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How to Fix GMod Game Crashes When Joining Server on Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Steps

Garry’s Mod (GMod) is a popular sandbox game enjoyed by many players worldwide. However, some users face crashes when trying to join multiplayer servers, especially on Windows 11. This can be frustrating and interrupt your gaming experience.

Fortunately, most crashes can be resolved by following a few simple troubleshooting steps. This guide will walk you through easy-to-understand methods to fix GMod crashes when joining servers.

Each step is explained in detail to ensure even beginners can follow along without confusion. Let’s get your game running smoothly again!

Read through the entire guide before trying advanced fixes, as often the simplest solutions work best.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, make sure you have these basics covered:

  • Stable Internet Connection: A poor connection can cause server join errors or crashes.
  • Updated Windows 11: Ensure your system is fully updated via Windows Update.
  • Latest Graphics Drivers: Outdated or faulty drivers often cause game crashes.
  • Verify Game Files: Corrupted game files may trigger crashes.
  • Run as Administrator: Sometimes permission issues cause problems with launching servers.

Having these ready will save time and avoid unnecessary troubleshooting.

Step 1: Verify Game Integrity on Steam

Corrupted or missing files are a common cause of crashes. Steam has a built-in tool to check and fix your game files.

  1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
  2. Right-click on Garry’s Mod and select Properties.
  3. Go to the Local Files tab.
  4. Click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.
  5. Wait for the process to complete. Steam will automatically download and fix any corrupted files.

This step ensures that all necessary game files are intact and prevents crashes caused by file issues.

Step 2: Update Your Graphics Drivers

Graphics drivers help your computer communicate with your GPU. If these drivers are outdated or faulty, GMod may crash during graphics-intensive tasks like joining servers.

To update your graphics drivers:

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Display adapters to see your GPU.
  3. Right-click your GPU and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
  5. Follow any prompts to install updates.
  6. Alternatively, visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) for the latest drivers.

Restart your PC after updating drivers to apply changes. This can resolve many graphical crashes.

Step 3: Run GMod as Administrator

Sometimes Windows restricts game files from running correctly due to permission issues. Running GMod as an administrator grants it necessary access.

To do this:

  1. Go to your Steam installation folder or locate the Garry’s Mod shortcut.
  2. Right-click the gmod.exe file or shortcut.
  3. Select Properties.
  4. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  5. Check the box that says Run this program as an administrator.
  6. Click Apply and then OK.

Launch the game via Steam after this to see if the crashing stops.

Step 4: Disable Conflicting Software and Background Programs

Some software, especially overlays, antivirus, or firewalls, can interfere with GMod’s connection to servers.

Try these steps to rule out conflicts:

  • Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall software.
  • Close any overlay programs like Discord, MSI Afterburner, or GeForce Experience.
  • Use Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and end unnecessary background processes.

If disabling these programs helps, adjust their settings to whitelist GMod or Steam.

Step 5: Adjust Launch Options in Steam

Sometimes setting specific launch options can fix stability problems.

To add launch options:

  1. In Steam, right-click Garry’s Mod and select Properties.
  2. Under the General tab, find Launch Options.
  3. Enter the following commands one by one or combined:
-windowed -noborder -dxlevel 90

Explanation:

  • -windowed forces the game to run in windowed mode, which can improve stability.
  • -noborder removes window borders for a fullscreen-like experience.
  • -dxlevel 90 sets DirectX 9.0, which is often more stable for older games like GMod.

Try launching the game after setting these options to check if crashes persist.

Step 6: Clear GMod Cache and Downloaded Content

Sometimes corrupted cached data or downloaded addons cause crashes when joining servers.

To clear cache:

  1. Navigate to DocumentsGarrysModgarrysmodcache and delete all files inside.
  2. Go to DocumentsGarrysModgarrysmoddownload and clear its contents as well.
  3. Restart the game.

Keep in mind this may increase loading times initially, as the game re-downloads necessary content.

Step 7: Check for Windows Compatibility Settings

Windows 11 is relatively new, and some older games may require compatibility adjustments.

  1. Right-click gmod.exe, select Properties.
  2. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  3. Check Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select Windows 10 or Windows 7.
  4. Click Apply and then OK.

Try launching the game again. This can help resolve issues caused by compatibility mismatches.

FAQs

Why does GMod crash only when joining servers?

Crashes on server join are often caused by corrupted downloaded content, conflicting addons, or network issues. The game attempts to load server-specific content which may cause instability.

How do I know if my graphics drivers are up to date?

You can check Device Manager or use manufacturer software like NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Radeon Software to verify and update drivers.

Does running GMod in windowed mode affect performance?

Windowed mode may slightly reduce performance but can improve stability if fullscreen mode causes crashes.

Can antivirus software cause GMod crashes?

Yes, some antivirus programs mistakenly block game files or network connections, causing crashes or failed server joins.

Is it safe to delete the cache and download folders?

Yes, these folders store temporary data and downloaded server content. Deleting them forces the game to refresh files, often fixing corrupted data problems.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and the game still crashes when joining servers, consider these final options:

  • Reinstall Garry’s Mod: Completely uninstall and reinstall the game via Steam.
  • Check Server Status: Sometimes the server itself is unstable or offline.
  • Review Official Forums and Support: Visit the GMod Steam Community Discussions or Facepunch Forums for help.
  • Contact Steam Support: For persistent issues unrelated to your PC configuration.
  • Check Windows Event Viewer: Look for error logs related to GMod to get clues on the crash causes.

Conclusion

Game crashes when joining servers in Garry’s Mod on Windows 11 can be fixed by following a structured troubleshooting approach. Start by verifying your game files and updating drivers, then move on to permission and compatibility settings.

Clearing cached data and adjusting launch options often resolve stubborn crashes. Always ensure your PC is running smoothly with the latest updates and minimal background interference.

If all else fails, reinstalling the game or seeking help from official forums is recommended. With patience and these detailed steps, you should be able to enjoy GMod multiplayer without interruption.

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