If you have stopped using a Wacom tablet, switched to another drawing device, or are troubleshooting problems with your Wacom pen, removing the Wacom driver from your Windows computer can be a good place to start.
An outdated, damaged, or conflicting driver can sometimes cause problems such as pen lag, pressure sensitivity issues, connection failures, or unexpected tablet behavior.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to uninstall the Wacom driver on Windows 11 or 10.
Uninstall Wacom Driver on Windows 11 or 10 Computer
To uninstall the Wacom driver,
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps on Windows 11 or Settings > Apps > Apps & features on Windows 10.
- Find the Wacom Tablet or related Wacom application, select it, and choose Uninstall.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to remove the Wacom software and driver components.
- Restart your Windows computer after the uninstallation finishes.
- If Wacom components remain, open Device Manager and check for Wacom devices under the appropriate device categories.
- Remove remaining Wacom device software only when necessary, then restart the computer again.
Step 1: Disconnect Your Wacom Tablet
Before uninstalling anything, disconnect your Wacom tablet from your computer. If your tablet connects through USB, simply unplug the USB cable. If you are using a wireless Wacom device, disconnect or turn it off.
This step is not always required, but it can make the uninstall process cleaner. Windows may currently be using the Wacom driver while the tablet is connected, so disconnecting the device helps prevent the driver from being actively used during removal.
If you have other important devices connected, you do not need to disconnect them. The goal here is specifically to disconnect the Wacom tablet or pen display.
Step 2: Close Wacom Software
Next, close any Wacom applications that are currently running. Look at the right side of the Windows taskbar near the clock. If you see a Wacom-related icon, open it and close the application if an option is available.
You should also close programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, or other drawing applications before continuing. These programs can sometimes communicate with the tablet driver while you are trying to uninstall it.
Once those programs are closed, you’re ready to remove the Wacom software.
Step 3: Open Windows Installed Apps
On Windows 11, open the Start menu, select Settings, and then choose Apps > Installed apps. You will see a list of applications installed on your computer.
On Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
Instead of scrolling through a long list, use the search box if available. Type Wacom into the search field. Look for entries such as Wacom Tablet, Wacom Center, or another Wacom-related application.
The exact name can vary depending on your Wacom model and the driver package installed on your computer.
Step 4: Uninstall the Wacom Application
Once you locate the Wacom software, select it and choose Uninstall. Windows may display another confirmation button. Select Uninstall again if prompted.
Follow the instructions shown by the Wacom uninstaller. Depending on the version you have installed, the process may ask you to confirm that you want to remove the Wacom software.
Take your time during this part. If Windows displays several Wacom-related entries, do not randomly remove unrelated applications. Focus on software that clearly belongs to the Wacom tablet driver or Wacom tablet software.
Step 5: Allow the Uninstaller to Finish
The Wacom uninstaller may take a few moments to remove its files and associated components. Do not restart or shut down your computer while the uninstallation is still running unless Windows specifically asks you to restart.
If you receive a message saying that some applications need to be closed, return to your open programs and make sure any Wacom-related software and graphics applications are closed.
After the uninstall process completes, Windows may ask you to restart your computer. If it does, save your work and restart the PC.
Step 6: Restart Your Windows Computer
Restarting Windows is an important part of the process because some driver components may have been loaded into memory while Windows was running.
Select Start > Power > Restart on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
After the computer restarts, Windows should no longer actively use the Wacom software you just removed. If your goal was to install a newer Wacom driver, this is also a good point to install the new driver after confirming that the old software has been removed.
Step 7: Check Device Manager for Wacom Components
If you’re troubleshooting a driver problem and want to make sure Windows no longer has an active Wacom device entry, you can check Device Manager.
Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. Look through categories that may contain tablet-related hardware, such as Human Interface Devices or other relevant device categories.
If you find a Wacom device, right-click it and select Uninstall device. If Windows provides an option to remove the driver software for that device, review the wording carefully before selecting it.
This step is generally more useful when you’re performing a complete driver cleanup before reinstalling Wacom software. If everything is working and you simply wanted to remove the application, you may not need to make additional changes in Device Manager.
Step 8: Restart Windows Again
After removing any remaining Wacom device entry that you specifically identified, restart your computer one more time.
This gives Windows a fresh session and allows it to reload its hardware configuration. Once Windows starts again, your Wacom driver removal should be complete.
If you plan to use your Wacom tablet again, download and install the appropriate driver for your specific tablet model before reconnecting the device.
What If You Cannot Find the Wacom Driver?
Sometimes users search the Installed apps section and cannot find an application named exactly Wacom Driver. That’s normal.
Depending on the Wacom software version, you might see names such as Wacom Tablet, Wacom Center, or another Wacom-branded component. The driver may also be associated with the main Wacom software package rather than appearing as a separate application.
If you recently upgraded Windows or installed a newer Wacom package, the software name may also be different from what you remember.
What If the Wacom Uninstaller Does Not Work?
If Windows refuses to uninstall the Wacom software, restart the computer first and try again. Make sure applications that use the tablet are closed.
You can also try uninstalling the software from Control Panel. Open Start and search for Control Panel, then select Programs > Programs and Features. Find the Wacom-related program, select it, and choose Uninstall.
This can be useful when an application does not appear correctly in the newer Windows Settings interface.
FAQs
Can I uninstall the Wacom driver without the tablet connected?
Yes. You can generally uninstall the Wacom software even when the tablet is disconnected. In fact, disconnecting the tablet before uninstalling can help prevent the driver from being actively used.
Will uninstalling the Wacom driver delete my Windows files?
No. Removing the Wacom driver should not delete your personal documents, photos, videos, or other unrelated Windows files. However, it can remove Wacom-related software and settings.
Do I need to restart Windows after uninstalling Wacom?
A restart is recommended. It helps Windows completely stop using driver components that were active before the uninstallation.
Can I reinstall the Wacom driver later?
Yes. You can reinstall the appropriate Wacom software later if you decide to use your tablet again. Make sure you select the driver that matches your Wacom model and Windows version.
Why is my Wacom tablet still showing after uninstalling the software?
Windows can retain a device entry even after the main Wacom application has been removed. If necessary, check Device Manager for remaining Wacom entries and remove them carefully.
Should I uninstall Wacom before installing a new driver?
If you’re troubleshooting driver conflicts or switching between driver versions, removing the existing Wacom software first can provide a cleaner starting point. Follow the installation instructions provided for your specific Wacom device.
Bottom Lines
Uninstalling a Wacom driver from a Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer is fairly straightforward. Start by disconnecting the tablet, close Wacom and graphics applications, and remove the Wacom software through Settings > Apps. Afterward, restart Windows and check Device Manager if you need to perform a more complete driver cleanup.
For most users, the key is to avoid deleting driver files manually. Use the Wacom uninstaller or Windows uninstall options first. If you’re removing the driver because of pen lag, connection problems, pressure sensitivity issues, or a planned driver reinstall, a clean uninstall followed by a restart can give you a better starting point.