Quick Answer
radeonsettings.exe is safe. It is AMD's Radeon Settings control panel used to tune GPU performance, clocks, lighting, and display options.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Normally located in C:\Program Files\AMD\CNext\Radeon Settings\radeonsettings.exe
Warning
Many processes normal
Includes UI, helper services, and telemetry components opened by the Radeon Software
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can prevent startup and background activity via Radeon Software or Task Manager
What is radeonsettings.exe?
radeonsettings.exe is the AMD Radeon Settings application that provides a centralized UI for configuring your graphics driver, performance profiles, display calibration, color management, and fan curves. It launches with Windows or when you start the Radeon Software suite to apply driver tweaks quickly.
The executable loads Radeon Settings modules that control driver options, per-profile tweaks, and display controls, while communicating with the GPU driver and services to apply changes in real time.
Quick Fact: Radeon Settings is the user-facing interface for driver tuning; many changes require a restart of the UI or a re-launch of the Radeon Software.
Types of Radeon Settings Processes
- Main UI Process: The primary Radeon Settings window and control surface
- Background Helper: Supports background checks, telemetry, and UI refreshes
- Driver Communication: Module communicating with the kernel-mode driver for changes
- Telemetry/Update: Telemetry and software update components
Is radeonsettings.exe Safe?
Yes, radeonsettings.exe is safe when it's the legitimate AMD Radeon Settings file installed from AMD's official Radeon Software package.
Is radeonsettings.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real radeonsettings.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can masquerade with similar names, so verify the path and signature.
How to Tell if radeonsettings.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\AMD\CNext\Radeon Settings\radeonsettings.exe or within the Radeon Settings directory. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Advanced Micro Devices, Inc." or an AMD signing authority.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-8% CPU per process and 60-180 MB total memory. Abnormal spikes merit a malware scan.
- Behavior: Ideally, radeonsettings.exe runs when Radeon Software is active. Unrelated activity or persistence when AMD software is closed is suspicious.
Red Flags: If radeonsettings.exe is found outside the AMD directory (like Temp or AppData), runs without Radeon Software, has no signature, or shows constant high resource usage, scan the system.
Why Is radeonsettings.exe Running on My PC?
Radeon Settings runs to present GPU features, profiles, and overlays, and to apply driver options. It may launch or stay resident if the AMD software is active.
Reasons it's running:
- Active GPU Configuration: You're adjusting clock speeds, fan curves, or color settings; the UI or helper services stay active for quick changes.
- Background Services: Radeon Software components run in background to monitor GPU state and apply preferences even when the UI isn't in focus.
- Startup Software: Radeon Software may be configured to start with Windows and keep a resident UI for fast access.
- Game Overlay and Telemetry: Overlay features and telemetry collectors may spawn processes to deliver in-game UI and performance data.
- Driver Update Checks: Automatic checks for driver updates or component integrity can keep the process alive.
Can I Disable or Remove radeon-settings.exe?
Yes, you can disable radeon-settings.exe. It is safe to prevent startup and background activity if you don't use the Radeon Settings UI.
How to Stop radeon-settings.exe
- End Individual Tasks: Open Task Manager, locate radeonsettings.exe, and End Task for the UI and related helpers
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable AMD Radeon Software
- Disable Background: In Radeon Software Settings, turn off background services or overlays
- Uninstall: Windows Settings → Apps → AMD Radeon Software → Uninstall
- Reinstall Optional Components: If you still want the drivers but not the UI, you can install a minimal driver package without Radeon Settings
How to Uninstall Radeon Software
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → AMD Radeon Software → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → AMD Radeon Software
- ✔ Optionally remove leftover AMD folders in C:\Program Files\AMD and C:\ProgramData\AMD
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If radeonsettings.exe is consuming excessive resources, try targeted fixes below.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Multiple UI components active: Close unnecessary panels in Radeon Settings and disable extra overlays to reduce load
- Background telemetry: Disable telemetry/telemetry-related services in Radeon Software settings
- Outdated Radeon Software: Update to the latest Radeon Software package from AMD's site
- Overclocked or active gaming profiles: Reset to stable clocks or disable aggressive profiles
- Conflicting extensions or overlays: Disable overlays or third-party integrations that hook into Radeon Settings
- Corrupted cache: Clear Radeon Software cache or reinstall driver package
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Radeon Software → Settings → System → Reset to Factory Defaults
2. Disable unused overlays and in-game features
3. Check for Radeon Software updates and install
4. Restart the system to apply changes
5. Run a malware scan if suspicious activity persists
Frequently Asked Questions
Is radeonsettings.exe safe?
Yes. It is the legitimate AMD Radeon Settings executable installed with the Radeon Software suite; verify the path is C:\Program Files\AMD\CNext\Radeon Settings\radeonsettings.exe and that it is signed by AMD.
Why is radeonsettings.exe running when I have no games active?
Radeon Software may run background services to monitor GPU state, apply driver settings, or manage overlays and telemetry even when no games are open.
Can I disable radeonsettings.exe at startup?
Yes. Use Task Manager → Startup to disable AMD Radeon Software, or uninstall the Radeon Software package if you no longer need it.
How do I uninstall Radeon Software?
Open Windows Settings → Apps → AMD Radeon Software → Uninstall, or use the AMD cleanup utility if available to remove all components.
Where is radeonsettings.exe located?
Typically under C:\Program Files\AMD\CNext\Radeon Settings\radeonsettings.exe or a subfolder of C:\Program Files\AMD. Some drivers place it in C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI.ACE.
What should I do if I see high CPU usage from Radeon Settings?
Identify active panels with Task Manager, update drivers, disable unnecessary features, and consider resetting Radeon Settings to defaults or reinstalling the driver package.