Few things are as frustrating for PC gamers as a game crashing on startup. Whether it’s a newly installed game or one you’ve been playing for a while, this issue can be caused by various factors, from outdated drivers to incompatible settings. In this guide, we’ll explore common causes and provide practical solutions to help you get back to gaming without interruptions.
Why Does a Game Crash on Startup?
Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to understand what might be causing the issue:
- Outdated Graphics Drivers: Missing updates can lead to compatibility problems.
- Corrupted Game Files: Improper installation or damaged files can cause crashes.
- Insufficient System Requirements: Your hardware may not meet the game’s minimum requirements.
- Software Conflicts: Background applications can interfere with the game’s performance.
- Overclocking Issues: Overclocked hardware can lead to instability during startup.
How to Fix "Game Crashing on Startup"
1. Check System Requirements
Before troubleshooting, verify that your PC meets the game’s minimum and recommended requirements:
- Processor, RAM, and graphics card specs.
- Sufficient storage space.
- Compatible operating system version (e.g., Windows 10 or later).
2. Update Your Graphics Drivers
Outdated drivers are a common cause of game crashes:
- Open the Device Manager.
- Expand Display Adapters and right-click on your GPU.
- Select Update Driver and follow the prompts.
- Alternatively, download the latest drivers directly from the NVIDIA or AMD websites.
3. Verify and Repair Game Files
Corrupted or missing files can prevent the game from launching:
- Open your game launcher (e.g., Steam, Epic Games).
- Locate the game in your library.
- Select Properties (Steam) or Manage (Epic Games).
- Click Verify Integrity of Game Files or Repair.
4. Disable Background Applications
Some background apps consume resources or conflict with games:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- End processes for unnecessary apps (e.g., browsers, antivirus).
- Restart the game to check if it works.
5. Run the Game as Administrator
Permission issues can cause crashes:
- Right-click the game’s executable file or shortcut.
- Select Run as Administrator.
- If it works, set it to always run as administrator in the file properties.
6. Adjust Graphics Settings
High graphics settings can overwhelm your hardware:
- Launch the game and go to Settings > Graphics.
- Lower settings such as resolution, texture quality, and shadows.
- Restart the game to apply changes.
7. Check for Windows Updates
Outdated Windows versions can cause compatibility issues:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Check for Updates and install any available updates.
8. Reinstall the Game
If none of the above solutions work, reinstalling the game may resolve the issue:
- Uninstall the game via the launcher or Control Panel.
- Delete residual files from the game’s installation folder.
- Reinstall the game from scratch.
Preventing Future Game Crashes
- Keep your graphics drivers and game software updated.
- Avoid running unnecessary apps while gaming.
- Check your PC’s hardware health regularly.
- Maintain sufficient disk space and clean temporary files.
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Did these steps resolve your issue? Let us know in the comments! Share this guide with fellow gamers who might need help, and check out our other troubleshooting articles for more solutions. Happy gaming!
