An independent developer has released an open source utility designed to fix a Radeon driver bug that repeatedly writes unnecessary data to SSDs, potentially increasing storage wear over time.
The utility, called Radeon-atieclxx-SSD-Fix, was developed by necanditool and targets a problem involving AMD's External Events Utility.
The issue causes the atieclxx.exe process to repeatedly copy files in the background, even when the computer is idle.
Some affected Radeon owners have reported continuous write activity ranging from 0.3MB/s to 5MB/s. At the highest reported rate, this could generate approximately 432GB of unnecessary writes per day.
AMD has acknowledged the problem and is preparing an official correction. However, the new community developed tool offers a possible workaround without requiring the External Events Utility to be disabled.
Radeon-atieclxx-SSD-Fix Blocks Repeated File Copying
According to the developer, the problem occurs when atieclxx.exe repeatedly copies its own executable file from the AMD driver installation into a Windows system profile.
The executable is approximately 660KB, and the copying process can occur once every second.
Over extended periods, this repeated activity can generate substantial additional SSD writes.
The new utility attempts to prevent the behavior by modifying Windows file permissions.
Specifically, it restricts the SYSTEM account from repeatedly overwriting the affected file while allowing AMD's External Events Utility to remain operational.
This is an important distinction because disabling the entire service could interfere with certain Radeon driver functions.
The tool also includes a detection mechanism that checks whether the problematic behavior is present.
Additionally, it can estimate unnecessary SSD writes based on the detected activity.
The Fix Can Remain Active After Windows Restarts
Radeon-atieclxx-SSD-Fix includes a scheduled task that reapplies its protection whenever Windows starts.
According to its developer, this allows the workaround to remain effective even after Radeon driver updates.
However, changing system file permissions introduces potential compatibility concerns, particularly when official driver updates modify the affected files.
The utility is independently developed and has not been officially endorsed by AMD.
Its effectiveness across different Radeon hardware configurations and Windows installations has also not been independently established.
AMD Plans an Official Fix in Adrenalin 26.11.1
AMD has acknowledged reports of the excessive SSD writing problem and confirmed that a driver correction is being developed.
According to the latest information, the company expects to address the issue in Adrenalin driver version 26.11.1.
Until that update becomes available, affected owners can either use an unofficial workaround or monitor their systems for unnecessary disk activity.
The reported write rates vary considerably between affected computers, and the maximum theoretical figures do not establish how much actual SSD wear has occurred.
For those considering the community utility, caution is advisable because it modifies Windows permissions and creates a scheduled task.
The official AMD driver update remains the preferable long term solution, while Radeon-atieclxx-SSD-Fix provides an alternative for people experiencing the problem before AMD's correction arrives.
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