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If you are encountering the “AMD Drivers Disabled” error on your Windows 10 computer, it can be frustrating. This issue prevents your graphics card from functioning correctly, affecting your system’s performance and gaming experience. Fortunately, fixing this problem is often straightforward.

This guide will walk you through simple and detailed steps to resolve the AMD drivers disabled error. Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate user, you will find easy-to-understand instructions here.

Make sure to follow the steps in order, as they progress from the simplest solutions to more advanced ones. This approach helps to identify and fix the problem efficiently without unnecessary complications.

Let’s begin by understanding some quick checks before diving into the troubleshooting process.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

• Check Windows Updates: Sometimes, pending Windows updates can cause driver issues. Make sure your system is fully updated by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Restart Your PC: A simple restart can often fix temporary glitches in hardware drivers.
• Verify Your AMD Graphics Card: Confirm that your system has an AMD graphics card installed by checking Device Manager > Display adapters.
• Backup Important Data: Before making changes to drivers, it’s good practice to back up important files to avoid any data loss.

Step 1: Restart AMD Services

AMD drivers rely on certain background services to operate correctly. Sometimes these services might stop working, causing the drivers to become disabled.

1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter. This opens the Services window.
3. Scroll down and find the following services:
   • AMD External Events Utility
   • AMD Display Driver Service (if available)
4. Right-click each service and select Restart. If the service is not running, select Start.
5. Close the Services window and restart your computer to check if the error is resolved.

Why this matters: Services manage how AMD drivers interact with your system. Restarting them can fix temporary issues causing the drivers to disable.

Step 2: Update AMD Graphics Drivers Using Device Manager

Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause of this error. Updating your AMD drivers can often restore functionality.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display adapters section.
3. Right-click your AMD graphics card and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
5. Wait for Windows to find and install any available updates.
6. Restart your PC after the update completes.

Why update drivers: New driver versions fix bugs, improve stability, and add support for the latest Windows updates and games.

Step 3: Download and Install the Latest AMD Drivers from the Official Website

If Device Manager does not find updates, manually installing drivers from AMD’s website is the next best step.

1. Visit the official AMD driver support page: https://www.amd.com/en/support
2. Identify your graphics card model using the dropdown menus or auto-detect tool.
3. Download the latest compatible driver package for Windows 10.
4. Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Restart your computer after installation completes.

Tip: Choose the Clean Install option during installation if available. This removes old driver files and prevents conflicts.

Step 4: Use AMD Cleanup Utility to Remove Corrupted Drivers

Sometimes, leftover files from previous driver installations can cause conflicts. The AMD Cleanup Utility helps remove all AMD driver files safely.

1. Download the AMD Cleanup Utility from AMD’s official site: AMD Cleanup Utility.
2. Run the utility in Safe Mode for best results. To enter Safe Mode:
   • Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   • Go to Update & Security > Recovery.
   • Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
   • Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
   • Press 4 to select Safe Mode.
3. Run the cleanup utility and follow the prompts to remove all AMD driver files.
4. Restart your PC normally and then reinstall the latest AMD drivers as explained in Step 3.

Why use cleanup utility: It ensures no corrupted or conflicting driver files remain, which can cause the disabled error.

Step 5: Check for Hardware Issues and BIOS Updates

If the problem persists, it might be related to hardware or system firmware.

• Check Hardware: Make sure your graphics card is properly seated in the PCIe slot. If comfortable, open the case and verify physical connections.
• Update BIOS: Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website to see if a BIOS update is available. BIOS updates can improve hardware compatibility.
• Run Windows Hardware Troubleshooter:
  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
  • Select Hardware and Devices, then Run the troubleshooter.

Note: BIOS updates should be done carefully, following manufacturer instructions, as incorrect updates can damage your system.

Alternative Method: Roll Back to a Previous Driver Version

If the error started after a recent driver update, rolling back to an earlier version may help.

1. Open Device Manager and expand Display adapters.
2. Right-click your AMD graphics card and select Properties.
3. Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver.
4. Follow the prompts and restart your computer.

Why roll back: Sometimes new driver versions have bugs or compatibility issues. Rolling back restores the previous, stable driver.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why do AMD drivers get disabled on Windows 10?

A: This can happen due to driver corruption, Windows updates, conflicts with other software, or hardware issues.

Q: Can I use third-party driver update tools to fix this?

A: It’s safer to use official AMD drivers or Windows Update. Third-party tools may install incorrect or unstable drivers.

Q: Is it necessary to uninstall old drivers before installing new ones?

A: Usually, the AMD installer handles this. However, using the AMD Cleanup Utility can prevent issues if problems persist.

Q: Will updating Windows fix AMD driver issues?

A: Sometimes Windows updates include fixes for driver compatibility, but they may also cause driver conflicts. Always check for both driver and Windows updates.

Q: How do I know if my AMD graphics card is faulty?

A: Symptoms include frequent crashes, artifacts on screen, or failure to detect the card. Hardware diagnostics or professional help may be required.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and the AMD drivers remain disabled, consider these final options:

• Contact AMD Support: Visit the official AMD support page for help and resources.
• Use System Restore: Restore your system to a point before the issue began. This can undo recent changes causing the problem.
• Reinstall Windows 10: As a last resort, a clean Windows installation can fix deep system issues but make sure to back up your data first.
• Seek Professional Help: If you suspect hardware failure, a certified technician can diagnose and repair your PC.

Conclusion

The “AMD Drivers Disabled” error on Windows 10 can usually be resolved by following a series of simple troubleshooting steps. Starting with restarting AMD services and updating your drivers, progressing to driver cleanup and hardware checks, you can address the problem effectively.

Always ensure your system is updated, and use official AMD drivers for best stability. If problems persist, advanced options like BIOS updates or professional assistance may be necessary.

By carefully following this step-by-step guide, you can restore your AMD drivers and enjoy a smooth and reliable graphics experience on your Windows 10 PC.