This forum is peer support - users just like you helping others.
Your frustration is understandable. The software is tested. Yet, with infinite permutations of PC hardware and software configurations, what are the chances that a program will work flawlessly for every user? Zilch!
In this case, when VP architecture was recently improved - for more efficient, faster en/decoding - it wasn't initially apparent that there was an issue with AMD chips. As soon as users discovered it the developers set out immediately to make a fix.
There's a six-month grace period after purchase for free updates. But if a release works well for you there's never a mandate. A newer version can always be test driven, registered or not. If it was released within the grace period, it should be automatically registered. This site has all downloadable versions.
The beta is version 10.26 as of this writing, but betas are frequently updated, even when they show the same version #. As soon as it is deemed stable a new release version with the latest fixes will be available on the WEBsite. After downloading, right-click the installer file and click PROPERTIES | DETAILS tab. The version will be listed.