AMD Driver Timeout: 10 Methods to Fix Your Graphics Card

An AMD driver is software that helps your computer’s operating system properly interact with an AMD graphics card. It ensures the best performance, stability, and features for your computer.

A common error related to AMD drivers is when they “time out.” This means the driver takes too long to start or stops responding during operation. Several issues, such as outdated or incompatible software, corrupted files, inadequate memory, or disk space, can cause this.

The article below will provide the best solutions and methods for receiving the AMD driver timeout error message.

Common Reasons For AMD Driver Timeout Error

The AMD driver timeout error can occur due to various reasons and may compromise the performance and stability of your computer system. Understanding the common causes behind this error will help you identify and address the issue more effectively. Here are some of the most common reasons for the AMD driver timeout error:

1. Outdated AMD Graphics Driver: One of the most common reasons for the AMD driver timeout error is using an outdated graphics driver. When the driver is not up-to-date, it may not function correctly or be compatible with the latest Windows operating system, leading to errors. Regularly updating your graphics driver will ensure its compatibility and optimal performance.
2. Incompatible Windows Updates: Sometimes, a recent incompatible Windows update can lead to the AMD driver timeout error. Installing these updates might interfere with the proper functioning of the AMD graphics driver, causing the error. In such cases, uninstalling the conflicting update can help resolve the issue.
3. Insufficient Virtual Memory: Low virtual memory on your computer can also result in the AMD driver timeout error. Virtual memory is used to temporarily store data when you run out of physical RAM. Increasing your virtual memory may help prevent the AMD driver timeout error.
4. Inadequate Power Supply: If your computer’s power supply is not sufficient to support the AMD graphics card’s requirements, you may experience the AMD driver timeout error. Ensuring that your power supply can adequately power the GPU will help avoid this error.
5. Conflicting Software or Hardware: Sometimes, other software or hardware components in your computer system can conflict with the AMD graphics driver, resulting in the AMD driver timeout error. Identifying and resolving these conflicts will help address the error.
6. Overloaded CPU or GPU: A heavily-loaded CPU or GPU can also cause the AMD driver timeout error. Disabling features such as hardware acceleration, Multi-Plane Overlay, and Fast Startup can help reduce the workload on these components, thereby resolving the error.
7. Incorrect Refresh Rate: An incompatible display refresh rate can also cause the AMD driver timeout error. Changing the refresh rate to a lower compatible setting can help fix the issue.
8. Faulty or Damaged Graphics Card: In rare cases, a faulty or damaged AMD graphics card can lead to the AMD driver timeout error. If you have tried all other troubleshooting methods and the error persists, consider replacing your graphics card.

Being aware of these common reasons for the AMD driver timeout error will help you diagnose and fix the problem more efficiently, ensuring the optimal performance and stability of your computer system.

How to Repair AMD Driver Timeout Issues

Update AMD Graphics Driver

If you face an AMD driver timeout error, then this AMD driver timeout error is possibly due to the graphics processor being used on the device. You receive an AMD driver error message when the Windows operating system can’t get the appropriate response from the graphic processor due to its Timeout Detection and Recovery (TDR) feature.

To fix the AMD driver timeout error you can first is to update the AMD graphic driver. Outdated drivers can not comply with Windows OS. One can use the automatic detection tool, i.e., AMD Radeon software, to update the driver. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the official webpage for the AMD driver and navigate to the desired product. Click submit to continue.

Step 2: In the next window, click the Windows version currently in use on your device and check the available tools.

Step 3: In the next step, scroll down to the option of auto-detect and install and click download to continue. Let the download process complete on the device.

Step 4: As the download completes, install the tool and run the setup. Complete the wizard to continue. Upon installation, the AMD software installer will auto detect for any driver update and installation. Click install to complete the action. Restart the device to check if the error is fixed.

Disable Multi-Plane Overlay Using Registry Editor

The multiplane overlay feature in Windows reduces the workload on the CPU and GPU. It is the adapter feature that helps to display normal page flips by minimizing latency. Although sometimes, the MPO conflicts with AMD drivers, resulting in an AMD driver timeout error.

To fix the AMD driver, the timeout error can disable the MPO feature via registry editors in Windows. Here is how you can act.

Step 1: Launch the registry editor via the run utility. Click Windows key+ R on the keyboard and type regedit in the run command box. Click ok to continue.

Step 2: In UAC, click yes to proceed.

Step 3: In the registry editor window, type the following key in the address bar and click enter to navigate the option.

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Dwm

Step 4: Click the key and right-click in the space to select new>Dword (32-bit) from the context menu.

Step 5: Click the new Dword and select the option of renaming from the context menu. Rename it as OverlayTestMode.

Step 6: Right-click the OverlayTestMode and select the option of modify from the drop-down menu.

Step 7: Set the value of the Dword key as 5 and click ok to continue.

Install Pending Windows Updates

AMD graphic drivers may confront errors due to outdated OS as a software application. Check for the latest updates for your Windows and install them to resolve the AMD driver timeout error. Here is how you can check for Windows updates. 

Step 1: Launch settings via the Windows main menu. Type settings in the taskbar’s search box and double-click the list option to launch.

Step 2: In the settings window, select the update and security option from the settings window. 

Step 2: In the update and security window, select the option of Windows Update. Click check for updates. Select update to complete the action. 

Disable Hardware Acceleration

Sometimes driver timeout errors occur due to an overloaded CPU or GPU. In this context, the hardware acceleration feature shares the burden of avoiding maximum GPU frequency issues and off some load to maintain functionality. But it may conflict with AMD Radeon settings/AMD graphic card. Hence, disabling the hardware acceleration can resolve the AMD driver timeout error. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch your browser on the device. In the browser window, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner, and select settings from the menu option. 

Step 2: In the settings option, choose the option to show advanced settings followed by selecting system.

Step 3: In the system menu, navigate to Use hardware acceleration when available and uncheck/disable the utility. 

Step 4: Restart your device and check if the error is resolved. 

Uninstall Windows Updates

Any incompatible Windows update may also result in an AMD driver timeout error. In this context, uninstalling recent Windows updates can fix the problem. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch settings from the Windows key+ I shortcut keys and select the update and security option in the settings menu. 

Step 2: In the update and security option, click on Windows Update in the left pane. 

Step 3: In the Windows update option, navigate to update history and select uninstall updates. Click on the option of latest updates and click uninstall.

Step 4: Click yes to confirm the action. 

Change the Power Plan

As the AMD driver issue is somehow linked to the non responsive activity of the driver with the operating system due to workload on GPU or CPU, changing the power plan to the best performance can fix the AMD driver timeout error. This action can be performed via the Windows control panel. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the control panel from the run utility. Click the Windows key+ R on the keyboard and type control in the run command box. Click enter to continue.

Step 2: In the control panel window, navigate to the system and security options.

Step 3: In the next step, select the option of power options and click Create a power plan from the left pane.

Step 4: Click the high-performance option in the power plan window.

Step 5: Enter the name of the plan and click next to continue. At last, click Create to complete the action.

Disable Fast Startup

As the name implies, the fast startup option helps to run a quick reboot on Windows 10. This causes the error if you are using the AMD graphics card. Disabling the fast startup may help to resolve AMD driver issues. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the control panel from the main menu’s search bar. Type the control panel and double-click the option in the list to launch.

Step 2: Select the hardware and sound option in the control panel window.

Step 3: In hardware and sound options, select power. 

Step 4: In the power window, click and press the link. Choose what the power buttons do. 

Step 5: In the next window, select the link Change Settings that are currently unavailable. 

Step 6: Uncheck the box of turn on fast startup. Select save changes and complete the action. 

Increase Virtual Memory

If the device’s virtual memory is low, you may face AM driver error. To fix AMD settings, one can increase the virtual memory. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch View Advanced System Settings from Windows search. Type View Advanced System Settings in the taskbar’s search box and double-click the option to launch.

Step 2: In the View Advanced System Settings window, move to the performance settings and click the advanced tab. Under the section on virtual memory, click change.

Step 3: In the next step, uncheck the box for the Automatically Manage Paging File Size option and select the targeted drive.

Step 4: In the custom size section, set the values as per recommendation or fill in the desired values to increase the virtual memory.

Step 5: click set, followed by clicking ok to complete the action. Restart the device to check if the error is resolved.

Decrease the Refresh Rate

If the refresh rate of your device is not compatible with the AMD graphic driver, you may get the AMD driver error. In this context, decreasing the refresh rate would set the power limit. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Select display settings from the desktop. Right-click to select from the drop-down list.

Step 2: In the display setting menu, select the option of advanced display settings followed by selecting display adapter properties.

Step 3: in the next step, click the display option and expand the refresh rate option. Set the refresh rate to the lowest possible value. Click apply to save changes.

Disable Issue Reporting of AMD Driver

AMD driver timeout error can be settled by disabling the issue-reporting of the AMD driver, and it could be done from AMD adrenaline software. Here is how you can perform the action.

Step 1: Launch the AMD adrenaline software and navigate to the option in the settings menu.

Step 2: In the setting menu, under the option of issue reporting, toggle the button off. Restart the device to check if the error is resolved.

Regularly Update Your PC

Regularly updating your PC can help protect against the AMD timeout error by ensuring that hardware, software, and drivers remain compatible. Outdated or incompatible drivers may not function correctly and can lead to errors such as the AMD timeout error.

Also, regularly updating your PC will ensure you have access to the latest security patches, bug fixes, and performance enhancements that may affect its stability. By routinely checking for updates and applying them when available, you can reduce the likelihood of experiencing an AMD timeout error.

However, it is important to note that even with regular updates, unexpected issues can arise due to unsupported software or hardware configurations. If you experience any system instability while running Windows, it is recommended that you contact Microsoft Support or an experienced technician for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions About AMD Driver Timeout Error