If you’ve tried making your computer’s brain (the CPU) work faster or use less power with a tool called Ryzen Master and your computer starts acting up, crashing every time you open Ryzen Master, it’s probably because the settings you chose are not playing nice with your computer. This article talks about why this happens and how you can fix it by making Ryzen Master forget all the changes you made.
Also see: Windows 11 Crashes When Right-Click on Desktop
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What can cause Ryzen Master to crash your computer?
Using Ryzen Master to make your CPU run faster (overclocking) or use less power (undervolting) is common. But if your computer crashes right after opening Ryzen Master, it’s likely because the tool automatically applies your saved settings at start, and if these settings are too aggressive or not stable, your computer can’t handle it and crashes.
Overclocking boosts your computer’s performance by making the CPU run faster than its standard speed. Undervolting cuts down the power to your CPU to reduce heat and save energy while keeping its performance. Both methods can make your computer work better but can also make it unstable if not done correctly.
If Ryzen Master is set to apply these settings automatically when your computer starts, and your settings are too strong for your hardware, you might get stuck in a loop of crashing and restarting. This shows it’s important to know your hardware’s limits and how changes like overclocking can affect it.
Linked issue: Ryzen Master unable to initialize Kindly reinstall the program
How to manually reset Ryzen Master to its default settings?
If Ryzen Master keeps making your computer crash because of unstable settings, you’ll need to bring it back to its original settings. Just reinstalling the software might not do the trick because it usually keeps your old settings. And, just taking out and putting back the CMOS battery won’t fix things if the issue is with Ryzen Master and not the BIOS.
To make Ryzen Master start fresh, you have to delete its settings file by hand. Here’s what you do:
- Go to where Ryzen Master is installed, usually at
C:\Program Files\AMD\RyzenMaster\bin. - Look for a file called configRM.json.
- Delete configRM.json to get rid of your custom Ryzen Master settings.
Doing this makes Ryzen Master create a new default settings file the next time you open it, which solves the crash problem by forgetting the bad settings.
Just remember, deleting this file means you lose all your custom settings and profiles in Ryzen Master. You’ll have to set them up again if you still want to use the software for making your CPU run faster or use less power. But this step is key to stopping the crashes and making your computer work right again.
Suggested read: Why is my CPU Overheating and How to Fix it?
What if Ryzen Master auto-launches and crashes before you can delete the file?
If your computer is set up to automatically open Ryzen Master, you might find yourself in a spot where the system crashes and restarts before you can delete the “configRM.json” file. If this happens, starting your computer in safe mode can help.
Safe mode is a special way to start Windows with only the basic stuff it needs to run. This can stop Ryzen Master from automatically opening at startup, letting you delete the file that’s causing the problem without the system crashing.
To start your computer in Safe Mode in Windows 11 or Windows 10, do this:
- From the sign-in screen:
- Press and hold the Shift key and click the Power button on the bottom right of the sign-in screen.
- Still holding the Shift key, click Restart.
- After your PC restarts, pick Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- When your PC restarts again, press the key (usually F4) to start in Safe Mode.
- From inside Windows:
- Open the Start menu and click the Power button.
- Press and hold the Shift key and click Restart.
- After your PC restarts, pick Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- When your PC restarts again, press the key (usually F4) to start in Safe Mode.
- Using Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE):
- If you can’t start Safe Mode using the above methods, make Windows go into Recovery Mode by turning on your computer and shutting it down as soon as you see the Windows logo. Do this 2-3 times. On the third or fourth try, Windows should start in WinRE automatically.
- In WinRE, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
- Click Restart in Startup Settings. After your PC restarts, press the key (usually F4) to go into Safe Mode.
Once in Safe Mode, go to where Ryzen Master is installed (usually “C:\Program Files\AMD\RyzenMaster\bin“) and delete the “configRM.json” file. Then, start your computer normally to leave Safe Mode. This should stop Ryzen Master from using bad settings at startup, letting you take back control of your system.
Should you use BIOS to overclock instead of Ryzen Master?
Advantages of BIOS overclocking
While Ryzen Master is easy to use and lets you tweak settings on the go, making changes through the BIOS can be more stable and lasting. Settings changed via the BIOS are applied at the core level of the system, making them less likely to clash with Windows or other programs. Plus, changing settings in the BIOS removes the middleman (software), which could lead to a more direct and accurate adjustment.
When to use Ryzen Master
Even though tweaking through the BIOS has its perks, there are times when Ryzen Master could be the better choice. For example, if you’re new to making your CPU run faster, Ryzen Master’s friendly interface and the ability to change settings without restarting your computer can be very handy. It’s great for testing out different settings quickly before deciding on the final setup in the BIOS.
Summing up
Ryzen Master is a great tool for fine-tuning your CPU’s performance, but it’s wise to be careful with overclocking and undervolting. If Ryzen Master starts causing crashes, going back to default settings by deleting the “configRM.json” file can bring back stability. If Ryzen Master starts automatically and crashes your system, starting in safe mode might be necessary to get rid of the problematic file.
Also, consider using the BIOS for overclocking when you can. BIOS adjustments are more stable, stay put between restarts, and give you full control over your system’s settings. Although Ryzen Master is convenient for making changes within the operating system, the BIOS provides a more reliable and lasting solution for overclocking.
