and performance:
Entry-Level Upgrade Picks:
- NVIDIA RTX 3050 (8GB)
- Great for 1080p gaming with ray tracing and DLSS support.
- AMD Radeon RX 6600
- Efficient, cool, and great value for DirectX 12 gaming.
Mid-Range Recommendations:
- NVIDIA RTX 4060 or RTX 4060 Ti
- Major performance leap over GTX 1660 Super.
- Access to DLSS 3, AV1 encoding, and lower power consumption.
- AMD Radeon RX 7600
- Competitive pricing with excellent 1080p/1440p performance.
🚀 High-End Upgrades:
- NVIDIA RTX 4070 or 4070 Ti
- Future proof for 1440p and light 4K workloads.
- AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
- Strong alternative with better VRAM for multitasking and AI work.
Tip: All modern GPUs listed here fully support Windows 11’s DirectX 12 Ultimate, WDDM 3.0, and advanced graphical features.
Bonus Table: GTX 1660 Super vs Upgrade Options
GPU | VRAM | DLSS Support | Ray Tracing | Ideal Resolution | Power Draw |
GTX 1660 Super | 6GB | No | No | 1080p | ~125W |
RTX 3050 | 8GB | DLSS 2 | Yes | 1080p | ~130W |
RTX 4060 Ti | 8GB | DLSS 3 | Yes | 1080p/1440p | ~160W |
RX 7600 | 8GB | FSR | Yes | 1440p | ~165W |
RTX 4070 Ti | 12GB | DLSS 3 | Yes | 1440p/4K | ~285W |
Related Queries on GTX 1660 Super compatibility with Windows 11
Is GTX 1660 Super compatible with Windows 11 Reddit?
Yes, according to multiple user threads on Reddit, the GTX 1660 Super works smoothly with Windows 11. Users report successful upgrades and solid performance in both gaming and creative workloads. Just ensure your system meets Windows 11’s TPM and Secure Boot requirements, and use the latest NVIDIA drivers for best results.
Reddit users have confirmed stable gameplay and driver support with cards as early as 2021 and continuing into 2025.
Is GTX 1660 Super compatible with Windows 11 in 2021?
Absolutely. When Windows 11 first launched in late 2021, the GTX 1660 Super was already fully supported. The card meets Microsoft’s GPU requirements by supporting DirectX 12 and WDDM 2.0, and NVIDIA released compatible drivers from day one. If you were running it in 2021, you could upgrade safely without hardware issues.
Windows 11 GPU Compatibility List
Windows 11 requires a GPU that supports:
- DirectX 12 or later
- WDDM 2.0 or later
The GTX 1660 Super easily qualifies, as it supports:
- DirectX 12 Ultimate
- WDDM 2.6+
Other supported GPUs include:
- All NVIDIA GTX 10 series and newer
- AMD Radeon RX 500 series and newer
- Intel Iris Xe and Arc GPUs
GTX 1660 SUPER – Is It Still Good?
Yes, even in 2025, the GTX 1660 Super remains a solid 1080p performer. While it lacks ray tracing and DLSS, it handles most modern games at medium high settings and is fully supported in Windows 11. It’s a reliable option for budget conscious gamers and upgraders who don’t need cutting edge graphics features.
Windows 11 Download – What You Should Know
If you’re upgrading to Windows 11 with a GTX 1660 Super, you can download the OS from:
Make sure your system meets the full requirements:
- TPM 2.0
- Secure Boot
- Compatible CPU
- Minimum 4GB RAM and 64GB storage
The GTX 1660 Super does not prevent you from installing Windows 11 as it fully supports the OS when other system criteria are met.
NVIDIA GTX 1660 SUPER Drivers for Windows 10
NVIDIA continues to support the GTX 1660 Super for both Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you’re on Windows 10 and plan to upgrade:
- Visit NVIDIA’s Driver Download Page
- Select your GPU and OS version.
- Download the latest Game Ready or Studio driver depending on your use case.
Pro tip: Install the latest driver before upgrading to Windows 11 to avoid post upgrade display or compatibility issues.
NVIDIA Drivers – How They Affect Windows 11 Compatibility
NVIDIA offers unified drivers that support both Windows 10 and Windows 11. That means:
- No separate installation is required after upgrading.
- Driver versions are updated monthly for security and new game optimizations.
- Windows 11 specific enhancements are included for DirectStorage, Auto HDR, and other new features.
Be sure to use GeForce Experience or check NVIDIA’s website regularly for updates.
Windows 11 Requirements – Do You Qualify?
To run Windows 11, your PC must meet the following key specs:
- 64-bit CPU with at least 1GHz and 2+ cores
- 4GB RAM minimum
- 64GB storage
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot
- TPM version 2.0
- Graphics card supporting DirectX 12 and WDDM 2.0
✔️ The GTX 1660 Super qualifies on GPU grounds. Just double check your CPU and motherboard for TPM and Secure Boot support.
FAQ’s
Does Windows 11 support GTX series?
Yes, Windows 11 fully supports NVIDIA GTX series cards (10-series and newer), including the GTX 1660 Super.
Is Windows 11 compatible with gaming?
Absolutely, Windows 11 is optimized for gaming with features like Auto HDR, DirectStorage, and improved GPU scheduling.
Does Windows 11 support an old graphics card?
Yes, as long as the GPU supports DirectX 12 and WDDM 2.0, even older cards can run Windows 11.
Is 1660 Super good in 2025?
Yes, the GTX 1660 Super remains a solid 1080p gaming GPU in 2025 for budget and mid-range users.
Is GTX 1660 Super future-proof?
It’s aging but still viable for current games; however, it lacks ray tracing and DLSS, limiting future proofing.
What budget GPU should I get in 2025?
The RTX 3050 or RX 6600 offers great value in 2025 for gamers on a budget needing modern features.
Conclusion
The GTX 1660 Super is fully compatible with Windows 11, offering solid performance for most users. With proper driver updates and system settings, users can expect a smooth experience.
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