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How to Fix AMD Driver Not Working Issues on Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

AMD drivers are essential for your graphics card to work smoothly on Windows 11. Sometimes, these drivers can stop working properly, causing display issues or reduced performance. Fixing these problems is usually straightforward if you follow the right steps carefully.

This guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve AMD driver issues on Windows 11. Whether you are a beginner or have some experience, the instructions here are simple and detailed.

By following this guide, you can get your AMD graphics card working optimally again. Let’s start with some quick checks before diving into the troubleshooting steps.

Read through each step carefully and perform them one by one for the best results.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Check your Windows version: Ensure your system is running the latest version of Windows 11. Sometimes, outdated Windows can cause driver conflicts.
  • Verify your AMD graphics card model: Knowing your exact GPU model helps in downloading the correct driver from AMD’s website.
  • Backup important data: Although these steps are safe, it’s always good to backup important files before making system changes.
  • Close unnecessary programs: Close all running applications to avoid interference during driver installation or troubleshooting.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, the simplest solution works wonders. Restarting your PC can clear temporary glitches that cause driver issues. This step refreshes system resources and reloads the drivers.

After restarting, check if the AMD driver problem persists. If yes, move to the next step.

Step 2: Check Device Manager for Driver Status

Device Manager shows the status of your hardware devices. Follow these instructions to check your AMD driver status:

  1. Press Windows + X keys and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Look for your AMD graphics card. If there is a yellow exclamation mark or a red cross, it indicates a driver problem.
  4. Right-click the AMD device and choose Properties to view error details.

This helps identify if Windows detects a driver issue or hardware problem.

Step 3: Update AMD Drivers Automatically

Updating drivers ensures you have the latest fixes and compatibility improvements from AMD. Here’s how to update automatically:

  1. Open Device Manager as described above.
  2. Right-click your AMD graphics card under Display adapters and select Update driver.
  3. Choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will search online and install the latest version if available.

This method is simple and often resolves common issues. If Windows cannot find newer drivers, proceed to manual installation in the next step.

Step 4: Manually Download and Install the Latest AMD Driver

Sometimes, Windows does not find the latest drivers. In this case, manually downloading from the official AMD website is recommended.

  1. Visit the AMD Support page.
  2. Select your graphics card model or use the auto-detect tool provided on the site.
  3. Download the latest Windows 11 compatible driver package.
  4. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
  5. Restart your computer after installation completes.

Manual installation ensures you have the correct driver version designed for your hardware and OS.

Step 5: Use AMD Cleanup Utility to Remove Old Drivers

Old or corrupted driver files can interfere with new driver installations. AMD Cleanup Utility helps remove these remnants completely.

  1. Download the AMD Cleanup Utility from the official AMD website.
  2. Run the utility in safe mode if possible, as this prevents other programs from blocking the cleanup process.
  3. Follow the prompts to uninstall all AMD driver components.
  4. Restart your computer.
  5. After reboot, reinstall the latest AMD driver using the method in Step 4.

Cleaning up old drivers ensures a fresh start and reduces conflicts.

Step 6: Check for Windows Updates

Windows updates often include important fixes for hardware compatibility and system stability. To check for updates:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to Windows Update on the left panel.
  3. Click Check for updates.
  4. Install any available updates and restart your PC.

Keeping Windows updated ensures it works well with the latest AMD drivers.

Step 7: Disable Automatic Driver Updates (Optional)

Sometimes, Windows may automatically install generic drivers that conflict with AMD’s official drivers. To prevent this:

  1. Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
  2. Go to the Hardware tab and click Device Installation Settings.
  3. Select No (your device might not work as expected) and save changes.

This stops Windows from overwriting your AMD drivers automatically.

Step 8: Adjust Graphics Settings in AMD Radeon Software

If your AMD driver is working but performance or display issues remain, adjusting settings in the AMD Radeon Software can help:

  • Open AMD Radeon Software from the system tray or start menu.
  • Navigate to the Graphics section.
  • Adjust settings such as resolution, refresh rate, and performance options according to your needs.
  • Apply changes and test your display or games.

Fine-tuning these settings can improve stability and performance.

FAQs

Q: How do I know if the AMD driver is installed correctly?

A: Check Device Manager under Display adapters. If your AMD GPU is listed without error symbols, the driver is likely installed correctly. You can also open AMD Radeon Software to confirm.

Q: What if my AMD driver keeps crashing?

A: Try updating to the latest driver, use the AMD Cleanup Utility to remove old drivers, and ensure Windows is fully updated. Also, check for overheating or hardware issues.

Q: Can I roll back to a previous AMD driver version?

A: Yes. In Device Manager, right-click your AMD device, select Properties, go to the Driver tab, and click Roll Back Driver if available.

Q: Why does Windows install a generic driver instead of AMD’s driver?

A: Windows Update sometimes installs basic drivers for compatibility. Disabling automatic driver updates ensures AMD’s official drivers remain in use.

Q: Is it safe to use third-party driver update tools?

A: It’s generally safer to download drivers directly from AMD’s official website to avoid malware or incorrect drivers.

When Nothing Works: Final Resort Options

If you have tried all the above steps and the AMD driver still isn’t working, consider these options:

  • Contact AMD Support: Visit the official AMD support page for help.
  • Use System Restore: Restore your PC to a previous state when the driver was working properly.
  • Reinstall Windows: As a last resort, a clean Windows installation can fix deep system issues.
  • Check hardware: Sometimes, the graphics card itself could be faulty. Testing on another PC or consulting a technician may help.

Conclusion

Fixing AMD driver issues on Windows 11 requires a step-by-step approach, starting from simple restarts to advanced driver cleanup and manual installation. Always keep your system and drivers updated and use official tools for best results.

By following this guide, you should be able to resolve most AMD driver problems and enjoy smooth graphics performance. Remember, patience and careful execution of each step are key to successful troubleshooting.

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