PC Drivers & Software

[medtech1]

In November 2023, my PC updated its AMD graphics driver from 31.0.12018.3001 (2022-09-22) to 31.0.14058.6003.

Since this 31.0.14058.6003 update, my graphics driver fails to load (and also breaks the audio over the HDMI connection to my monitor).

I have tried uninstalling the latest AMD Adrenalin software, and the 31.0.14058.6003 driver, when that fails, I tried multiple times to use the AMD cleanup tool to remove software GPU drivers, etc, in safe mode,  tried reinstalling the AMD driver 31.0.14058.6003 again , but  it fails again back to the code 31 or 43. (and sometimes "The I/O device is configured incorrectly or the configuration parameters to the driver are incorrect.")

I tried installing the AMD Adrenalin Software from Lenovo(installs 31.0.14058.6003) as well as the one from AMD (installs 31.0.21905.1001 driver)... all end up with driver fails to load (error 43). (also using the AMD cleanup tool before each installation test).

I have the latest BIOS, I tried the previous BIOS version, I've tried resetting to system defaults many times.

The only way I can get my system stable again is to reinstall the 31.0.12018.3001 driver.  No matter what the 31.0.14058.6003 driver never loads.

Also, auto-updates always tries to reinstall the 31.0.14058.6003 driver, causing the same issue, over and over.   Adding the current AMD Graphics hardware IDs to a group policy that prevents installation of devices based on device IDs doesn't resolve the issue.. it just screws things up when microsoft does its next update, and leaves the 31.0.12018.3001 broken.

[goodplay]

Have you tried the other options for Windows Pro version, i don't need to use the Device ID option (on Pro vers.).

[medtech1]

I had created some posts in the Lenovo forum, and gave up when the responses were mostly guesses.  I ended up reinstalling windows 11 from the lastest ISO (less accumulated installed updates and other things that can cause obscure conflicts.)  After a complete fresh  reinstall, I still did have some issues with the AMD graphics driver crashing though (flicker of the screen, some apps had to be restarted)... so I still think there are issues with the latest driver. Time will tell.

[medtech1]

Update... after a wipe and fresh installation of windows 11 (Lenovo M75s Gen 2 - Ryzen 7 Pro 5750G) I'm experiencing the same stability issues only when windows updates replaces the 31.0.21905.1001 graphics driver with 31.0.14058.6003).

Stability issues include flickering, loss of video, etc..   bios has been reset, cmos reset, bios is the latest.

Given the flawless issue with stability prior to the driver updates for a year, and then subsequent wipe and install of a clean OS, I'm convinced this is an issue with the driver, and nothing else. Hopefully others will speak up if they experienced the same with 31.0.14058.6003.  I've tried added a group policy but, it is only a setting that prevents installation of devices based on hardware ID, and not "prevents installation of driver"... so this still does not work and only causes the driver to not be loaded when windows attempts to force update it.  My only choice at this time is to pause all updates.

The idea that microsoft does not have an option to prevent specific driver updates from being loaded do to stability issues is unfortunate.

[medtech1]

I found this may help... it stops updates. I did a test where after enabling ""Do not include drivers with windows updates", and then "check for updates", it did not update my AMD Graphic Drivers.

Under: Local Group Policy Editor

Computer Configuration>Administrative Templates>Windows Components>Windows Update>Manage updates offered from Windows Updates​

Enable: "Do not include drivers with windows updates" 

[goodplay]

Have a look at https://www.elevenforum.com/ there are a number of Tutorials of various ways to setup updates to your pref., if you have future issues with it.

[medtech1]

Yes, and thanks. I found that one as well.. and it does focus on windows updates and drivers:

Local Group Policy Editor

Computer Configuration>Administrative Templates>Windows Components>Windows Update>Manage updates offered from Windows Updates​

Enable: "Do not include drivers with windows updates"

This one definitely appears to work.