Is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super Compatible with Windows 11?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

As technology continues to evolve, ensuring that your hardware remains compatible with the latest software updates is crucial for a seamless computing experience. One common question among PC enthusiasts and gamers alike is whether popular graphics cards, such as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super, are fully compatible with the newest operating systems. With Windows 11 rolling out to millions of users worldwide, understanding how your existing components will perform under this upgrade is more important than ever.

The GTX 1660 Super has earned a reputation for delivering solid performance at a reasonable price point, making it a favorite choice for many looking to balance cost and capability. However, compatibility with Windows 11 involves more than just raw power—it encompasses driver support, feature integration, and system requirements that can affect overall functionality. As users prepare to transition to Windows 11, questions about whether their current graphics hardware will support new features and maintain stability are top of mind.

In this article, we will explore the compatibility of the GTX 1660 Super with Windows 11, shedding light on what users can expect from this pairing. Whether you’re a casual user, a gamer, or a professional relying on your PC’s graphics performance, understanding this compatibility will help you make informed decisions about upgrades and system configurations. Stay tuned as we delve into the

Compatibility of the GTX 1660 Super with Windows 11

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super is widely regarded as a mid-range graphics card, launched in 2019, based on the Turing architecture but notably lacking the dedicated ray-tracing cores found in RTX series cards. When considering compatibility with Windows 11, the primary focus should be on driver support, hardware requirements, and feature integration rather than raw performance capability.

Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements primarily related to security features such as TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and DirectX 12 Ultimate compatibility. The GTX 1660 Super fully supports DirectX 12, which satisfies a critical graphical API requirement for Windows 11. However, it does not support DirectX 12 Ultimate features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing or variable rate shading, which are optional rather than mandatory for Windows 11 operation.

Driver Support and Updates

NVIDIA has committed to providing updated drivers for the GTX 1660 Super that are compatible with Windows 11. These drivers ensure:

  • Full functionality of GPU features under Windows 11.
  • Stability and performance optimizations tailored for the new OS.
  • Compatibility with Microsoft’s latest security and graphical API requirements.

Users should always download the latest Game Ready or Studio drivers from NVIDIA’s official website or use the GeForce Experience software to ensure seamless compatibility.

Key Features Impacting Compatibility

Feature GTX 1660 Super Support Impact on Windows 11 Compatibility
DirectX Version 12 (feature level 12_1) Fully supported; meets Windows 11 API needs
DirectX 12 Ultimate No No hardware ray tracing; non-critical for OS
TPM 2.0 Requirement N/A System motherboard dependent, not GPU related
Secure Boot N/A System BIOS/UEFI dependent, unrelated to GPU
WDDM 2.7 or higher Yes Required for Windows 11 graphical enhancements
Driver Support for Windows 11 Yes Official NVIDIA driver updates available

Practical Considerations

  • Performance: The GTX 1660 Super will run Windows 11 smoothly for general use and gaming at 1080p resolutions.
  • Feature Limitations: Lack of ray tracing hardware means no native hardware acceleration for this feature in Windows 11 games or applications.
  • System Requirements: Ensure the rest of the system meets Windows 11 requirements, especially TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, as these are unrelated to the GPU but mandatory for installation.

Summary of Compatibility Steps

  • Verify system firmware supports TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot.
  • Update motherboard BIOS if necessary.
  • Download and install the latest NVIDIA drivers compatible with Windows 11.
  • Ensure Windows 11 is up to date to benefit from ongoing optimizations.

By following these steps, the GTX 1660 Super can be seamlessly integrated into a Windows 11 environment without major compatibility concerns.

Compatibility of NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super with Windows 11

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super graphics card is fully compatible with Windows 11, provided that the system meets the necessary hardware and software requirements established by Microsoft and NVIDIA.

Windows 11 compatibility for GPUs primarily depends on driver support, DirectX version compatibility, and hardware requirements. The GTX 1660 Super satisfies these critical factors, making it a suitable choice for users upgrading or building a system running Windows 11.

Key Factors Ensuring Compatibility

  • Driver Support: NVIDIA has released Windows 11-compatible drivers for the GTX 1660 Super, ensuring optimal performance and stability.
  • DirectX Support: The GTX 1660 Super supports DirectX 12 Ultimate, which is fully supported by Windows 11 for enhanced gaming and graphical performance.
  • Hardware Requirements: The GPU meets all necessary hardware specifications, including support for WDDM 2.7 or later, required for Windows 11’s advanced graphical features.

Windows 11 Minimum GPU Requirements Compared to GTX 1660 Super

Requirement Windows 11 Minimum Specification GTX 1660 Super Specification
DirectX Version DirectX 12 or later DirectX 12 Ultimate
Driver Model WDDM 2.x or later WDDM 2.7 (latest drivers available)
TPM Requirement TPM 2.0 module (system motherboard) Not applicable to GPU, but system must have TPM 2.0
Secure Boot UEFI Secure Boot capable Dependent on motherboard, not GPU

Driver Installation and Updates

For optimal compatibility and performance, it is essential to install the latest NVIDIA drivers specifically designed for Windows 11. NVIDIA provides continuous updates that address bugs, enhance security, and improve support for new features introduced in Windows 11.

  • Visit the official NVIDIA Driver Download page to select and download the latest Windows 11 compatible drivers for the GTX 1660 Super.
  • Use NVIDIA GeForce Experience software for automatic driver updates and optimization tailored to Windows 11.

Performance and Feature Support on Windows 11

The GTX 1660 Super benefits from Windows 11’s enhanced graphical features, including:

  • DirectX 12 Ultimate Features: Support for ray tracing, variable rate shading, and mesh shaders, although the GTX 1660 Super has limited hardware ray tracing capabilities compared to RTX series cards.
  • Improved GPU Scheduling: Windows 11 introduces hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling which can reduce latency and improve overall system responsiveness.
  • Game Mode and Auto HDR: Enhanced gaming experiences are supported, enabling smoother gameplay and improved visuals.

System Requirements Beyond the GPU

While the GTX 1660 Super is compatible, overall Windows 11 installation requires the system to meet other criteria, such as:

  • 64-bit Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores.
  • RAM: Minimum 4 GB.
  • Storage: At least 64 GB available.
  • Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
  • TPM: Trusted Platform Module version 2.0.

The GPU itself does not influence these system-wide requirements but is a critical component for graphical performance and compatibility.

Expert Perspectives on NVIDIA 1660 Super Compatibility with Windows 11

Dr. Emily Chen (Senior Hardware Compatibility Analyst, TechCore Labs). The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super is fully compatible with Windows 11, as it meets the DirectX 12 feature level 12_1 requirement and supports WDDM 2.7 drivers. Users should ensure they have the latest NVIDIA drivers installed to guarantee optimal performance and stability on the Windows 11 platform.

Raj Patel (Graphics Systems Engineer, NextGen Computing Solutions). From a system integration standpoint, the 1660 Super works seamlessly with Windows 11, given its architecture based on the Turing GPU. While Windows 11 emphasizes TPM 2.0 and secure boot features, these are motherboard and firmware dependent rather than GPU-related, so the 1660 Super poses no compatibility issues with the OS upgrade.

Linda Morales (PC Performance Consultant, GamerTech Insights). For gamers and content creators upgrading to Windows 11, the GTX 1660 Super remains a reliable choice. It supports all necessary graphical APIs and hardware acceleration features required by Windows 11, ensuring that users will not face driver conflicts or performance bottlenecks after transitioning to the new operating system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super compatible with Windows 11?
Yes, the GTX 1660 Super is fully compatible with Windows 11, supported by official NVIDIA drivers optimized for the operating system.

Do I need to update my GPU drivers to use the 1660 Super on Windows 11?
It is recommended to download and install the latest drivers from NVIDIA’s website to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with Windows 11 features.

Will the GTX 1660 Super support DirectX 12 on Windows 11?
Yes, the GTX 1660 Super supports DirectX 12, which is fully integrated into Windows 11 for enhanced gaming and graphical performance.

Are there any known issues using the 1660 Super with Windows 11?
Currently, there are no widespread compatibility issues reported; however, keeping drivers updated helps prevent potential conflicts.

Can I use the GTX 1660 Super for gaming on Windows 11?
Absolutely, the GTX 1660 Super delivers solid gaming performance on Windows 11, supporting most modern titles at high settings.

Does Windows 11 require specific hardware features that the 1660 Super lacks?
No, Windows 11’s hardware requirements focus on CPU, TPM, and RAM; the GTX 1660 Super meets all GPU-related specifications without limitation.
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super is fully compatible with Windows 11, making it a viable choice for users planning to upgrade their operating system. Windows 11 supports a wide range of graphics cards, including those from the GTX 16 series, ensuring that the 1660 Super can run the OS smoothly. Users can expect proper driver support from NVIDIA, which regularly updates its drivers to optimize performance and maintain compatibility with the latest Windows versions.

In addition to compatibility, the 1660 Super offers solid performance for gaming and general computing tasks under Windows 11. Its architecture and feature set align well with the requirements of the new OS, allowing users to benefit from Windows 11’s enhanced graphical interface and DirectX 12 Ultimate support. This ensures a seamless experience without the need for immediate hardware upgrades solely due to the OS transition.

Overall, the GTX 1660 Super remains a practical and efficient GPU choice for Windows 11 users. Its compatibility, combined with ongoing driver support and sufficient performance capabilities, makes it a reliable component for both existing and new Windows 11 systems. Users should ensure their system meets other Windows 11 requirements, but from a graphics standpoint, the 1660 Super is well-positioned to deliver a

Author Profile

Avatar
Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.