How To Fix Game Crashes On Pc : Prevent PC Game Crashes

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Few things are as frustrating as a game crashing on your PC. This guide will show you how to fix game crashes on pc, a common problem with many potential solutions. When a game suddenly closes to the desktop, the cause can range from software conflicts to hardware limitations. The good news is that most crashes can be resolved with some systematic troubleshooting.

We will walk through a logical sequence of fixes, from quick checks to more advanced steps. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow these instructions. Start with the simple solutions first, as they often solve the problem.

How To Fix Game Crashes On Pc

This structured approach helps you identify and solve the issue without wasting time. We’ll cover software updates, driver conflicts, overheating, and hardware problems. Follow these steps in order for the best results.

Start With The Basic Quick Fixes

Before diving deep, always try these simple steps. They can resolve a surprising number of crashes instantly and save you alot of time.

Restart Your Computer

A simple restart clears temporary memory and stops conflicting processes. It is the most basic but effective step in troubleshooting any PC issue, including game crashes.

Verify The Game Files Integrity

Game clients like Steam, Epic Games, and Battle.net have built-in tools to check for corrupted or missing files. This should be your first step within the game platform itself.

  • Steam: Right-click the game in your Library > Properties > Installed Files > “Verify integrity of game files.”
  • Epic Games Launcher: Click the three dots under the game > Manage > Verify.
  • Battle.net: Click the gear icon next to the Play button > Scan and Repair.

Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupt graphics drivers are a leading cause of game crashes. Always ensure you have the latest stable version installed from your GPU manufacturer.

  1. Identify your GPU: Press Windows Key + R, type “dxdiag,” and go to the Display tab.
  2. Visit the manufacturer’s website: NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel.
  3. Download the correct driver for your specific GPU model and operating system.
  4. Perform a “Custom” installation and select “Perform a clean install” if available.

Close Background Applications

Other software can interfere with games. Close unnecessary programs before launching your game, especially overlays, recording software, or RGB lighting controllers.

  • Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to end tasks for non-essential applications.
  • Disable Discord, Xbox Game Bar, or NVIDIA/AMD overlays temporarily to test.
  • Antivirus software can sometimes block game files; try adding the game folder as an exception.

Intermediate Software And System Solutions

If the quick fixes didn’t work, the problem may be more specific. These steps address common software conflicts and system settings that destabilize games.

Install Critical Windows Updates

Windows updates often include important fixes for stability and compatibility. Running an outdated version of Windows can cause games to crash.

  1. Open Windows Settings (Windows Key + I).
  2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
  3. Click “Check for updates” and install all available updates, including optional ones.
  4. Restart your computer after the updates are installed.

Adjust In-Game Graphical Settings

Pushing your hardware beyond its limits with ultra settings can lead to crashes. Lowering graphical options reduces strain on your GPU and CPU.

  • First, set all settings to their lowest preset.
  • If the game stops crashing, gradually increase settings to find a stable point.
  • Pay special attention to VRAM-heavy settings like texture quality and resolution.
  • Disable experimental features like ray tracing if your hardware struggles.

Run The Game As An Administrator

Some games require elevated permissions to access system resources. Running as an administrator can resolve crashes related to permission errors.

  1. Right-click the game’s shortcut or .exe file.
  2. Select “Properties.”
  3. Go to the “Compatibility” tab.
  4. Check the box for “Run this program as an administrator.”
  5. Click Apply and OK.

Perform A Clean Boot In Windows

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This helps you identify if background software is causing the conflict.

  1. Type “msconfig” in the Windows search bar and open System Configuration.
  2. Go to the Services tab and check “Hide all Microsoft services.”
  3. Click “Disable all.”
  4. Go to the Startup tab and click “Open Task Manager.” Disable all startup items.
  5. Restart your PC and try launching the game.

Advanced Hardware And Stability Checks

Persistent crashes often point to hardware issues. These steps help you diagnose problems with your PC’s physical components, which are critical for stability.

Monitor Your PC Temperatures

Overheating is a major cause of sudden crashes. When your CPU or GPU gets too hot, it will throttle performance or shut down to prevent damage.

  • Use free software like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to check temperatures.
  • Run your game in a window and monitor the temps.
  • Ideal temperatures under load should be below 85°C for both CPU and GPU.
  • If temps are too high, clean dust from your fans and heatsinks, and ensure proper airflow in your case.

Check Your Power Supply Unit (PSU)

An underpowered or failing PSU cannot deliver stable power during intense gaming sessions. This leads to random shutdowns or crashes.

  • Ensure your PSU wattage is sufficient for your GPU and CPU. Use an online PSU calculator.
  • Listen for unusual coil whine or clicking noises from the PSU.
  • If possible, test with a known-good, higher-wattage PSU to rule this out.

Test Your RAM For Errors

Faulty system memory (RAM) causes random crashes and blue screens. Windows has a built-in tool to check for memory errors.

  1. Type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the search bar and open it.
  2. Choose “Restart now and check for problems.”
  3. Your PC will reboot and run the test, which may take some time.
  4. After restarting, check the results in the Action Center notifications.
  5. For a more thorough test, use MemTest86 from a USB drive.

Reseat Your Hardware Components

Over time, components like RAM and graphics cards can loosen from their slots due to thermal expansion and vibration. Reseating them ensures a good connection.

  1. Power off your PC and unplug it from the wall.
  2. Open the case and ground yourself to avoid static discharge.
  3. Remove the graphics card and RAM sticks carefully.
  4. Blow out any dust from the slots and firmly reinsert the components until they click into place.
  5. Reconnect all power cables securely, especially the PCIe power cables to your GPU.

Operating System And DirectX Fixes

Sometimes, the core system software that games rely on becomes corrupted or outdated. These solutions repair those foundational components.

Reinstall Or Update DirectX And Visual C++

Games use these redistributable packages for basic functions. Missing or corrupted versions are a frequent crash culprit.

  • Download the latest DirectX End-User Runtime from Microsoft’s website.
  • Reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables. Download all versions (from 2005 to the latest) from the official Microsoft site.
  • It’s often helpful to uninstall the existing packages from the Control Panel first, then install the fresh versions.

Perform A System File Check (SFC Scan)

This Windows tool scans for and repairs corrupted system files that could be affecting game stability.

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (search “cmd,” right-click, “Run as administrator”).
  2. Type the command: sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete; it may take 15-20 minutes.
  4. Follow any on-screen instructions. If errors were found but couldn’t be fixed, you may need to run a DISM command afterward.

Adjust Virtual Memory Settings

Virtual memory uses hard drive space as extra RAM. If set too low, memory-intensive games can crash when your physical RAM is full.

  1. Search for “View advanced system settings” and open it.
  2. Under the Advanced tab, click Settings in the Performance section.
  3. Go to the Advanced tab again and click Change under Virtual memory.
  4. Uncheck “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.”
  5. Select your main drive, choose “Custom size,” and set the Initial and Maximum size to about 1.5 times your total RAM (in MB).

Consider A Clean Windows Installation

If all else fails, a fresh Windows install eliminates deep-seated software conflicts and corruption. This is a last resort but is highly effective.

  • Back up all your important personal files first.
  • Use the Windows Media Creation Tool to create installation media on a USB drive.
  • Boot from the USB and choose a custom install, formatting your main drive.
  • After installation, install drivers and your game again to test.

Game-Specific Troubleshooting

Some crashes are unique to a particular game or game engine. These final steps target issues with the game’s own configuration and compatibility.

Edit The Game’s Configuration Files

Manually adjusting settings in configuration files can bypass launcher bugs or set parameters not available in the in-game menu.

  • Configuration files are usually found in “Documents/My Games” or in the game’s installation folder.
  • Common file types are .ini or .cfg files. Open them with Notepad.
  • You can change settings like resolution, windowed mode, or DirectX version here. Search online for specific tweaks for your crashing game.
  • Always make a backup of the original file before making changes.

Change The Game’s Compatibility Mode

For older games, running them in a compatibility mode for an earlier version of Windows can resolve crashes.

  1. Right-click the game’s .exe file and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  3. Check “Run this program in compatibility mode for:” and select an older OS like Windows 8 or 7.
  4. You can also try checking “Disable fullscreen optimizations,” as this setting causes issues for many modern games.

Disable Overclocking

An unstable overclock on your CPU, GPU, or RAM is a prime suspect for game crashes. Even if it was previously stable, updates can change this.

  • Enter your BIOS/UEFI and reset all settings to default or optimized defaults.
  • Use your GPU’s software (like Afterburner) to reset clock speeds and voltage to stock values.
  • Test the game again. If it runs stable, your overclock was the problem and needs to be reconfigured more conservatively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do My Games Keep Crashing On Startup?

Crashes at startup are often due to missing software dependencies, outdated drivers, or antivirus interference. Follow the steps for verifying game files, updating graphics drivers, and closing background apps first. Running the game as an administrator can also help.

How Can I Tell If My Game Crash Is Caused By Overheating?

Download a hardware monitoring tool like HWMonitor. Play your game for a few minutes and then check the maximum recorded temperatures for your CPU and GPU. If either consistently exceeds 90°C, overheating is a likely cause of the crash. Clean your computer’s internals and improve airflow.

Can Outdated BIOS Cause PC Game Crashes?

Yes, an outdated motherboard BIOS can cause instability with newer hardware and games, especially for AMD systems. Check your motherboard manufacturer’s website for BIOS updates that improve “system stability” or “compatibility.” Updating the BIOS carries some risk, so follow the instructions precisely.

What Should I Do If Only One Specific Game Crashes?

This usually points to a problem with that game’s installation or its specific requirements. Verify the game files through its launcher, check the game’s official forums for known issues and patches, and ensure your PC meets the game’s recommended system requirements, not just the minimum.