AMD confirms Radeon GPU driver update can damage Windows setup, users note

This statement comes in the context of many reports of AMD graphics card users in the past few weeks about system problems after updating to a new Radeon Software version.

AMD confirms Radeon GPU driver update can damage Windows setup, users note Picture 1

According to AMD, using the "Factory Reset" option when updating Radeon Software causes an Inaccessible Boot Driver error, which causes the entire operating system to be completely bricked. The company says the problem occurs when users update drivers while installing Windows updates, such as the recently released Moment 2 update. Therefore, AMD recommends that users do not use the Factory Reset option and make sure Windows Update is not working before installing the new driver.

'We recommend that users ensure all system updates are applied, or pause before driver installation and not select the 'Factory Reset' option during AMD driver installation. We are committed to resolving issues as quickly as possible and strongly encourage users to submit issues with the AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition application through the Bug Report Tool.

Fortunately, Windows' automatic recovery tools will be able to help fix the problem and bring the affected system back to a working state. Alternatively, users can try using a system restore point. In the last case, reinstalling Windows 10 or 11 is the only 'escape'.

Samuel Daniel

Update 07 March 2023