I'm about to apply a windows update and wanted to make sure I knew how to resolve the issue if it shows up again.
Most likely due to some weird system confusion over conflicting drivers, but still not exactly sure >.< As a result, idk which are strictly necessary, so do everything to be safe xD
Currently running Adrenalin Version 22.11.2.0. Driver Version 31.0.12029.10015
Things I tried that didn't work or didn't cut it:
-Using an old driver version that I knew hadn't given me issues in the past
-Disabling Windows Services for AMD Crash Defender && AMD External Events Utility
-Running amdcleanuputility alone
-Windows search("Change device installation settings" -> Automatically download manufacturers' apps and custom icons?) -> No. I still have this set, but I doubt it did much in resolving the issue
Steps to fix:
1: Changed group policy for Windows Updates
1.1 Win+R("gpedit.msc")
1.2 Navigate [Local Computer Policy-> Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Update -> Manage updates offered from Windows Update]
1.3 Enable "Do not include drivers with Windows Updates" -> Apply -> OK
2: Run amdcleanuputility.exe to remove drivers
3: Check factory reset option when prompted. Let Adrenalin install
4: Find GPU under display drivers in Device Manager to do *another* "install"(??). Right click -> properties -> update driver -> browse local files -> *select version* [This is a very quick "install". I'm not sure if it does much, but someone said it fixed their issues && I did it on my last successful install ]
Misc Notes:
1. AMD logs located in C:\Program Files\AMD\atikmdag_dce.log (This could be wrong--amdwddmg error shows up in Event Viewer, but no indication of anything aberrant being logged at the same time. Possibly bc I disabled Issue Detection in Adrenalin settings? Or maybe that's the wrong log? Not sure).
2. Software installers located under C:\AMD\ can safely be deleted. I had over 10 in there for some reason
3. -----------------------------------------CAUTION--------------------------------------------
I deleted all spurious AMD drivers lying around in C:\SYSTEM32\DRIVERSTORE\FILEREPOSITORY\.
Driver names are obtuse/nondescript (e.g."U0387206.INF_AMD64_081D192BD0A4E0CB"). Look up filename of installed driver under [System Information -> Components -> Display]) to verify you're not deleting the active driver.
Requires elevated privileges: right click-> properties -> security -> grant access
