Updating your AMD graphics driver on Windows 11 isn’t exactly a durry in the park, but it’s pretty straightforward—if you know where to look. Sometimes, you fire up a game or a new app, and things just aren’t running smoothly—stuttering, weird flickers, or just plain black screens. That’s a good sign your driver might need an update, but figuring out how to do it without causing more issues? That’s the tricky bit.
How to Update AMD Graphics Driver on Windows 11
Basically, you want the latest driver so your GPU can keep up with the latest tech, games, or even just fix annoying bugs. Here’s the usual rigmarole—and yep, it’s way better than digging through forums wondering why your graphics are playing up.
Step 1: Find Out What Graphics Card You’ve Got
This step helps you download the right driver. Sometimes, Windows can give dodgy info, so best way: right-click Start, pick Device Manager. Then, expand Display Adapters and note what AMD card you’re running. Or, if you want to be deadset sure, run dxdiag from the run box (Windows + R and type dxdiag) and look under the Display tab. That’s a quick way to confirm the model.
Step 2: Head Over to AMD’s Driver Page
Go straight to the AMD Drivers and Support. Here, you’ve got options: you can enter your graphics card info manually, or just use the auto-detect tool—called AMD Auto-Detect and Install. On my setups, the auto-detect usually works a treat, but sometimes it misses newer models, so manual input isn’t a bad idea if you’re not sure.
Step 3: Grab the Right Driver
Download the latest version. Be careful: the website asks for OS details. For Windows 11, make sure it shows up as supported. Sometimes, it auto-selects the wrong one (because of course, Windows has to make things complicated), so double-check that the driver is compatible with your graphics card and Windows version. Expect the file to be around 300-500MB, so grab a cuppa while it downloads.
Step 4: Run & Install
Once downloaded, find the file — usually in Downloads — and double-click it. The installer will launch, and on some setups, you’ll see options for Express (recommended) or Custom install. I usually go with Express if I just want it sorted quick, but if you want to pick what gets installed, choose Custom. During install, it’s normal for screens to flicker or for the process to seem to hang a bit—don’t stress, that’s pretty normal.
Step 5: Reboot, Refresh, Repeat
This step’s a no-brainer but makes sure your new driver takes proper effect. Restart your PC. Sometimes, on first boot, Windows might not recognise the new graphics driver straight away—bit weird, but it’s a thing. After reboot, if things still look a bit ordinary, a quick reset of the device in Device Manager can help (right-click your GPU under Display Adapters, then click Disable device, wait a few seconds, then Enable device).
On some setups, a full reboot or even reinstalling the driver can sort out issues after an update. Funny how Windows sometimes sticks with the old drivers longer than expected, but that’s just how it goes.
Tips for Updating AMD Graphics Driver on Windows 11
- Check for updated drivers every few months — better safe than sorry.
- Use the AMD auto-detect tool for a quick wiggle, but verify your model manually if something feels off.
- Make sure Windows itself is up to date—sometimes driver updates rely on recent Windows patches.
- If you run into dramas, uninstall the old driver first: open Device Manager, right-click your GPU, and select Uninstall device—check Delete the driver software if prompted.
- Backup your system or create a restore point before updating—can’t hurt to be cautious, especially if you’re jumping a few versions.
FAQs
How often do I need to update my AMD drivers?
Honestly, every couple of months is a good go—especially if you’re gaming heaps or notice glitches. Sometimes, new updates drop that fix bugs you didn’t even know you had.
What if I grabbed the wrong driver?
No worries—use Device Manager to uninstall the current driver (right-click your GPU, pick Uninstall device) and then reinstall the correct one from AMD’s site. On some setups, it might take a few reboots to clear out all the old driver bits.
Can I roll back if something breaks?
Yep. Open Device Manager, right-click your GPU, and select Properties. Under the Driver tab, there’s a Roll Back Driver button—use that if the latest driver causes more drama than good. But keep in mind, not all updates are reversible; sometimes, you’ll need to install an older driver manually.
Why is my screen flickering after the update?
Probably the driver isn’t quite right. Try a clean install—use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) from this GitHub page—that gets rid of any leftover bits. Then reinstall the driver fresh. Also, check your monitor refresh rate under Settings > System > Display > Advanced display > Refresh rate. Sometimes, Windows resets it to a weird value after updates.
Does updating improve gaming performance?
Most of the time, yes—drivers get the latest tweaks for new titles, fix bugs, and sometimes even make things run nicer power-wise. Still, don’t expect miracles; sometimes, a driver update just keeps things stable, and that’s plenty enough.
Summary
- Find out what AMD GPU you’ve got.
- Head to AMD’s site or use auto-detect.
- Download and install the latest driver—make sure it’s compatible.
- Reboot and see if everything’s running sweet as.
- If needed, do a clean uninstall of the old driver.
Hopefully, this saves someone a bit of faffing. Updating drivers shouldn’t be a headache, but sometimes it’s a bit of a mission. The main thing is to stay current to avoid odd glitches and keep your system running smooth as. And don’t forget to back up or set a restore point before jumping in—that way, if you stuff something up, you can always roll back.