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How to Fix MSI Afterburner Not Working on Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

MSI Afterburner is a popular tool used for monitoring and overclocking graphics cards. However, sometimes it may stop working properly on Windows 11. This can be frustrating, especially when you rely on it to optimize your gaming or graphics performance.

In this guide, we will walk you through simple and detailed troubleshooting steps to get MSI Afterburner running smoothly again. Each step is explained clearly, so even if you are new to this software, you will be able to follow along easily.

By the end of this article, you should be able to identify common issues and fix them on your own. Let’s get started with some quick checks before moving into the main troubleshooting methods.

Make sure to read each section carefully, as some fixes require specific actions with important reasons behind them.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Check System Compatibility: Ensure your Windows 11 is fully updated. MSI Afterburner may not work well on outdated versions.
  • Verify MSI Afterburner Version: Download the latest version from the official MSI website to avoid bugs fixed in newer releases.
  • Graphics Drivers: Your GPU drivers should be updated to the latest version released by NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel.
  • Run as Administrator: MSI Afterburner often requires administrator privileges to access hardware monitoring functions.

Step 1: Restart MSI Afterburner and Your PC

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. Close MSI Afterburner completely and restart your computer. This refreshes the system resources and can clear minor glitches.

After rebooting, right-click the MSI Afterburner shortcut and select Run as administrator. This ensures the program has the necessary permissions to monitor and control your GPU.

Step 2: Check MSI Afterburner Settings

MSI Afterburner might not work if certain settings are disabled. Open the program and follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Settings icon (gear symbol).
  2. Go to the Monitoring tab.
  3. Make sure the parameters you want to monitor (GPU temperature, usage, clock speeds) are enabled and set to Show in On-Screen Display if you want to see them during gaming.
  4. Switch to the On-Screen Display tab and verify the hotkeys are set correctly to toggle monitoring while gaming.

If any critical options are turned off, the software won’t display or control the hardware as expected.

Step 3: Disable Conflicting Software

Some programs can conflict with MSI Afterburner, especially other overclocking or monitoring tools like Rivatuner, EVGA Precision, or third-party antivirus software.

Temporarily disable or close any such applications before running MSI Afterburner. This helps isolate whether the conflict is causing the problem.

Step 4: Reinstall MSI Afterburner

If the software still doesn’t work, try reinstalling it. Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  2. Find MSI Afterburner on the list and click Uninstall.
  3. Restart your PC to clear any leftover files or processes.
  4. Visit the official MSI website and download the latest MSI Afterburner installer.
  5. Run the installer as administrator and follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation.
  6. Launch MSI Afterburner with admin rights.

Reinstalling helps fix corrupted files or incorrect settings causing the malfunction.

Step 5: Update or Roll Back Graphics Drivers

Outdated or incompatible GPU drivers can cause MSI Afterburner to stop working. To update your drivers:

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Display adapters, right-click your GPU, and select Update driver.
  3. Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow prompts.

If updating causes problems, try rolling back to a previous driver version:

  1. In Device Manager, right-click your GPU and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver if available.
  3. Restart your PC and test MSI Afterburner again.

Step 6: Adjust Windows Security Settings

Windows 11 security features might block MSI Afterburner from accessing necessary hardware controls. To avoid this:

  1. Open Windows Security via the Start menu.
  2. Navigate to Virus & threat protection > Manage settings.
  3. Temporarily disable Real-time protection.
  4. Add MSI Afterburner folder to the Exclusions list to prevent it from being blocked.

Remember to re-enable protection once done testing.

Advanced Option: Use Compatibility Mode

If MSI Afterburner still does not function properly, try running it in compatibility mode for Windows 10 or 8:

  1. Right-click the MSI Afterburner shortcut and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  3. Check Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select Windows 10.
  4. Click Apply and then OK.
  5. Run MSI Afterburner again as administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is MSI Afterburner not detecting my GPU?

This may happen if your GPU drivers are outdated or incompatible. Also, running MSI Afterburner without administrator rights can restrict hardware detection.

Can MSI Afterburner work with all graphics cards?

MSI Afterburner mainly supports NVIDIA and AMD GPUs. Some integrated Intel GPUs may have limited features or compatibility.

How do I fix MSI Afterburner not showing on-screen display (OSD)?

Ensure the OSD is enabled in settings and that the hotkeys to toggle OSD are correctly assigned. Also, check if any conflicting software is blocking OSD overlay.

Is it safe to overclock using MSI Afterburner?

Yes, but always increase settings gradually and monitor temperatures to avoid hardware damage. Overclocking carries some risk and should be done carefully.

Why does MSI Afterburner crash or freeze on Windows 11?

Crashes may be caused by corrupted installation files, outdated drivers, or conflicts with other software. Reinstalling MSI Afterburner and updating drivers often resolves this.

When Nothing Works

If all troubleshooting steps fail, consider the following final options:

  • Check MSI Official Support: Visit the MSI Afterburner support page for updates, patches, and forums where similar issues are discussed.
  • Contact MSI Customer Service: For specific hardware-related problems, MSI support can provide personalized assistance.
  • Try Alternative Software: Tools like EVGA Precision X1 or AMD Radeon Software may offer similar functionality if MSI Afterburner is incompatible.
  • System Restore: If MSI Afterburner worked previously, restoring your system to an earlier point might help.

Conclusion

MSI Afterburner is a powerful tool, but it can encounter issues on Windows 11 due to software conflicts, outdated drivers, or permission problems. Starting with simple steps like restarting your PC and running the program as administrator often resolves most problems.

Checking settings, updating or reinstalling drivers, and adjusting security options are key actions that address common causes. If needed, compatibility mode and advanced troubleshooting provide additional fixes.

Remember to always download MSI Afterburner from official sources and keep your system updated for the best experience. With this guide, you should be well-equipped to fix MSI Afterburner not working on Windows 11 and get back to optimizing your graphics performance confidently.

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