AMD Driver Update: How to Update AMD Drivers on Windows

The simplest way to perform an AMD driver update is through AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition. Open AMD Software, go to System, choose Manage Updates, and install the available package. If AMD Software is not installed, AMD's Auto-Detect tool or the manual product selector are the best official alternatives. Windows Update is also useful for compatible display drivers, while Device Manager is mainly a fallback.

Which AMD driver update method should you use?

1. Update AMD Radeon drivers with AMD Software

For a PC that already has AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition, this is usually the most convenient route. AMD documents its current update controls in its AMD Software update guide.

1. Open Start, search for AMD Software, and launch it.
2. Open System or search for System Settings inside the app.
3. Select Manage Updates. AMD Install Manager will show an available package when one applies to your hardware.
4. Download and install the update. Save open work first because the display can briefly flicker while the graphics driver changes.
5. Restart Windows if the installer requests it.

AMD may offer a Recommended package for stability or a newer Optional package with the latest features and fixes. Check the release notes before choosing an Optional release for a production or work-critical PC.

2. Use AMD Auto-Detect for graphics or Ryzen chipset drivers

If you do not know the exact AMD hardware model, download the official AMD Drivers and Support Auto-Detect tool. AMD says the current tool can detect supported Radeon graphics, Ryzen chipsets, and the installed Windows version, then offer compatible packages.

1. Download and run the Auto-Detect installer on the PC you want to update.
2. Let it identify the supported AMD devices.
3. Review the offered driver and choose the install type. Default includes the full AMD Software feature set, Minimal keeps fewer features, and Driver Only installs the driver without the AMD Software interface.
4. Install the package and restart if prompted.

See AMD's Auto-Detect and Install instructions for the current supported Windows requirements and installer options.

3. Manually download an AMD driver

Manual selection is useful when Auto-Detect does not support the device, when you need a previous release, or when you want to confirm the exact package before installing it.

1. Open AMD Drivers and Support.
2. Select your product category, family, exact model, and Windows version.
3. Download the appropriate driver, review its release notes, and run the installer.

For laptops, all-in-one PCs, and systems with vendor-specific graphics features, AMD notes that an OEM-provided driver may be preferable. If the generic AMD package causes compatibility problems, check the PC manufacturer's support page. AMD also recommends device-specific OEM drivers for handheld gaming systems.

4. Install AMD drivers through Windows Update

Microsoft recommends Windows Update as the normal source for Windows driver updates. On Windows 11, open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.

If an AMD driver is offered as an optional update, go to Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates > Driver updates, select the AMD display driver, and choose Download & install.

Microsoft's Windows Update guidance covers the current Settings workflow. Windows 10 reached the end of free Microsoft support on October 14, 2025, so moving to a supported Windows version is advisable when the hardware allows it.

5. Use Device Manager as a fallback

Device Manager can still update a display adapter, but Microsoft says Windows Update is the preferred method for driver delivery.

1. Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
2. Expand Display adapters, right-click the AMD Radeon device, and select Update driver.
3. Choose Search automatically for drivers. If you already have an extracted compatible driver, choose Browse my computer for drivers instead.

See Microsoft's Device Manager driver instructions for the supported procedure.

If the AMD driver update fails

• Restart and try again. Also finish pending Windows updates before rerunning the AMD installer.
• Use the OEM package when appropriate. This is especially important for systems with customized laptop graphics or switchable graphics.
• Use cleanup only for conflicts. For corrupted or conflicting graphics-driver installations, AMD provides the AMD Cleanup Utility. It removes AMD graphics and audio driver software, but it does not remove AMD chipset drivers. A normal routine update does not require cleanup first.
• Roll back if a new release causes a problem. Use a previous compatible package from the AMD product page and review the release notes for known issues.

For most Radeon users, AMD Software is the fastest option. Use Auto-Detect when the hardware is uncertain, manual downloads when you need precise control, and Windows Update when you prefer Microsoft's driver delivery path.