Introduction
Have you ever experienced the sheer frustration of buying a new game, eagerly installing it, and then…nothing? The game starts, maybe shows a loading screen, and then crashes before you even get to play. It’s a common problem that plagues many gamers, regardless of their system’s power. But don’t despair! Game crashes on startup are often fixable with a bit of troubleshooting.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting game crashes that occur during startup. We’ll explore potential causes, offer a range of solutions, and guide you through each step, helping you get back to gaming as quickly as possible.
Understanding Why Games Crash on Startup
There are numerous reasons why a game might crash as soon as you try to launch it. These issues can be broadly categorized into problems with the software or underlying hardware.
Software Issues
The software components of your system need to work in harmony for a game to function correctly. When they do not it can result in instability and cause games to crash.
Corrupted Game Files
During the download or installation process, game files can become corrupted due to interruptions, disk errors, or even faulty hardware. These corrupted files can prevent the game from loading properly, leading to a crash. Imagine a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces; the game can’t complete its loading process without all of its files intact.
Outdated or Incompatible Drivers
Drivers act as translators between your operating system and hardware components like your graphics card, sound card, and network adapter. Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause conflicts, instability, and ultimately, game crashes. Your graphics drivers are particularly important, as they manage how your game renders visuals.
Operating System Issues
Just like drivers, your operating system needs to be up-to-date and free of errors to support game functionality. Outdated versions or corrupted system files can create compatibility problems and contribute to crashes.
Conflicting Software
Certain applications running in the background, such as antivirus programs, overlays (like Discord or MSI Afterburner), or streaming software, can sometimes interfere with game processes and cause crashes. These programs may hog resources, conflict with game files, or introduce instability.
Missing or Outdated Runtime Libraries
Games often rely on specific runtime libraries like DirectX, Visual C++ Redistributables, and .NET Framework. If these libraries are missing, outdated, or corrupted, the game might fail to start or crash shortly after launching.
Hardware Issues
While software problems are more common, hardware issues can also contribute to game crashes, particularly if your system is struggling to meet the game’s demands.
Insufficient System Requirements
Every game has minimum and recommended system requirements that outline the hardware needed to run it smoothly. If your computer doesn’t meet these requirements, particularly regarding CPU, RAM, and GPU, the game is likely to crash or perform poorly.
Overheating Components
During gameplay, your CPU and GPU generate heat. If your cooling system is inadequate, these components can overheat, leading to instability and crashes. Overheating is a common issue, especially on older or poorly maintained systems.
Faulty Hardware
In rare cases, faulty hardware components, such as RAM modules or a graphics card, can cause game crashes. Diagnosing faulty hardware can be tricky, but it’s worth considering if other troubleshooting steps fail.
Driver Conflicts
Some conflicts might occur when multiple GPUs or related hardware installed on your system. Make sure you have installed proper drivers to your installed hardware
Troubleshooting Steps: Software Solutions
Let’s dive into troubleshooting steps focused on fixing software-related issues that might be causing your game to crash.
Verify Game File Integrity
Most game launchers have a built-in feature to verify the integrity of game files.
Steam
Right-click on the game in your Steam library, select “Properties,” go to the “Local Files” tab, and click “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”
Epic Games Launcher
Click the three dots next to the game in your library, select “Verify.”
Other Platforms
Check the game launcher’s documentation for instructions on verifying file integrity.
Why this works
This process scans your game files and automatically replaces any corrupted or missing files, ensuring that the game has all the necessary data to run correctly.
Update Graphics Drivers
Keeping your graphics drivers up-to-date is crucial for game compatibility and performance.
Nvidia
Download the latest drivers from the Nvidia website (www.nvidia.com) or through the GeForce Experience software.
AMD
Download the latest drivers from the AMD website (www.amd.com) or through the AMD Radeon Software.
Intel
Download the latest drivers from the Intel website (www.intel.com) or through the Intel Driver & Support Assistant.
Why this works
New drivers often include bug fixes, performance optimizations, and support for the latest games. Updating your drivers ensures that your graphics card is functioning optimally with the game.
Update Operating System
Make sure your operating system is up-to-date with the latest patches and updates.
Windows
Go to “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Windows Update” and check for updates.
Other OS
Consult your operating system’s documentation for update instructions.
Why this works
Operating system updates often include bug fixes, security patches, and improvements to system stability, which can help resolve compatibility issues and prevent game crashes.
Close Background Applications
Many programs running in the background can interfere with game processes, consuming system resources and potentially causing conflicts.
Identify Common Culprits
Antivirus software, Discord, MSI Afterburner, streaming software, and other overlays are common culprits.
Use Task Manager
Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager. Go to the “Processes” tab and close any unnecessary applications.
Why this works
By closing background applications, you free up system resources and reduce the potential for software conflicts, which can improve game stability.
Reinstall the Game
If other troubleshooting steps fail, reinstalling the game can often resolve the issue.
Uninstall the Game
Use the game launcher or your operating system’s control panel to uninstall the game completely.
Delete Game Files
After uninstalling, manually delete any remaining game files or folders from your hard drive to ensure a clean installation.
Reinstall the Game
Download and reinstall the game from the official source.
Why this works
Reinstalling the game replaces all game files with fresh, uncorrupted versions, which can resolve issues caused by corrupted or missing files.
Check DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables
Games often rely on these runtime libraries to function correctly.
DirectX
Download the latest version of DirectX from the Microsoft website.
Visual C++ Redistributables
Download and install the latest versions of Visual C++ Redistributables from the Microsoft website. Be sure to install both the x86 and x64 versions.
Why this works
These runtime libraries provide essential components that the game needs to run. Installing the latest versions ensures that the game has all the necessary support.
Run the game as Administrator
Running a program as administrator gives it elevated privileges, allowing it to access system resources that it might otherwise be restricted from.
Steps to Run the game as Administrator
Right-click the game’s executable file (.exe).
Running as Admin
Select “Run as administrator.”
Why this works
Some games require administrator privileges to access certain system files or resources. Running the game as administrator can resolve permission-related issues and prevent crashes.
Troubleshooting Steps: Hardware Solutions
Now, let’s address potential hardware-related causes that could be responsible for your game crashes.
Check System Requirements
Ensure that your computer meets the game’s minimum and recommended system requirements.
Compare System Specs
Compare your CPU, RAM, GPU, and operating system to the game’s requirements.
Upgrade or Lower Settings
If your system doesn’t meet the requirements, consider upgrading your hardware or lowering the game’s graphics settings to reduce the load on your system.
Monitor Temperatures
Overheating can lead to instability and crashes.
Temperature Monitoring Software
Use software like MSI Afterburner or HWMonitor to monitor your CPU and GPU temperatures during gameplay.
Safe Temperature Ranges
Research safe temperature ranges for your CPU and GPU. Generally, you want to keep your CPU below eighty degrees Celsius and your GPU below eighty-five degrees Celsius.
Solutions for Overheating
Clean your computer’s fans and heatsinks, reapply thermal paste to your CPU and GPU, and improve case airflow to prevent overheating.
Test RAM
Faulty RAM can cause a variety of issues, including game crashes.
Windows Memory Diagnostic
Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to check for RAM errors.
Memtest86
For a more thorough test, use Memtest86, a bootable memory testing tool.
What to do if Errors are Found
If RAM errors are found, replace the faulty RAM modules.
Update BIOS
A BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) update can sometimes improve hardware compatibility and stability.
How to Update BIOS
Consult your motherboard’s manual for instructions on updating the BIOS. This process typically involves downloading the latest BIOS version from the manufacturer’s website and using a specific utility to flash the BIOS.
The Risk of Updating BIOS
Note that updating the BIOS can be risky, and if done incorrectly, it can brick your motherboard. Proceed with caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Advanced Troubleshooting
If none of the above solutions work, you might need to delve into some advanced troubleshooting techniques.
Check Event Viewer (Windows) or System Logs (Other OS)
These logs record system events, including errors and warnings. Examining the logs might reveal clues about the cause of the game crash. Look for errors related to the game or its dependencies.
Clean Boot
A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help identify if a third-party application or service is causing the game to crash.
How to Perform a Clean Boot
Search for “msconfig” in the Windows search bar and open System Configuration. Go to the “Services” tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” and then click “Disable all.” Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.” Disable all startup items. Restart your computer.
Isolate the Culprit
If the game runs without crashing in a clean boot environment, enable services and startup items one by one until you identify the culprit.
Check Hard Drive/SSD Health
Hard drive or SSD problems can also cause game crashes.
Check the S.M.A.R.T Status
Use a tool like CrystalDiskInfo to check the S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) status of your hard drive or SSD. S.M.A.R.T. data provides information about the drive’s health and potential problems.
Replace drive
If drive is culprit replace with new drive
When to Seek Professional Help
While this guide covers a wide range of troubleshooting steps, there are situations where seeking professional help is necessary. If you suspect a hardware failure, such as a faulty graphics card or RAM module, it’s best to consult a qualified PC repair technician. Similarly, if you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and the game still crashes, it might be time to contact the game’s support team for assistance. They might be able to provide specific solutions or identify known issues.
Conclusion
Game crashes on startup can be frustrating, but they are often fixable. By systematically working through the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can identify the cause of the issue and find a solution. Start with the software solutions, such as verifying game files and updating drivers, and then move on to hardware-related checks and advanced techniques if needed. Remember, persistence is key to resolving the issue. With a little patience and effort, you can get back to gaming in no time!
