Your AMD graphics card powers everything from gaming visuals to video rendering. But without the latest drivers, you might face performance issues, crashes, or compatibility problems. Keeping your AMD graphics driver updated in Windows 11 ensures smooth performance, better frame rates, and fewer bugs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through multiple methods to update AMD graphics drivers on Windows 11 — from automatic updates to manual installations.
Key Takeaways
-
Updating AMD drivers fixes bugs, improves performance, and ensures Windows 11 compatibility.
-
You can update drivers via Windows Update, Device Manager, AMD Adrenalin Software, or AMD’s official website.
-
Always create a restore point or backup before updating drivers.
-
If something goes wrong, you can roll back to a previous version.
Why Update AMD Graphics Driver on Windows 11?
Here’s why updating your GPU drivers is essential:
-
Improved performance in games and apps.
-
Fixes bugs like screen flickering, crashes, or driver timeouts.
-
New features added by AMD for gaming or productivity.
-
Better compatibility with Windows 11 updates.
Method 1: Update AMD Driver via Windows Update
Windows 11 often includes driver updates in system updates.
Steps:
-
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
-
Go to Windows Update > Check for updates.
-
If an AMD driver update is available, install it.
-
Restart your PC when prompted.
✅ Best for quick updates, but may not always include the latest drivers.
Method 2: Update AMD Driver via Device Manager
Device Manager allows you to manually update drivers.
Steps:
-
Right-click Start and choose Device Manager.
-
Expand Display adapters.
-
Right-click your AMD graphics card > Update driver.
-
Select Search automatically for drivers.
-
Windows will check online and install updates.
✅ Simple, but sometimes provides older drivers.
Method 3: Update Using AMD Adrenalin Software (Recommended)
The AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition is the official control panel for AMD GPUs. It provides the latest drivers, performance tuning, and game optimization.
Steps:
-
Press Windows + S and search for AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition (install it if you don’t have it from AMD’s website).
-
Open the software.
-
Go to the Drivers & Software section.
-
Click Check for Updates.
-
If a new driver is available, click Download and Install.
-
Restart your PC.
✅ Best method for gamers and power users.
Method 4: Download Driver from AMD Official Website
If you want the absolute latest driver, download it directly.
Steps:
-
Visit the official AMD drivers page: https://www.amd.com/en/support.
-
Select your graphics card model (e.g., Radeon RX 6000 series).
-
Choose Windows 11 – 64-bit.
-
Download the latest driver package.
-
Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions.
-
Restart your PC after installation.
✅ Ensures you get the newest driver version.
Method 5: Use AMD Auto-Detect Tool
AMD also provides an Auto-Detect and Install Tool.
Steps:
-
Download the tool from AMD’s official site.
-
Run the installer.
-
It will automatically detect your GPU and install the latest drivers.
✅ Best for users unsure of their GPU model.
How to Roll Back an AMD Graphics Driver in Windows 11
If the new driver causes issues:
-
Open Device Manager.
-
Right-click your AMD GPU > Properties.
-
Go to the Driver tab.
-
Click Roll Back Driver.
-
Follow the prompts and restart.
Best Practices Before Updating AMD Drivers
-
Create a restore point in case the new driver causes problems.
-
Uninstall old drivers using AMD Cleanup Utility for a clean install.
-
Keep Windows updated for maximum compatibility.
Pros and Cons of Updating Drivers
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Better gaming performance | Risk of instability with new drivers |
| Fixes bugs & crashes | Some updates may not work well with older GPUs |
| New features and optimizations | Requires restart and downtime |
Conclusion
Knowing how to update AMD graphics driver on Windows 11 is crucial for keeping your PC running smoothly. You can update via Windows Update, Device Manager, AMD Adrenalin Software, or AMD’s official website. For the best results, we recommend using AMD Adrenalin Software or downloading directly from AMD’s site.
Keep your drivers up to date, and you’ll enjoy better performance, fewer bugs, and improved compatibility with the latest games and apps.
FAQs About Updating AMD Drivers on Windows 11
1. How often should I update my AMD graphics driver?
Update every few months, or when a major Windows/game update is released.
2. Do I need AMD Adrenalin Software to update drivers?
No, but it makes updates easier and provides performance tools.
3. Can outdated drivers cause crashes?
Yes, outdated or corrupted drivers often lead to crashes, stuttering, or black screens.
4. What if the new driver causes issues?
You can roll back using Device Manager > Driver > Roll Back Driver.
5. Is it safe to download drivers from third-party sites?
No. Always download from AMD’s official website or use Windows Update.
