Are you tired of seeing AMD Links on your Windows system and wondering how to get rid of them? You’re not alone. Many users have reported encountering these links, which can be frustrating and affect the overall user experience. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of AMD Links, explore what they are, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to remove them from your Windows system.
What are AMD Links?
AMD Links are a type of software that comes bundled with AMD graphics drivers. They are designed to provide users with quick access to various AMD-related tools and resources, such as the AMD Radeon Settings, AMD Overdrive, and AMD Gaming Evolved. While they may seem useful, many users find them unnecessary and annoying, especially if they don’t use AMD graphics cards or don’t need the features provided by these links.
Why do I have AMD Links on my system?
There are several reasons why you may have AMD Links on your system:
- You installed AMD graphics drivers, which included the AMD Links software.
- You upgraded your graphics drivers, and the AMD Links software was installed as part of the update.
- You installed a third-party software that bundled AMD Links with its installation package.
How to Remove AMD Links from Windows
Removing AMD Links from your Windows system is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get rid of them:
Method 1: Uninstalling AMD Links through the Control Panel
- Open the Control Panel on your Windows system. You can do this by searching for “Control Panel” in the Start menu or by typing “control panel” in the Run dialog box (Windows key + R).
- Click on “Programs and Features” (in Windows 10/8) or “Add or Remove Programs” (in Windows 7).
- Look for “AMD Links” in the list of installed programs.
- Click on “AMD Links” and select “Uninstall” or “Remove.”
- Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Method 2: Uninstalling AMD Links through the Settings App
- Open the Settings app on your Windows system. You can do this by clicking on the Start button and selecting the “Settings” icon or by typing “settings” in the Run dialog box (Windows key + R).
- Click on “Apps” (in Windows 10/8) or “Programs and Features” (in Windows 7).
- Look for “AMD Links” in the list of installed apps.
- Click on “AMD Links” and select “Uninstall.”
- Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Method 3: Using a Third-Party Uninstaller
If you’re unable to uninstall AMD Links using the above methods, you can try using a third-party uninstaller. There are several options available, including:
- CCleaner
- Revo Uninstaller
IObit Uninstaller
Download and install a third-party uninstaller of your choice.
- Launch the uninstaller and look for “AMD Links” in the list of installed programs.
- Select “AMD Links” and follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Additional Steps to Remove AMD Links
After uninstalling AMD Links, you may still see some residual files and folders on your system. To completely remove AMD Links, follow these additional steps:
- Open the File Explorer on your Windows system.
- Navigate to the “C:\Program Files\AMD” folder (or the folder where AMD Links was installed).
- Delete the “AMD Links” folder and any other related files and folders.
- Restart your system to ensure that all changes take effect.
Preventing AMD Links from Reinstalling
To prevent AMD Links from reinstalling on your system, follow these steps:
Method 1: Disabling AMD Links in the AMD Radeon Settings
- Open the AMD Radeon Settings on your Windows system. You can do this by right-clicking on an empty area of the desktop and selecting “AMD Radeon Settings.”
- Click on the “System” tab.
- Look for the “AMD Links” option and toggle the switch to the “Off” position.
- Click “Apply” to save the changes.
Method 2: Blocking AMD Links in the Windows Firewall
- Open the Windows Firewall on your Windows system. You can do this by searching for “Windows Firewall” in the Start menu or by typing “windows firewall” in the Run dialog box (Windows key + R).
- Click on “Advanced Settings” on the left side of the window.
- Click on “Outbound Rules” and then click on “New Rule.”
- Select “Rule Type” as “Program” and click “Next.”
- Select the “AMD Links” executable file (usually located in the “C:\Program Files\AMD” folder) and click “Next.”
- Select “Block the connection” and click “Next.”
- Select the network types you want to block (e.g., Domain, Private, Public) and click “Next.”
- Give the rule a name (e.g., “Block AMD Links”) and click “Finish.”
Conclusion
Removing AMD Links from your Windows system is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed using the methods outlined above. By following these steps, you can get rid of unnecessary software and improve your overall user experience. Additionally, by preventing AMD Links from reinstalling, you can ensure that your system remains clutter-free and optimized for performance.
What is AMD Link and why would I want to remove it?
AMD Link is a software application developed by AMD that allows users to monitor and control their AMD graphics cards remotely using their mobile devices. However, some users may not find this feature useful or may experience issues with the software, leading them to want to remove it from their Windows system.
Removing AMD Link can help free up system resources and potentially resolve any issues caused by the software. Additionally, if you’re not using the remote monitoring and control features, there’s no need to have the software installed, and removing it can help declutter your system.
Is it safe to remove AMD Link from my Windows system?
Removing AMD Link is generally safe, but it’s essential to follow the correct removal procedures to avoid any potential issues. If you’re using other AMD software, such as the Radeon driver, removing AMD Link should not affect its functionality. However, if you’re unsure about the removal process or have concerns, it’s always a good idea to create a system restore point before proceeding.
To ensure a safe removal, it’s recommended to use the official AMD uninstaller or the Windows built-in uninstaller. Avoid using third-party uninstallers or manually deleting files, as this can lead to system instability or other issues.
How do I uninstall AMD Link using the Windows built-in uninstaller?
To uninstall AMD Link using the Windows built-in uninstaller, go to the Control Panel, click on “Programs and Features” (in Windows 10/11) or “Add or Remove Programs” (in Windows 7/8), and look for AMD Link in the list of installed programs. Click on it, and then click the “Uninstall” button to start the removal process.
Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation. You may be asked to restart your system to finalize the removal. Once the process is complete, AMD Link should be removed from your system.
Can I remove AMD Link using the AMD Cleanup Utility?
Yes, AMD provides a Cleanup Utility that can be used to remove AMD Link and other AMD software from your system. The Cleanup Utility is a useful tool for removing all AMD software components, including drivers, utilities, and other applications.
To use the AMD Cleanup Utility, download it from the official AMD website, run the executable, and follow the prompts to select the AMD software components you want to remove, including AMD Link. The utility will then remove the selected components from your system.
What if I encounter issues during the removal process?
If you encounter issues during the removal process, such as error messages or system crashes, try restarting your system and attempting the removal again. If the issue persists, you can try using the AMD Cleanup Utility or seeking assistance from AMD support.
In some cases, you may need to perform a manual removal by deleting AMD Link files and registry entries. However, this should be done with caution, as incorrect deletion of files or registry entries can cause system instability or other issues.
Will removing AMD Link affect my AMD graphics card’s performance?
Removing AMD Link should not affect your AMD graphics card’s performance. AMD Link is a software application that provides remote monitoring and control features, but it does not affect the graphics card’s performance or functionality.
If you’re using other AMD software, such as the Radeon driver, removing AMD Link should not impact its performance. However, if you’re experiencing issues with your graphics card’s performance, it’s recommended to update your drivers to the latest version or seek assistance from AMD support.
How do I prevent AMD Link from being reinstalled on my system?
To prevent AMD Link from being reinstalled on your system, avoid installing AMD software bundles that include AMD Link. If you need to install AMD drivers or other software, select the custom installation option and deselect AMD Link.
Additionally, you can use a third-party uninstaller or a system cleaning tool to monitor your system for any attempts to reinstall AMD Link. However, be cautious when using third-party tools, as they may potentially cause system instability or other issues.