How to Fix AMD Adrenalin Not Detecting Games on Windows 11

AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition is designed to automatically detect installed games so users can apply performance optimizations, enable features like Radeon Anti-Lag or Radeon Boost, and manage per-game graphics profiles. On Windows 11, some users notice that their installed games do not appear in the Games tab, even though the games launch and run normally.

This issue usually occurs due to incorrect game library paths, permission restrictions, corrupted AMD cache files, or driver and software mismatches after Windows or AMD updates. In some cases, the games are installed on secondary drives or through launchers that Adrenalin fails to scan properly.

Fixing AMD Adrenalin not detecting games on Windows 11 involves refreshing the game library, correcting scan paths, and ensuring drivers and permissions are configured correctly. The steps below explain how to restore proper game detection.

How to Fix AMD Adrenalin Is Not Detecting Games on Windows 11

The methods in this section focus on fixing software configuration, driver issues, and game library detection problems that commonly prevent AMD Adrenalin from listing games. Apply each method carefully and check the Games tab after completing a step.

Restart the system or AMD Software where instructed so changes take effect properly.

1. Refresh the Game Library in AMD Adrenalin

Sometimes the game list does not update automatically.

1. Open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition.
2. Go to the Gaming tab.
3. Select Games.
4. Click Refresh or Scan for Games if available.
5. Wait for the scan to complete.

Refreshing forces Adrenalin to rescan known locations.

2. Add Game Executables Manually

Adrenalin may fail to auto-detect some games.

1. Open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition.
2. Go to Gaming.
3. Click Add A Game.
4. Browse to the game’s installation folder.
5. Select the main .exe file.
6. Add the game and check if it appears in the list.

This method works well for games installed via launchers.

3. Ensure Games Are Installed in Detectable Locations

Non-standard install paths can prevent detection.

1. Check where your games are installed.
2. Avoid deeply nested or custom directories.
3. Install games inside common folders such as:
   • Program Files
   • Program Files (x86)
   • Steam library folders
4. Restart AMD Adrenalin after verifying paths.

Adrenalin scans common game directories by default.

4. Run AMD Adrenalin as Administrator

Permission issues can block game scanning.

1. Close AMD Software completely.
2. Right-click the AMD Software shortcut.
3. Select Run as administrator.
4. Go to the Games tab and rescan.

Running with elevated privileges allows full file access.

5. Disable Windows Controlled Folder Access

Windows security can block scanning.

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Go to Virus & threat protection.
3. Select Ransomware protection.
4. Turn off Controlled folder access temporarily.
5. Restart AMD Adrenalin and rescan for games.

You can re-enable this feature after testing.

6. Clear AMD Software Cache

Corrupted cache files can break detection.

1. Close AMD Software.
2. Press Windows + R, type %localappdata%, and press Enter.
3. Locate the AMD folder.
4. Delete the CN or DxCache folders if present.
5. Restart the computer.
6. Open AMD Adrenalin and rescan games.

The cache will be rebuilt automatically.

7. Update or Reinstall AMD Graphics Drivers

Driver issues commonly affect Adrenalin features.

1. Open AMD Software.
2. Go to Settings > System.
3. Check for driver updates.
4. Install the latest recommended driver.
5. Restart the system.

If the issue persists, perform a clean driver install.

8. Reinstall AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition

A corrupted installation can prevent game detection.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
3. Uninstall AMD Software.
4. Restart the computer.
5. Download the latest Adrenalin installer from AMD.
6. Install and restart again.

Reinstallation restores missing or damaged components.

9. Check Game Launcher Integration

Some launchers interfere with detection.

1. Ensure Steam, Epic Games Launcher, or other launchers are updated.
2. Launch the game at least once from the launcher.
3. Close the game properly.
4. Reopen AMD Adrenalin and check detection.

Launching the game once can help Adrenalin register it.

10. Disable Third-Party Overlay or Tuning Tools

Other GPU tools can conflict with Adrenalin.

1. Disable MSI Afterburner, RivaTuner, or similar tools.
2. Restart the system.
3. Open AMD Adrenalin and rescan games.

Conflicts can prevent proper game profiling.

Final Thoughts

AMD Adrenalin not detecting games on Windows 11 is usually caused by scan path limitations, permission restrictions, corrupted cache files, or driver inconsistencies rather than a GPU hardware issue. By refreshing the game library, adding executables manually, and keeping AMD drivers up to date, most detection issues can be resolved quickly.