Reproducing bugs and finding solutions takes time. Especially rare ones. However, after weeks of research, AMD has finally found a solution for Radeon graphics card owners facing a system-wracking Adrenaline driver bug.
AMD’s Adrenalin 23.2.1 driver provided users with decent performance gains and new features. Unfortunately, this driver prevented Windows from installing, causing headaches for some users.
This issue is not limited to the Adrenalin 23.2.1 driver.Editor-in-Chief Brad Chacos PC world (opens in new tab)I ran into the same bug with the latest Adrenalin 23.2.2 driver that recently left AMD’s oven. Chacos worked with AMD engineers to find the root cause of the issue and a temporary workaround.
“AMD Software: We are actively investigating an issue that may occur in a very small number of instances when a PC refresh occurs while installing AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition. Before Installing , it is recommended to ensure that all system updates have been applied or have been suspended, and that the “Factory Reset” option is unchecked during the AMD driver installation process. please. We are committed to resolving issues as soon as possible and strongly encourage our users to submit issues regarding AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition using the Bug Report Tool. One of his AMD spokesmen told PCWorld.
Judging by AMD’s statement, the software has a flaw that appears to conflict with Windows Update. However, I can argue that this is a Windows bug and not an AMD bug. Windows should not update drivers of any kind if the current installation is in progress. This has been a problem with all sorts of other drivers for quite some time. This is why some users prefer to disable automatic driver updates.
In the meantime, AMD advises users not to use the “Factory Reset” option while installing Adrenalin drivers. The aforementioned option, like the popular third-party Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU), removes all traces of previously installed drivers and requires a reboot. Our theory is that Windows Update installs his Adrenalin driver at the same time while installing the standard driver. This is because the system is temporarily missing the display driver when rebooting.
We recommend that you always do a clean install of your display driver after each update. However, this feature is currently not working with AMD’s Adrenalin drivers, so heed the company’s advice and uncheck the “factory reset” option before installation. Also, disable or pause Windows updates before installing the Adrenaline driver. AMD believes this is a rare bug, but does not recommend taking your chances until the chip maker provides a final solution.
For example, DDU has a specific option to prevent Windows Update from downloading drivers while the program is running. AMD can employ a similar strategy to prevent Windows Update and Adrenalin software from being installed side by side.
Windows Recovery Mode is the answer for those unlucky users who have already gone this route. However, getting there may not be easy.
According to Chacos, AMD recommends pressing the power button to force Windows to auto-recover. However, it is easier said than done. The trick is to press the power button right after the BIOS options disappear and before the Windows circle appears. Unfortunately, Chacos pointed out that pressing the power button while running the BIOS options would turn off the system and just show a black screen with Windows spinning circles. Chacos took him 15 tries before he succeeded, so patience is key to recovering the system.
If you are not the type to keep regular data backups, you should do so before installing AMD’s latest Adrenalin drivers. This is a rare bug and it doesn’t seem to happen if you uncheck “factory reset”, would you take the opportunity?
