Your AMD drivers act as a bridge between your graphics card and your PC, ensuring smooth communication for rendering images and running applications. As games and applications become more advanced, AMD regularly releases driver updates through its Adrenalin Software. These AMD driver update s typically improve compatibility with new games, fix bugs, and enhance overall system performance. While your system may seem to work fine without updates, keeping your drivers current is crucial. Updates can introduce new features and sometimes fix unknown problems like security issues. Fortunately, AMD offers multiple ways to update drivers. Read on as we walk you through how to keep AMD system u pdated to ensure your computer runs smoothly.
Identify Your Device Before the AMD Drivers Update
Before you start the process of updating your graphics drivers , it is a good idea to have the details of your GPU and the current driver. Here’s how to check:
- Right-click the Start button and select Run in the Power User menu.
- Type dxdiag into the Run text box and press
Enter
. (You can also type dxdiag after opening the Start menu and click the first result you see.)
- You’ll see details of your chipset once the DirectX Diagnostics Tool opens.
- If you’re using a discrete AMD card, go to Display 2 to find information about your GPU and your AMD display driver, including the card name, model, and driver details. Integrated GPUs are usually under Display 1 or the only Display tab on the window (if the computer has only one graphics card).
How would I know if I’m using a discrete or integrated GPU?
If you’re not familiar with graphics and want to find out whether you’re using a discrete or integrated GPU, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
to open the Task Manager. Go to the Performance tab and look at the GPUs listed. GPU 0 is usually the integrated GPU, and GPU 1 or higher is often the discrete GPU.
How to Update AMD Drivers on Windows 10/11
Method 1: Using AMD Adrenalin Edition
AMD Adrenalin Edition is the official driver and control software for AMD Radeon graphics cards. It includes essential drivers for running games, software optimizations, performance tuning features, and tools like Radeon Boost, Radeon Anti-Lag, and FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) for better gaming performance.
You can also use it for AMD driver updates. Here is how to do it:
Note
If you don’t have the software, go to AMD’s official website and
download the AMD Adrenalin Edition application. After that, install and launch the program before proceeding with the below steps.
- Launch the program and go to the Driver & Software section on the home screen. Then, click the small arrow.
- If an update is available, you will see a red Download button. If you don’t see the red download button, click Check for Updates.
- Click Download , and the update will start automatically. You might get a message asking for permission. Click Yes .
- The installer window will open. Choose your preferred options and click Install .
If you want to protect your privacy, choose Don’t Allow AMD to collect information. However, if you don’t mind sharing data to help AMD improve its software, you can allow it.
- After installation, close any running games or programs and restart your computer to apply the changes.
AMD usually releases AMD drivers updates monthly for Adrenalin Edition software. So, make sure you are up to date to get the latest features, support, fixes for known issues, and improve performance.
Third-party driver updaters simplify the process of updating drivers by automatically scanning for outdated drivers and installing the latest versions with minimal user intervention. Some of these tools, like Auslogics Driver Updater , provide additional features, such as backup and restore options. This helps you roll back to previous versions if needed. Some well-known third-party driver tools also include Driver Booster , Driver Easy , and Snappy Driver Installer .
Feature |
Auslogics Driver Updater |
Driver Booster |
Driver Easy |
Snappy Driver Installer |
Offline scanning |
❌ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
One-click update |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ (manual selection) |
Driver backup & restore |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
Driver source |
Official manufacturer sites |
WHQL-certified & manufacturer sources |
Official manufacturer sites |
Community-sourced + official manufacturer sites |
Free version |
Free version allows updates one at a time |
Free trial |
Free trial |
Free |
Best for |
All users |
Beginners, gamers |
Budget users |
Advanced users, tech-savvy |
PRO TIP
However,
Auslogics Driver Updater stands out with its excellent user-friendly interface, extensive driver database, and powerful scanning capabilities that detect outdated, missing, or corrupted drivers. It ensures that only manufacturer-approved updates are installed.
Here is how it works:
- Download and install the Auslogics Driver Updater app.
- The moment you open the app, it starts to scan your computer for outdated drivers.
- When the scan is complete, click on View results to see a list of your outdated drivers.
- When you see your outdated drivers, you can click Update next to the driver you want to update. You can also click Update all drivers to update everything at once or Update selected to update only selected drivers.
Even though AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition is great for updating your AMD graphic drivers, third-party tools like Auslogics Driver Updater can simplify the process even further , as it can cover all your device driver updates in one go, like updating
Bluetooth drivers and even drivers from other brands, like
NVIDIA graphics cards .
Method 3: Manually downloading AMD drivers
Follow the steps below to download and install AMD drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website:
Warning!
Be careful not to download from unofficial sources because it can be risky, as you might end up with outdated drivers or
catching a malware infection .
- Select your operating system from the list displayed.
- Find the driver you need and click Download.
- Once the file is downloaded, double-click the .exe file and start the driver installation.
- After installing the driver, restart your computer.
Method 4: Using Device Manager
If you’re wondering how to update AMD GPU drivers without needing additional software, use Device Manager. It is a straightforward way that offers a simple and built-in option to update your AMD drivers in Windows. Here is how the process works:
Remember that while it is a convenient option,
users have reported that it does not always install the latest driver version. In some cases, it may install a generic driver instead of the optimized one that AMD provides. And this can affect performance and certain features.
That said, this is not a prominent issue. So, if you choose this method, double-check the driver version installed and compare it with the latest version available on AMD’s official website.
- Press
Windows + R
and type devmgmt.msc to open Device Manager .
- Expand the Display adapters section.
- Right-click your AMD GPU and choose Update driver.
- Click Search automatically for drivers .
- If an update is found, follow the instructions to install it.
After the update, restart your computer and check if the drivers are updated . Remember that you can use the Browse my computer for drivers option. However, make sure to follow Method 3 to download the drivers before using this alternative.
Download Auslogics Driver Updater
Prevent hardware errors and ensure problem-free device operation with this advanced tool that detects outdated drivers and safely gets them updated.
What if AMD Software Stops Working?
If you see the “AMD Software has stopped working” error while trying to update Radeon drivers or during gameplay, it could mean there is an issue with your driver. This problem can cause several issues like severe lags, FPS drops in games , or even a drop in your computer’s overall performance. The error might occur because of corrupted program files, faulty drivers, issues with your operating system, conflicts with third-party apps, or problems with system files. Here are a few things you can try:
Step 1: End the currently running process
When you see the “AMD Software has stopped working” error, go to the Task Manager and end any Radeon-related process currently running. You can right-click the process and select Go to details .
- Under the Details tab, right-click the application again and click End process tree . Restart your computer and launch the program again.
Step 2: Make sure Windows is up to date
AMD Software and drivers may stop working properly if your Windows 10 or 11 OS is outdated. In fact, the company warns that their drivers will only work best if your Windows is updated. So, start by updating Windows and checking if that’s the reason for the problem. To do that, open the Settings menu, go to Windows Update, and click Check for updates . Windows will now check for updates, and if it finds any, you can download and install them.
After your updates are installed, try launching AMD Software to check if the problem has been resolved.
Step 3: Uninstall a Windows update
In some rare cases, a Windows update may clash with your AMD drivers. So, if you noticed that the problem started after you installed an update, consider uninstalling it.
You can go through the Control Panel to uninstall updates regardless of your operating system.
Follow these steps:
- Open the Start menu, type control, and launch the Control Panel .
- Go to Programs and Features .
- Go to the left side of the Programs and Features page and click View installed updates .
- You’ll now see the list of updates installed on your computer and the dates they were installed.
Note
Windows 11 will redirect you to the Uninstall updates page in the Settings app.
- Click the most recent updates you installed before the issue started and select Uninstall .
- Follow the subsequent instructions to r emove the package.
If the issue stops after removing the update, you can continue using your PC until Microsoft releases another update to fix the bug affecting the previous build.
Step 4: Reinstall the driver
You can resolve conflicts and fix corrupt driver files by reinstalling your AMD drivers. However, before you do, a lot of users claim that temporarily turning off automatic driver updates in Windows before reinstalling AMD Software works best. According to AMD , this works because Windows may have changed your AMD graphics driver back to an older version after you installed AMD Software. So, first disable automatic driver updates with these steps:
- Type sysdm.cpl in the search bar and press
Enter
to open System Properties .
- Go to the Hardware tab and click Device Installation Settings .
- Select No , then click Save Changes .
After that, do the following to reinstall the driver:
- Right-click the Start button and click Device Manager.
- Go to the Display adapters category and right-click your AMD graphics card. Select Uninstall device.
- Do not check the box that says Attempt to remove the driver . Just click Uninstall to complete the process.
- Now, restart your computer.
- Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.
- You can now check for the AMD Software problem.
Step 5: Reinstall the AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition Application
You can also reinstall AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition to replace the malfunctioning program files that may be causing the issue.
- Go to the Settings app.
- Select Apps > Installed apps if you’re running Windows 11 or Apps > Apps & features for Windows 10.
- Now, search for AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition, click it, and select Uninstall . Follow the prompts in the wizard to remove the program.
Step 6: Use AMD Cleanup Utility
Sometimes, traces of the software program and your device drivers may be left behind after regular uninstallation. These leftover files may continue to cause problems, preventing drivers and applications that you install from functioning.
You can use AMD Cleanup Utility to get rid of these leftovers so that you can perform a clean driver installation.
- Go to AMD Cleanup Utility’s download page to download the application. Go to your Downloads folder and double-click the program.
- It will ask you to restart your computer in Safe Mode. Click Yes, as AMD recommends allowing the tool to run in Safe Mode.
- Once your computer reboots with minimal programs and features, the tool will bring up another prompt, explaining the cleanup process. Select OK and allow the process to run.
- You will see a completion prompt once the utility finishes the process. You can click View Report to see the drivers and software it removed.
- Click Yes to reboot the system and reinstall your AMD Software and drivers.
Step 7: Run the SFC scan
If the issue lies with the corrupted or missing system files, you can use the built-in System File Checker tool to find these corrupt files and fix or replace them. Follow these steps:
- Tap the
Windows
key to open Start , type cmd, and click Run as administrator .
- After the Command Prompt opens, type the line below and hit
Enter
:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
- Next, type sfc/ scannow and press the
Enter
button.
- Allow Windows to find the corrupt files and fix them.
- Reboot your computer and check for the problem.
The “AMD Software has stopped working” error might be showing up because the program keeps clashing with a startup app and service. You can confirm and find the app responsible for the problem by performing a clean boot . The clean boot process allows you to deactivate programs and non-Microsoft services that launch when your computer starts. This way, you can start the AMD application to check whether the problem persists. Follow the steps below:
- Open the Run dialog box, type msconfig , and hit
Enter
.
- Click on the Services tab and check the box beside Hide all Microsoft services option, and select Disable all.
- Next, go to the Startup tab and select Open Task Manager .
- Go to the Startup tab and turn off all the applications available.
- Close the Task Manager and click OK once the System Configuration window appears.
- Restart your computer and check if the problem has been resolved.
If the error is gone, it means one of the startup apps or services was causing the issue. To fix it, start turning the services or apps back on, one at a time, and test AMD Software after each one. The app or service that makes the error return is the culprit.
Download Auslogics Driver Updater
Prevent hardware errors and ensure problem-free device operation with this advanced tool that detects outdated drivers and safely gets them updated.
Test Your Games to See if the AMD Driver Update Is Working
Once you’ve successfully updated your AMD drivers, it is time to put them to the test. Launch some of your favorite games and pay attention to how they perform. Are they smoother? Do they load faster? You should notice improvements in frame rates, graphics quality, or even shorter loading times.
If everything is running better, great! If not, double-check the driver version you installed or see if there are specific settings you need to tweak in the AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition app.
Let us know how the update is working for you—your feedback helps in identifying potential improvements and solutions!
FAQ
You can check your AMD driver version using AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition or Device Manager:
- Open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition and go to the Updates tab to check for the latest version.
- Alternatively, open Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager), expand Display adapters, right-click your AMD GPU, and select Properties > Driver tab to see the current version.
By default, AMD drivers do not update automatically. However, you can enable automatic updates in AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition by going to Settings > System > Check for Updates and turning on automatic updates.
In most cases, AMD CPU drivers are included with the chipset drivers, which should be updated periodically for better performance and compatibility. You can download the latest chipset drivers from AMD’s official website.
It depends. If your system is running smoothly, frequent updates may not be necessary. However, updating your AMD drivers is recommended when:
- You have a new game or software that requires the latest drivers.
- You experience performance issues or bugs.
- There are new updates that contain security patches or major optimizations.