Quick Answer
amd-crash-defender.exe is a legitimate AMD service. It runs in the background to monitor driver stability, collect crash data, and assist in debugging the AMD graphics stack without impacting your normal usage.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\AMD\Crash Defender\amd-crash-defender.exe
Warning
Telemetry and multiple processes
AMD Crash Defender may spawn several helper processes for crash reporting and telemetry
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disable via Windows Startup or through AMD Radeon Software settings where available
What is amd-crash-defender.exe?
amd-crash-defender.exe is the executable that powers AMD crash reporting and stability telemetry. It runs in the background to support AMD crash reporting and driver stability telemetry. The service collects diagnostic data to help AMD engineers analyze crashes, improve driver stability, and assist in bug investigations. It is part of the AMD software suite and is designed to operate with minimal user interaction.
It operates as a lightweight telemetry and crash-reporting component that loads with AMD software, captures minidumps, GPU context, driver version, and system information for analysis and support.
Quick Fact: AMD Crash Defender helps diagnose driver crashes by collecting targeted crash data without requiring user intervention.
Types of AMD Processes
- Crash Defender Service: Background service that coordinates crash reporting and telemetry (1 instance)
- Telemetry Worker: Gathers and streams crash data to AMD servers
- Update Helper: Checks for and applies AMD software updates
- Background Reporter: Asynchronously uploads crash reports when network is available
- Diagnostic Collector: Collects driver, GPU, and system context for analysis
Is amd-crash-defender.exe Safe?
Yes, amd-crash-defender.exe is safe when it comes from AMD and is installed via official AMD software.
Is amd-crash-defender.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real file is NOT a virus. Malware may disguise itself with similar names.
How to Tell if amd-crash-defender.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Should be in
C:\Program Files\AMD\Crash Defender\amd-crash-defender.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\AMD\Crash Defender\amd-crash-defender.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal operation uses minimal CPU and low memory when idle; short spikes during crash reporting are normal.
- Behavior: Should not start when AMD software is not installed and should not connect to unknown networks without user action.
Red Flags: If amd-crash-defender.exe is found outside the AMD folders, lacks a valid signature, or runs continuously without user action, scan with antivirus and verify with the official AMD installer.
Why Is amd-crash-defender.exe Running on My PC?
The process runs to support AMD crash reporting and driver stability telemetry. It may start when AMD software or drivers are active and if telemetry or crash uploads are enabled.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Driver Stability Monitoring: The service listens for driver crashes and collects context to generate reports for AMD support.
- Telemetry and Error Reporting: Telemetry components run in background to transmit crash data and usage metrics for product improvement.
- Background Update Checks: It may wake to check for AMD software updates to ensure compatibility and fixes.
- Crash Report Uploads: Unsent crash reports may trigger background uploads when network is available.
- Compatibility and Diagnostics: The process aggregates driver version, GPU metrics, and system data to assist diagnostics.
Can I Disable or Remove amd-crash-defender.exe?
Yes, you can disable amd-crash-defender.exe. You can pause telemetry or disable startup integration, or uninstall the AMD software if you choose.
How to Stop amd-crash-defender.exe
- Disable from AMD Software: Open AMD Radeon Software and turn off crash reporting or telemetry where available
- Windows Startup: Open Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable AMD Crash Defender
- End Process: Open Task Manager and end the amdd crash defender process if running
- Disable Services: If present as a Windows service, set its startup type to Manual or Disabled
- Uninstall AMD Software: Control Panel or Settings → Apps → AMD Software → Uninstall
How to Uninstall AMD Software
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → AMD Software → Uninstall
- ✔ Reboot after uninstall to remove leftover crash-defender components
- ✔ Install a clean version of AMD Software from the official AMD site if needed
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If amd-crash-defender.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Frequent crash reports due to driver instability: Update GPU drivers via AMD Software and ensure stable game/app usage
- Telemetry level set to verbose: Adjust telemetry settings or disable nonessential reporting in AMD software
- Stale AMD software installation: Perform a clean reinstall of AMD software or update to the latest version
- Background tasks: Limit background tasks; close unnecessary AMD background tools
- Hardware acceleration or GPU scheduling: Toggle hardware acceleration in AMD settings or Windows graphics settings
- Third-party monitoring tools interference: Temporarily disable or uninstall other monitoring tools to isolate
Quick Fixes:
1. Open AMD Software and review crash reports to identify culprits
2. Update GPU drivers to the latest version
3. Disable unnecessary telemetry in AMD Software
4. Restart the system to apply changes
5. Check for Windows updates and restart again
Frequently Asked Questions
Is amd-crash-defender.exe safe?
Yes, the legitimate file from AMD is safe when installed from official sources and located in the AMD Crash Defender directory.
Where is amd-crash-defender.exe located?
Typically in C:\Program Files\AMD\Crash Defender\amd-crash-defender.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\AMD\Crash Defender\amd-crash-defender.exe.
Can I disable amd-crash-defender.exe?
Yes, you can disable crash reporting or prevent startup via AMD Software or Task Manager, but it may affect error telemetry.
Will it affect gaming performance?
Normally no; it runs in the background and only reports crashes or telemetry. If it causes issues, you can disable telemetry or update drivers.
How do I uninstall AMD software?
Use Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → AMD Software → Uninstall. Reboot and reinstall if needed.
What if amd-crash-defender.exe uses too much CPU?
Update drivers, check for malware, limit telemetry, or temporarily disable crash reporting to reduce activity.