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How to Fix Horizon Forbidden West Bugs on Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Steps

Horizon Forbidden West is an exciting game that many Windows 11 users enjoy playing. However, some players encounter bugs that can disrupt their experience. These glitches might range from crashes to performance issues.

Fixing these bugs doesn’t have to be complicated. With some simple troubleshooting steps, you can improve your game’s stability and enjoy smoother gameplay.

This guide will walk you through easy and clear solutions, starting from basic checks to more advanced fixes. Follow the steps carefully to get the best results.

Let’s dive into the troubleshooting process and get your game running perfectly on Windows 11.

Quick Note Before You Start

Before attempting any fixes, make sure your system meets the basic requirements for Horizon Forbidden West. This includes having enough RAM, a compatible graphics card, and sufficient storage space.

Also, ensure Windows 11 is fully updated. Many bugs arise from outdated system files or drivers. Having the latest updates can solve these problems automatically.

Finally, close unnecessary background programs while playing, as they can interfere with game performance.

Step 1: Update Your Graphics Drivers

Graphics drivers are crucial for gaming performance. Outdated or corrupted drivers often cause crashes or graphical glitches.

To update your drivers:

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers.
  5. Follow the prompts to install any available updates.

Restart your computer after the update to apply changes. This step can fix many common bugs related to graphics performance.

Step 2: Verify Game Files Integrity

Corrupted or missing game files can cause errors or crashes. If you installed Horizon Forbidden West via a platform like Steam or the Epic Games Store, you can verify the game files easily.

For Steam users:

  1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
  2. Right-click Horizon Forbidden West and select Properties.
  3. Go to the Local Files tab.
  4. Click Verify integrity of game files.

The system will check your installation and download any missing or corrupted files. This can resolve many bugs caused by incomplete installations.

Step 3: Adjust In-Game Graphics Settings

Sometimes, high graphics settings can overwhelm your system, causing lag or crashes. Reducing these settings can improve stability.

Try lowering:

  • Resolution
  • Texture quality
  • Shadow quality
  • Anti-aliasing

Start with medium or low presets and gradually increase if your system handles it well. This helps you find the best balance between visuals and performance.

Step 4: Run the Game as Administrator

Running Horizon Forbidden West as an administrator gives the game permission to access system files it might need. This can prevent permission-related bugs.

To do this:

  1. Right-click the game shortcut or executable 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 then OK.

Launch the game again to see if the issue is resolved.

Step 5: Disable Background Applications

Background applications can consume system resources and cause conflicts with the game. Temporarily disabling unnecessary apps can improve performance.

To disable background apps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Look under the Processes tab for apps using high CPU or memory.
  3. Right-click unwanted apps and select End task.
  4. Avoid closing essential system processes.

After disabling these apps, try running the game again.

Step 6: Update Windows and Game Patches

Both Windows updates and game patches often include bug fixes and performance improvements. Make sure you have the latest versions installed.

To check for Windows updates:

  1. Open Settings (press Win + I).
  2. Go to Windows Update.
  3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

For game updates, check your game launcher or platform for patches and install them promptly.

Step 7: Adjust Compatibility Settings

If the game is still unstable, try running it in compatibility mode for an earlier version of Windows. Sometimes this fixes compatibility-related bugs.

To enable compatibility mode:

  1. Right-click the game executable or shortcut.
  2. Choose Properties.
  3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  4. Check Run this program in compatibility mode for:.
  5. Select Windows 10 from the dropdown.
  6. Click Apply and OK.

Run the game again to see if this resolves your issue.

Step 8: Reinstall the Game

If none of the previous steps worked, a clean reinstall might be necessary. This helps fix any deep file corruption or installation errors.

To reinstall:

  1. Uninstall Horizon Forbidden West from your system.
  2. Restart your computer.
  3. Install the game again through your preferred platform.

Make sure to download the full files and avoid interrupting the installation process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Horizon Forbidden West crash on Windows 11?

Crashes often happen due to outdated drivers, corrupted game files, or system incompatibilities. Updating drivers and verifying game files usually helps.

Can running the game as administrator improve performance?

Yes, running the game as an administrator gives it the necessary permissions to access system resources, which can reduce errors and crashes.

Is it safe to disable background apps while gaming?

Generally, yes. Just avoid closing system-critical processes. Disabling unnecessary apps frees up resources for better game performance.

How often should I update my graphics drivers?

It’s good to check for updates monthly or whenever you experience performance issues in games.

Will reinstalling Horizon Forbidden West delete my saved data?

Usually, saved data is stored separately (like in the cloud or a different folder), but it’s best to back up your saves before reinstalling.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above steps and still face issues, it might be time to seek official support. Visit the Guerrilla Games Support page for specialized help.

You can also check community forums like Reddit or Steam Discussions, where other players share solutions.

As a last resort, consider checking your hardware for faults or conflicts that might affect game performance.

Conclusion

Fixing Horizon Forbidden West bugs on Windows 11 starts with simple checks like updating drivers and verifying game files. Adjusting settings and running the game with proper permissions often resolve common issues.

Always keep your system and game updated, and don’t hesitate to seek advanced help if needed. With patience and the right steps, you can enjoy a smooth gaming experience.

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