The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Windows 11 can update a Radeon driver through Windows Update, but that is not always the newest or most suitable AMD package. For the full Radeon control panel, game profiles, recording tools, and AMD’s latest fixes, use AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition or AMD’s Auto-Detect and Install tool.
Before updating, identify your graphics hardware and note the installed driver version. Laptop, all-in-one, handheld, and Boot Camp users should read the compatibility notes first because the standard AMD reference package is not appropriate for every system.
Check whether your Radeon driver needs an update
- Open Start, type AMD Software, and select the app under Best match.
- Type System in the AMD Software search box.
- Select System Settings.
- Expand Graphics Hardware and Software and Drivers.
This page shows the installed Radeon hardware, driver details, AMD Software version, and links to relevant release notes. Record the existing version before changing anything. That makes it easier to confirm that the update worked or to identify what changed if a game starts misbehaving. See AMD’s instructions for checking driver information in AMD Software.
Choose the correct AMD driver
As of August 7, 2026, AMD lists AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 26.7.1, released on July 28, 2026, as its current Radeon package for Windows. It supports Windows 11 version 21H2 and later. Depending on the device and package branch, the installed Windows Driver Store version can be 32.0.31035.1003 or 32.0.21045.1000, according to AMD’s 26.7.1 release notes.
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Version 26.7.1 supports selected Radeon RX 9000, RX 7000, RX 6000, and RX 5000 products, along with specified Radeon PRO hardware. It is not a universal driver for every AMD graphics device, so check AMD’s supported-products list before forcing a manual installation.
| System | Best source |
|---|---|
| Desktop PC with a supported Radeon card | AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition from AMD |
| Radeon laptop or all-in-one PC | The computer manufacturer’s support page first |
| Handheld gaming device | The handheld manufacturer’s driver page |
| Radeon through Apple Boot Camp | The computer manufacturer’s support channel |
AMD recommends OEM drivers for laptops and all-in-one PCs because they are customized and validated for features such as display switching, power management, hotkeys, and vendor-specific optimizations. AMD’s reference notebook driver may work, but it has limited support for those features. AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition does not support handheld gaming devices, and AMD’s reference driver is not intended for Radeon products running through Apple Boot Camp.
Method 1: Update from the existing AMD Software installation
This is usually the simplest option when AMD Software is already installed.
- Open AMD Software.
- Open Manage Updates. This launches AMD Install Manager.
- Look under the available-software section.
- Select the down-arrow button beside the package you want to download.
- When the download finishes, double-click the downloaded installer.
- Select Yes when Windows asks to unpack the setup files.
- Allow AMD Software Installer to check compatibility.
- Review the license agreements and select Accept & Express Install for the normal installation.
The screen may flicker temporarily while the display driver is replaced. That is normal. Do not shut down the computer during this part of the process.
To control what gets installed, select Additional Options instead of accepting the default. The available choices include:
| Option | What it does |
|---|---|
| Default | Installs the full AMD Software feature set and controls. |
| Minimal | Installs basic controls without advanced tuning or recording and capture features. |
| Driver Only | Installs the display driver without the AMD Software interface. |
| Factory Reset | Removes previous AMD Software packages before installing the new one. |
| Install Location | Changes where the installer places AMD Software. |
| Custom Install | Lets you select individual components. |
The default installation location is C:\Program Files\AMD. AMD recommends retaining it unless you have a specific reason to use another drive.
With Custom Install – AMD Software selected, Manage Downloads opens AMD Install Manager. Each available component has its own Install button. Select Close when setup completes. If Launch AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition is enabled, the application opens automatically.
On supported systems, AMD Software Installer may also offer an AI Bundle. If offered, review the AMD Software EULA, AI Acceptable Use Policy, and AI Bundle EULA before proceeding. See AMD’s current installation documentation.
Control automatic AMD Software updates
AMD Software can periodically check for newer packages. In AMD Install Manager, clear Automatically keep AMD Software up to date if you want to approve updates manually. This does not prevent Windows Update from separately offering display-driver updates.
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Method 2: Use AMD Auto-Detect and Install
Use AMD’s Auto-Detect and Install tool if AMD Software is missing, you do not know which package matches your hardware, or you are setting up a fresh Windows installation.
- Download AMD Auto-Detect and Install from AMD’s official support site.
- Open the folder where the file was saved.
- Double-click the downloaded tool.
- Select Install to unpack its setup files. AMD recommends the default unpack location.
- Let the tool detect compatible AMD Radeon graphics, AMD Ryzen chipsets, and the installed Windows version.
- Review the driver packages it finds.
The tool supports Windows 11 version 21H2 and later and is updated for current AMD Software releases. Its results distinguish between two package types:
- Recommended: AMD’s most stable, Microsoft-certified driver choice.
- Optional: The newest package, generally offering the latest features and bug fixes.
Choose Recommended when reliability matters more than having the newest game support. Choose Optional when you need a recent fix or support for a newly released game, while accepting that it may have less testing in your particular setup.
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If the tool finds a newer package, it provides Skip and Cancel controls. The installer then offers Default, Minimal, and Driver Only installation types. For details, see AMD’s Auto-Detect and Install instructions.
When to use Factory Reset
Factory Reset removes previous AMD Software packages before installing the selected version. It temporarily pauses Windows Update, reboots the computer, and then continues installation automatically. It also removes the ability to roll back to the previously installed AMD driver.
If another AMD Software version is already installed, Keep user settings preserves AMD Software settings and profiles during the reset. Use Factory Reset for a troublesome existing installation, not as a routine requirement for every update. It is currently listed as an available option in AMD’s installer documentation.
Do a cleaner reinstall with AMD Cleanup Utility
Use AMD Cleanup Utility when a normal update fails repeatedly, display-driver components are corrupted, or you are downgrading to an earlier Adrenalin version. AMD specifically recommends it for downgrades.
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- Download and run amdcleanuputility.exe.
- At the first prompt, select Yes to reboot into Safe Mode, or No to continue in normal Windows.
- AMD recommends Safe Mode for the best results.
- Allow the utility to remove existing AMD graphics and audio drivers and software.
- When it finishes, select View Report if you want a record of the cleanup, then select Finish.
- Select Yes to reboot immediately. A reboot is required for the cleanup changes to take effect.
- Install the downloaded Radeon package after Windows starts again.
On an AMD-powered system, AMD Cleanup Utility does not remove or modify AMD chipset drivers. It also cannot run while Windows Update is active. Let Windows Update finish, or exit the update operation, before starting the cleanup. See AMD’s Cleanup Utility instructions.
Fix common Radeon installation errors
| Error | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| 1604 | Previous AMD Software components did not uninstall correctly. | Run AMD Cleanup Utility and reinstall. If the error remains, run Microsoft’s Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter against AMD WVR64, AMD DVR64, and Branding64. The troubleshooter may need to run several times. Check C:\Program Files\AMD\CIM\Log\Install.log. |
| 202 | Windows Update is running. | Search the Taskbar for Windows Update Settings, allow the update to finish, restart Windows if requested, and run the AMD installer again. |
| 205 | Windows Update replaced the Radeon driver after AMD reported a successful installation. | Type sysdm.cpl in Taskbar search and press Enter. Open Hardware > Device Installation Settings, choose NO, select Save Changes, restart Windows, and reinstall the AMD package. |
| 183 | A third-party graphics driver conflicts with the AMD installer. | Uninstall the other graphics software and drivers. If applicable, remove the conflicting graphics hardware. Review C:\Program Files\AMD\CIM\Log\Installer.log. |
Other installer failures can result from mapped network drives, restricted access to the installation folder, insufficient disk space, unsupported hardware or Windows versions, unsigned drivers, corrupted installer files, missing AMD hardware, or another Windows installation waiting for a restart.
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Before running setup, close games and other applications. AMD also recommends temporarily disabling antivirus, firewall, remote-access, and streaming services if they interfere with the installer. Re-enable security software immediately after the installation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Confirm that Windows is using the new driver
- Open AMD Software.
- Search for System and select System Settings.
- Expand Software and Drivers.
- Check the AMD Software and driver version shown there.
You can also right-click Start, open Device Manager, expand Display adapters, right-click the Radeon device, and select Properties > Driver. Compare the driver version and date with the package you installed.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteA successful AMD installer message does not always mean the new driver stayed active. AMD documents Error 205, in which Windows Update silently reverts the graphics driver after installation. If the version has reverted, apply the Device Installation Settings procedure above and reinstall.
Also note that AMD Link is no longer a current Radeon remote-gaming option. AMD announced the end of AMD Link support with the 24.1.1 release.
FAQ
Should I update my Radeon driver through Windows Update or AMD?
Use AMD Software or AMD Auto-Detect and Install when you want the current Radeon package and AMD-specific controls. For a laptop or all-in-one PC, check the manufacturer’s driver page first because its driver may include system-specific display and power features.
Is AMD Adrenalin compatible with every AMD graphics card?
No. Each release supports a defined list of Radeon and Radeon PRO products. Check the supported-products list for the package before installing it. AMD Adrenalin also does not support handheld gaming devices or Radeon products running through Apple Boot Camp.
Will updating the Radeon driver delete my game settings?
A standard update normally retains AMD Software settings. If you use Factory Reset, enable Keep user settings where offered if you want to preserve AMD profiles. A Factory Reset removes the previous package and prevents rollback to it.
What should I do if the screen flickers during installation?
A temporary display flicker is normal while Windows replaces the graphics driver. Wait for the installer to finish. If the display remains unusable or setup reports an error, restart Windows and check the AMD installer log.
Does AMD Cleanup Utility remove chipset drivers?
No. On AMD-powered systems, the utility removes AMD graphics and audio drivers and software but does not remove or modify AMD chipset drivers.
The Bottom Line
For a supported desktop Radeon card, open AMD Software and use Manage Updates, or run AMD Auto-Detect and Install if the existing installation is missing or damaged. Select Recommended for the safer general-purpose choice and Optional when you specifically need the newest fixes. Use Factory Reset or AMD Cleanup Utility for persistent failures and downgrades, then verify the active version in AMD Software and Device Manager.
Quick Recap
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