How to Fix AMD Error 1603

Some AMD users have been unable to update or install their drivers as a result of Error 1603, where there was only a partial installation of the drivers. After this occurrence, Windows Updates also begin to fail. This error has mainly affected Windows 10 users.

Driver installation errors like this can be caused by antivirus interference, corrupted system files or pending Windows updates. We’ll list a few possible fixes to this issue in this article. These include repairing system files, performing a clean install of the drivers, and dealing with antivirus applications. If one method fails to work, you can try another till you find yourself a solution.

Method 1: Running an SFC scan

1. Open the Start menu and type cmd. Right click on the Command Prompt icon and click on ‘Run as Administrator’. Accept the UAC prompt when it comes up.
   
2. In the command prompt, type the following commands, and hit Enter after each command:sfc /scannow
   dism /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

This will run a system file check and repair all corrupt system files on your computer.

3. Restart your PC and try installing your AMD drivers again. The issue shouldn’t occur this time.

 Method 2: Set Default Location

Some users with this issue had their default folders pointing to the wrong location. Setting the right paths for your Documents folder and other folders like Pictures, Music, etc, should solve the issue. To do this follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the folders under This PC on the left pane and select Properties. Under This PC, you’ll find your Desktop, Documents, Downloads, etc.
   
2. Click on the Location tab and click on the Restore Default button to set the original location of the folder. This should look like C:\Users\username\Folder.
   

Repeat this for all the system folders.

3. Try installing your AMD drivers again to confirm if it installs this time round.

Method 3: Clean Install Drivers

This method involves removing all existing or damaged driver files and registry entries to allow a successful installation of the latest AMD drivers. You should consider disabling your antivirus before proceeding with this step.

1. Download the latest AMD drivers for your PC from here.
2. Remove all existing AMD drivers using the AMD Clean Uninstall Utility. Double-click on the executable, and then follow the prompts till you complete the removal.When done. click on View Report to see the list of components that were uninstalled, or click Finish to exit the utility.​​​ Click on Yes to reboot your computer or do a manual reboot.Alternatively, you can run the Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) utility in Safe Mode, and follow the prompts to remove the drivers from your system.
   
3. Install the drivers you downloaded in step 1. Do this by launching the executable and following the installation prompts to the completion.
4. Restart your PC and your drivers should be fully functional now.

Method 4: Disabling Antivirus

Antivirus applications like Avast and Windows Defender have been known to interfere with the installation of AMD drivers. You can temporarily disable your antivirus’ shields or protection if you have issues installing the drivers.

Method 5: Deleting AMD Installation Folder

AMD Drivers are first extracted to C:\AMD before installation. Old files can interrupt the installation of new drivers if there’s an issue overwriting the files. Try deleting the folder using the steps below.

1. Press the Windows key + E open Windows Explorer.
2. Go to This PC > Local Disk (C:) or wherever your Windows installation is located.
3. Select the AMD folder in the location and press the Shift key + Del. If you are prompted to grant admin privileges to perform the action, you should.
   
4. After deleting the folder, try installing the AMD drivers again.

Method 6: Updating Windows

The AMD installer requires certain recent Windows updates. The installation is likely to fail if those requirements are not met. Make sure you have the latest Visual C++ Redistributable installed and follow these steps to fully update your Windows.

1. Press the Start button, type Windows Update and hit the Enter
2. Click on Check for updates and wait while Windows downloads and updates the system.
   
3. Reboot your PC to complete the update installation and then try installing your AMD drivers again.