BSOD at atikmdag.sys on Windows 10? How to Fix AMD GPU Driver Crashes

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Have you ever been in the middle of a game or rendering video, only for your PC to freeze and throw a dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with a reference to atikmdag.sys? If you’re using an AMD graphics card on Windows 10, you’re not alone. The atikmdag.sys file is part of the AMD graphics driver, and when things go wrong with this file, it often signals driver issues that can lead to crashes, screen flickering, or complete system failure.

This article will walk you through what the atikmdag.sys error means, why it happens, and how to fix it so your AMD GPU runs as smoothly as it should.

What is atikmdag.sys?

The atikmdag.sys file — short for “ATI Kernel Mode Driver” — is a system driver that allows Windows to communicate with your AMD graphics hardware. When functioning correctly, this driver helps your GPU deliver high-performance graphics. However, if the file becomes corrupted or if there are compatibility issues between the driver and the operating system, it can result in logic errors that crash the system.

Common Causes of the BSOD Related to atikmdag.sys

There are several reasons why this file might trigger BSOD errors. Here are the most common:

  • Outdated or corrupt AMD drivers.
  • Windows 10 updates conflicting with the driver installation.
  • Overheating or overclocked graphics card hardware.
  • Improper driver installations or registry issues.
  • Faulty memory (RAM) or graphics card hardware malfunctions.

How to Fix the atikmdag.sys Crash

Now that you know what causes the issue, let’s go over the steps involved in fixing it. Make sure to follow these in order to narrow down the root of the problem.

1. Boot into Safe Mode

If your system frequently crashes before you can access the desktop, boot into Safe Mode:

  1. Restart your PC and repeatedly press F8 or Shift + F8 before the Windows logo appears.
  2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings and choose Enable Safe Mode.

This loads Windows with only essential drivers, bypassing problematic AMD drivers temporarily.

2. Uninstall Current AMD Drivers

Once in Safe Mode, remove your existing AMD graphics driver:

  1. Press Win + X and click Device Manager.
  2. Expand Display adapters, right-click your AMD GPU, and choose Uninstall device.
  3. Check the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device” if available.

3. Use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller)

To ensure all remnants of the corrupted driver are removed, use a utility called Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU). This tool does a deep clean of all AMD GPU drivers.

  • Download DDU from a trusted source and run it in Safe Mode.
  • Select Clean and restart.

4. Reinstall the Latest AMD Drivers

After cleanup, you’ll need to download and install the latest drivers:

  • Go to the AMD driver support page.
  • Enter your GPU model and download the latest compatible drivers for Windows 10.
  • Run the installation and select the “Factory Reset” option if prompted.

5. Disable Fast Startup

The Fast Startup feature in Windows 10 can occasionally interfere with driver initialization during boot:

  1. Open Control Panel and go to Power Options.
  2. Click on Choose what the power buttons do.
  3. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  4. Uncheck Turn on fast startup and click Save changes.

6. Run System File Checker

Corrupt system files may contribute to BSODs. You can repair them with the built-in SFC tool:

Open CMD as Administrator and type:
sfc /scannow

Wait for the process to complete and follow any instructions it gives.

Additional Tips

  • Ensure Windows 10 is fully updated using Windows Update.
  • Avoid using third-party overclocking software until the issue is fixed.
  • Make sure your GPU is adequately cooled to prevent thermal shutdowns.

Conclusion

The atikmdag.sys BSOD may seem complex, but in most cases, it boils down to driver incompatibility or corruption. By carefully removing old drivers, using tools like DDU, and reinstalling a fresh, up-to-date AMD GPU driver, you can restore stability to your system. If problems persist, hardware testing for GPU or RAM issues may be the next step.

Always stay vigilant about keeping both your drivers and system software current — your GPU (and your workflow) will thank you!