Update AMD Graphics Driver on Windows 11/10
Updating your AMD graphics driver on Windows 11 or Windows 10 is an important part of maintaining your computer’s performance, stability, and compatibility. Whether you choose to update through AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition, Device Manager, Windows Update, or manual installation, keeping the driver current can fix many common graphics-related issues.
In this guide, you will learn how to safely and correctly update your AMD graphics driver on Windows 11 or Windows 10 using multiple methods.
Update AMD Graphics Driver on Windows 11/10
To update an AMD graphics driver on Windows 11 or Windows 10, open the AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition app and check for updates. You can also update the driver through Device Manager, Windows Update, or by downloading the latest driver from the official AMD website. Installing the newest driver improves gaming performance, fixes display issues, and enhances system stability.
Let’s go into detail!
Step 1: Identify Your AMD Graphics Card
Before downloading or updating a driver, it is important to know which AMD graphics card is installed on your computer. This helps you install the correct driver version.
On Windows 11 or Windows 10, right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. In the Device Manager window, expand the Display adapters section.
You will now see the name of your AMD graphics card. Common examples include:
- AMD Radeon RX 6600
- AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
- AMD Radeon Graphics
- AMD Radeon Vega 8
- AMD Radeon RX 570
Write down the exact GPU model because you may need it later if you manually download the driver from AMD’s website.
You can also identify your graphics card using the Task Manager. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, open the Performance tab, and select GPU from the left panel. The GPU name will appear at the top right corner.
Knowing your GPU model prevents compatibility issues and helps ensure you install the proper software package.
Step 2: Update AMD Graphics Driver Using AMD Software
The easiest and most recommended method is using AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition. This official AMD utility automatically checks for new drivers and installs them safely.
First, open the AMD Software app on your computer. You can search for AMD Software in the Start menu or right-click on the desktop and select AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition.
Once the application opens, look for the Home tab or the Settings icon located near the top right corner. Open the System section and locate the Software & Driver area.
The app will automatically check for available driver updates. If a newer version is available, you will see options such as:
- Download
- Install
- Check for Updates
Click the Download button and wait for the driver package to download completely. The size may vary depending on your GPU and driver version.
After the download finishes, select Install. During installation, your display may flicker or temporarily turn black. This is normal because Windows is switching to the updated graphics driver.
Once installation is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes properly.
Using AMD Software is one of the safest ways to update drivers because the app automatically detects compatible updates for your hardware.
Step 3: Download the Latest AMD Driver Manually
Sometimes, automatic updates may not work correctly. In such cases, manually downloading the driver from AMD is a reliable alternative.
Open your web browser and visit the official AMD website. Navigate to the Drivers & Support section.
You can either use the automatic detection tool or manually select your graphics card model. If you choose the manual option, select the following:
- Graphics category
- Series name
- Exact GPU model
- Operating system version
For example, you may select:
- Graphics
- Radeon RX Series
- Radeon RX 7000 Series
- Radeon RX 7800 XT
- Windows 11 64 Bit
After selecting the correct options, click Submit. The website will display the latest available driver package.
Click Download and save the installer file to your computer.
Once downloaded, double-click the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. The AMD installer will extract files, detect your hardware, and install the latest graphics driver automatically.
Choose the recommended driver version if you want maximum stability. Optional drivers may include newer features but could contain experimental fixes.
Restart your PC after installation finishes.
Manual installation is useful when troubleshooting driver problems or when AMD Software cannot detect updates correctly.
Step 4: Update AMD Graphics Driver Through Device Manager
Windows also allows you to update graphics drivers using Device Manager. This method is simple and does not require additional software.
Press Windows + X and select Device Manager. Expand the Display adapters section and right-click your AMD graphics card. Select Update driver from the menu.
You will see two options:
- Search automatically for drivers
- Browse my computer for drivers
Choose Search automatically for drivers first. Windows will search online and locally for available driver updates.
If Windows finds a newer compatible AMD driver, it will download and install it automatically.
However, Device Manager may not always provide the latest AMD gaming drivers because Microsoft sometimes delivers slightly older certified versions for stability purposes.
If Windows says the best drivers are already installed, but you still want the latest version, use AMD Software or manual installation instead.
After updating, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect properly.
Step 5: Install AMD Driver Updates Through Windows Update
Windows Update can also deliver AMD graphics driver updates automatically. This method is convenient for users who prefer built-in Windows tools.
On Windows 11, open Settings and select Windows Update from the left sidebar.
On Windows 10, open Settings and go to Update & Security. Click Check for updates and wait while Windows scans for available updates.
If an AMD driver update appears, download and install it. Sometimes the driver update may appear under: Optional updates
To check this area, open:
- Advanced options
- Optional updates
- Driver updates
Select the AMD graphics driver and install it.
This method is generally safe because Microsoft tests the drivers before distributing them. However, the driver version may not always be the newest available directly from AMD.
Windows Update works best for users who prioritize stability over having the latest gaming optimizations.
Step 6: Perform a Clean AMD Driver Installation
If you are experiencing severe graphics issues such as crashes, freezing, black screens, or corrupted visuals, performing a clean driver installation may help.
A clean installation removes older driver files before installing the new version.
First, download the latest AMD driver package from the official AMD website. Next, uninstall the current AMD graphics driver. Open Control Panel, go to Programs and Features, locate AMD Software, and uninstall it.
AMD also provides a cleanup utility called the AMD Cleanup Utility, available on the official website. This tool removes leftover AMD driver components that may cause conflicts.
After uninstalling the old driver, restart your computer. Now install the freshly downloaded AMD driver package and follow the installation wizard.
A clean installation often resolves persistent driver-related problems and ensures the new driver works correctly without interference from old files.
Step 7: Verify the AMD Driver Version
After updating the graphics driver, you should confirm that the installation completed successfully.
Open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition and navigate to the System tab. Here you will see details such as:
- Driver version
- Graphics card model
- Software version
- Release date
You can also verify the driver version using Device Manager.
Open Device Manager, right-click the AMD GPU, and select Properties. Open the Driver tab to view:
- Driver provider
- Driver date
- Driver version
Checking the installed version helps confirm whether the update was successful and ensures your system is using the latest AMD driver.
Common Problems After Updating AMD Graphics Drivers
Sometimes users encounter issues after updating drivers. Fortunately, most problems are easy to fix.
Black Screen After Driver Update
If the display remains black after installation, restart the computer in Safe Mode and reinstall the driver.
AMD Software Not Opening
Try reinstalling AMD Software completely. Corrupted installation files can prevent the app from launching properly.
Game Crashes or Low FPS
Some newer drivers may contain bugs affecting specific games. Rolling back to a previous stable version can help.
Driver Timeout Errors
Disable overclocking settings and perform a clean driver installation.
Windows Replacing AMD Drivers Automatically
Windows may occasionally overwrite AMD drivers. To prevent this, temporarily pause driver updates through Windows Update settings.
FAQs
How do I know if my AMD graphics driver is outdated?
You may notice lower gaming performance, crashes, display flickering, black screens, or compatibility issues with newer software. You can also compare your installed driver version with the latest version available on the official AMD website.
Is it safe to update AMD graphics drivers?
Yes, updating AMD graphics drivers is generally safe when using official AMD software or Windows Update. Always download drivers from trusted sources.
Can Windows Update install AMD drivers automatically?
Yes, Windows Update can automatically install AMD graphics drivers. However, the versions may sometimes be older than the latest drivers available from AMD directly.
What is AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition?
It is AMD’s official graphics management software that allows users to update drivers, optimize gaming settings, monitor GPU performance, and access Radeon features.
Should I uninstall old AMD drivers before updating?
In most cases, a normal upgrade works fine. However, if you are experiencing graphics problems, performing a clean installation is recommended.
Why is my screen flickering during driver installation?
Temporary flickering is normal because Windows refreshes the display driver during installation.
How often should I update AMD graphics drivers?
Updating every few months is usually sufficient for regular users. Gamers may prefer more frequent updates for game-specific optimizations.