If your AMD graphics driver stops working in Windows 10, the most common culprits are mismatched or corrupted drivers, leftover files from previous installations, Windows Update conflicts, Secure Boot or BIOS settings, or hardware/power issues. This article explains why AMD driver doesn’t work in Windows 10 and shows 13 concrete reasons and step‑by‑step fixes you can follow to restore a stable graphics driver.
You’ll learn how to identify the root cause, perform safe clean installs, handle Windows Update conflicts, manage Secure Boot/DCH differences, rule out hardware faults, and use diagnostic commands so you can get the AMD GPU working reliably again.
Key Takeaway
The fastest reliable fix is to fully remove the old driver (use DDU or AMD Cleanup Utility in Safe Mode), update Windows and BIOS, disable conflicts (like Secure Boot or Windows driver override if necessary), then reinstall the correct AMD driver package (DCH vs standard) downloaded from AMD’s official website and reboot — this resolves the majority of driver failures.
Quick Fix Guide
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| 1. Wrong/incompatible driver version | Download and install the correct driver for your GPU and Windows 10 build from AMD’s site. |
| 2. Windows Update replacing AMD driver | Block or manually install AMD driver via Device Manager after uninstalling Microsoft driver. |
| 3. Corrupted driver files | Run SFC/DISM, uninstall driver, clean with DDU/AMD Cleanup Utility, and reinstall. |
| 4. Leftover files from previous GPU/vendor | Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode to remove remnants then reinstall. |
| 5. Secure Boot or driver signature issues | Temporarily disable Secure Boot in UEFI or use a signed AMD DCH driver. |
| 6. Incompatible Windows 10 build | Update Windows 10 to required feature update or choose a driver compatible with your build. |
| 7. Outdated BIOS/UEFI or wrong settings | Update BIOS and verify PCIe and GPU settings in UEFI. |
| 8. Third‑party software conflicts | Disable antivirus/monitoring tools and uninstall conflict apps before reinstalling. |
| 9. Integrated GPU prioritized (switchable graphics) | Set discrete GPU as preferred in Graphics settings or BIOS. |
| 10. Faulty hardware or power supply | Test GPU in another PC, check PCIe power cables, try different PCIe slot. |
| 11. Pending restart or disabled services | Restart, enable Windows Modules Installer, and check Windows Update status. |
| 12. Display/cable/monitor issues | Test with different cable/port/monitor to rule out display hardware. |
| 13. DCH vs standard driver mismatch | Choose the correct driver type (DCH or legacy) matching your Windows installation. |
Detailed Fixes for “AMD driver doesn’t work in Windows 10”
1. Wrong or incompatible driver version
Why this causes the problem:
Drivers are specific to GPU models and Windows versions. Installing a driver for a different GPU family, incorrect OS architecture, or an incompatible DCH vs standard package will lead to crashes, black screens, or features not working.
Step‑by‑step solution:
- Open Settings > System > About and confirm System type (64‑bit vs 32‑bit) and Windows 10 version/build.
- Visit AMD’s official driver page: https://www.amd.com/en/support.
- Select your GPU series and model exactly (e.g., Radeon RX 6700 XT).
- Download the correct driver package for Windows 10 (note DCH vs Standard — AMD lists both if applicable).
- Run the downloaded installer as administrator (right‑click > Run as administrator).
- Follow on‑screen steps, choose Clean Install if available, and reboot.
Note: If unsure which GPU you have, open Device Manager > Display adapters to see the adapter name.
2. Windows Update replacing AMD driver
Why this causes the problem:
Windows Update may install a generic Microsoft driver that lacks features or conflicts with AMD’s driver package, causing instability.
Step‑by‑step solution:
- Uninstall the current driver: Settings > Apps > Apps & features (if using AMD software) or Device Manager > Display adapters > [your GPU] > Uninstall device (check Delete the driver software for this device).
- Use Device Manager > Action > Scan for hardware changes if necessary to reinstall the Microsoft driver temporarily.
- Download AMD driver and install as in fix #1.
- To block automatic replacement temporarily, download Microsoft’s Show or hide updates troubleshooter (wushowhide.diagcab) and hide the driver update.
- Alternatively, in Device Manager, right‑click GPU > Update driver > Browse my computer > Let me pick from a list and select the AMD driver to keep it.
Tip: Use Group Policy or registry tweaks for long‑term prevention only if you understand consequences.
3. Corrupted driver files
Why this causes the problem:
Partial installs, interrupted updates, or file corruption can leave the driver package in an inconsistent state.
Step‑by‑step solution:
- Run system integrity checks:
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run: sfc /scannow
- After that completes, run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Reboot to Safe Mode: Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, then press 4 for Safe Mode.
- In Safe Mode, remove the current driver using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) or AMD Cleanup Utility (preferred official tool).
- Reboot normally and reinstall the fresh driver downloaded from AMD.
Notes: DDU is third‑party but widely used; prefer AMD Cleanup Utility when available.
4. Leftover files from previous GPU/vendor
Why this causes the problem:
Old driver remnants (registry entries, services, files) can conflict with new AMD drivers, especially when switching from NVIDIA/Intel to AMD.
Step‑by‑step solution:
- Backup system and create a restore point: Control Panel > System > System Protection > Create.
- Boot to Safe Mode (see step 3 above).
- Run Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU):
- Download DDU, extract, run the executable.
- Choose GPU and AMD then click Clean and restart.
- After reboot, install the correct AMD driver package from the official site.
- Reboot again.
Tip: DDU has an option to prevent Windows Update from installing a driver after cleanup; use it if Windows keeps adding a generic driver.
5. Secure Boot or driver signature issues
Why this causes the problem:
Secure Boot can block unsigned or improperly signed drivers. Some older custom drivers or test builds aren’t accepted, causing installation failures or driver disabled errors.
Step‑by‑step solution:
- Try installing the official signed AMD DCH driver first.
- If still blocked, temporarily disable Secure Boot:
- Restart and enter UEFI: Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now > Troubleshoot > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
- In UEFI, find Secure Boot under Security or Boot and set it to Disabled.
- Save changes and install the driver.
- Re‑enable Secure Boot after successful installation if possible.
Warning: Disabling Secure Boot lowers some security guarantees; re-enable it after driver install if driver is signed.
6. Incompatible Windows 10 build
Why this causes the problem:
Some AMD drivers require a minimum Windows 10 feature update build. If the OS is too old, driver components may fail to install.
Step‑by‑step solution:
- Check Windows build: Settings > System > About (look at OS Build).
- Compare with AMD release notes for the driver; update Windows if needed: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
- Install updates, including optional feature updates if AMD lists them as required.
- Reboot and reinstall the AMD driver.
Tip: If you can’t update Windows due to other constraints, download an older AMD driver compatible with your build.
7. Outdated BIOS/UEFI or wrong settings
Why this causes the problem:
Old BIOS may not support newer GPUs, or settings (PCIe mode, secure boot, integrated GPU priority) can prevent proper initialization.
Step‑by‑step solution:
- Check motherboard model and current BIOS version via System Information (type msinfo32 in Start).
- Visit the motherboard manufacturer’s site for BIOS updates and follow their flashing guide precisely.
- In UEFI check settings:
- Ensure PCIe is set to Auto or Gen3/Gen4 compatible mode.
- Ensure discrete GPU is first boot device where applicable.
- Save and reboot, then reinstall the AMD driver.
Warning: Flashing BIOS incorrectly can brick the board — follow manufacturer instructions.
8. Third‑party software conflicts
Why this causes the problem:
Antivirus, screen recording, overlay, or overclocking utilities can hook into graphics drivers and cause crashes.
Step‑by‑step solution:
- Temporarily disable antivirus and security software.
- Uninstall monitoring/overlay apps (MSI Afterburner, RivaTuner, third‑party overlays) via Settings > Apps.
- Reboot and perform a clean driver install (see steps in fixes #1 and #3).
- Reintroduce software one at a time and test stability.
Tip: Use Clean Boot (msconfig > Services > Hide all Microsoft services > Disable all) to isolate the conflict.
9. Integrated GPU prioritized over discrete GPU (switchable graphics)
Why this causes the problem:
Systems with both integrated and discrete GPUs may default to the integrated chip, making AMD drivers appear nonfunctional.
Step‑by‑step solution:
- For laptops, open Settings > System > Display > Graphics settings; add your application and set High performance to the AMD GPU.
- In Device Manager > Display adapters, ensure AMD GPU is enabled (right‑click > Enable device).
- In BIOS/UEFI, set Primary Display or PEG to the discrete GPU if option exists.
- Update AMD driver and reboot.
Note: Some laptops require OEM drivers or VBIOS to support switching; check manufacturer support.
10. Faulty hardware or insufficient power
Why this causes the problem:
A physically damaged GPU, bad PCIe slot, or insufficient PSU power can cause driver crashes and system instability.
Step‑by‑step solution:
- Power down and check PCIe power connectors are firm (6/8‑pin cables).
- Reseat the GPU in another compatible PCIe slot if available.
- Test the GPU in another PC if possible to rule out the card.
- Confirm PSU wattage and rails meet GPU requirements.
- If hardware is faulty, contact vendor/RMA.
Tip: Visual inspection of capacitors and fans may reveal issues.
11. Pending restart or disabled services
Why this causes the problem:
Driver installs may require a restart; Windows services like the Windows Modules Installer or Windows Update may be disabled and block driver updates.
Step‑by‑step solution:
- Restart the PC and try reinstalling the driver.
- Ensure necessary services are running: open Services.msc and check Windows Modules Installer and Windows Update are set to Manual or Automatic and are Running.
- If updates are stuck, run Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update.
- After service checks, reinstall driver.
12. Display cable, port, or monitor issues
Why this causes the problem:
Sometimes the problem looks like a driver issue when in fact the cable, adapter, or monitor EDID causes no signal or incorrect modes.
Step‑by‑step solution:
- Test the GPU with a different cable (DisplayPort, HDMI) and another monitor/TV.
- Try a different port on the GPU.
- If using an adapter (e.g., DP to DVI), try a direct cable or a different adapter.
- Boot into Safe Mode to see if basic display works; if yes, driver is likely at fault.
Note: Certain high refresh rates or HDR modes require specific driver support — test at standard 60Hz first.
13. Driver package type mismatch (DCH vs Standard)
Why this causes the problem:
Windows 10 supports DCH (Declarative Componentized Hardware) drivers; installing the wrong driver type (Standard vs DCH) can prevent AMD software or some components from loading.
Step‑by‑step solution:
- Identify current driver type: AMD release notes or version may indicate DCH or Standard.
- In AMD driver download page, choose the matching type for your system.
- If switching types:
- Use DDU in Safe Mode to fully remove the current driver (see fix #4).
- Reboot and install the chosen driver type.
- Reboot and confirm AMD software (Adrenalin) works.
Tip: If you don’t see DCH listed, choose the Standard driver or check OEM site for customized drivers.
Preventive maintenance and when to contact support
- Keep Windows 10 updated and install AMD drivers shortly after a Windows Feature Update.
- Create a system restore point before major driver updates.
- Use AMD’s auto‑detect tool if you’re unsure which driver to download.
- If persistent issues remain after all 13 fixes, gather logs: run dxdiag (save all info) and collect Event Viewer entries under Windows Logs > System and Application. Contact AMD support or your PC/motherboard vendor with these logs for deeper assistance.
FAQ
Q: How do I tell if my AMD driver is DCH or Standard?
Open Device Manager > Display adapters, right‑click the adapter > Properties > Driver tab** — the package name or AMD release notes indicate DCH vs Standard. Alternatively, AMD download pages list the type.
Q: Is DDU safe to use and where do I get it?
DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) is safe when used according to instructions; download from the developer’s official site and run in Safe Mode to fully remove GPU drivers. Always create a restore point first.
Q: Will disabling Secure Boot permanently harm my system?
Disabling Secure Boot reduces some OS integrity protections but is safe temporarily for driver installs. Re‑enable Secure Boot after installing a properly signed driver to restore protection.
Q: Can I roll back to a previous AMD driver if the new one fails?
Yes — in Device Manager > Display adapters > [GPU] > Properties > Driver tab, click Roll Back Driver if available, or uninstall and install a known good older driver from AMD’s archive.
Q: When should I consider a clean Windows reinstall?
Consider reinstalling Windows only after exhausting hardware checks, BIOS updates, DDU cleans, and driver installs; collect diagnostics and if multiple driver packages fail across OS installs, investigate hardware failure or contact vendor support.
Conclusion
Most AMD driver problems on Windows 10 stem from mismatched packages, remnants from old drivers, Windows update conflicts, Secure Boot or BIOS settings, or hardware/power faults. Following the 13 targeted fixes above — especially a full clean uninstall (DDU/AMD Cleanup), ensuring correct driver type, updating Windows/BIOS, and verifying hardware — will resolve the issue in almost every case. If you still struggle, gather logs and contact support, and remember the core issue: AMD driver doesn’t work in Windows 10 — full cleanup and correct, signed driver installation usually fixes it.
