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How to Fix Horizon Forbidden West Not Working on Windows 11: Effective Solutions and Error Fixes

Horizon Forbidden West is an exciting game that many Windows 11 users enjoy playing. However, some players encounter issues where the game does not work as expected. This guide will help you fix common problems and get the game running smoothly again.

Whether the game crashes, won’t launch, or shows error messages, these solutions cover the basics and some advanced fixes. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow along.

Each step is clearly explained to make troubleshooting simple and effective. Let’s start by checking some quick notes before diving into detailed solutions.

By the end of this article, you should have a working game or know what to try next for help.

Quick Note: Essential Checks Before Troubleshooting

  • Verify System Requirements: Make sure your PC meets the minimum requirements for Horizon Forbidden West. Insufficient hardware can cause crashes or failure to launch.
  • Update Windows 11: Keeping your operating system updated ensures compatibility and fixes bugs. Press Windows + I, go to Windows Update, and install any pending updates.
  • Check Game Files: Corrupted or missing files often cause problems. We will cover how to verify game integrity later in the steps.
  • Close Background Programs: Some software may interfere with the game. Try closing unnecessary apps like browsers, overlays, or antivirus temporarily.

Step 1: Run the Game as Administrator

Sometimes, Horizon Forbidden West needs extra permissions to work correctly. Running the game as an administrator can help avoid permission issues.

  1. Find the game’s shortcut on your desktop or in the installation folder.
  2. Right-click the shortcut and select Properties.
  3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  4. Check the box that says Run this program as an administrator.
  5. Click Apply and then OK.
  6. Try launching the game again.

This step ensures the game has the rights it needs to access system resources without being blocked.

Step 2: Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can cause performance issues or crashes. Keeping your GPU drivers up to date is crucial for gaming.

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Display adapters to see your graphics card.
  3. Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers and follow prompts if updates are available.
  5. Alternatively, visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) for the latest drivers.

Updated drivers improve compatibility and can fix bugs that cause the game to malfunction.

Step 3: Verify and Repair Game Files

If your game files are damaged or missing, Horizon Forbidden West may not run properly. Verifying the game files through the platform you use (Steam, Epic Games Store, etc.) can fix this.

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.
  5. Wait for Steam to scan and repair files if needed.

For Epic Games Store Users:

  1. Open the Epic Games Launcher.
  2. Go to your Library and find Horizon Forbidden West.
  3. Click the three dots next to the game and select Verify.
  4. Let the launcher check and repair files.

This process replaces corrupted or lost files, solving many launch and crash issues.

Step 4: Disable Fullscreen Optimization

Fullscreen optimizations can sometimes cause conflicts with certain games, leading to crashes or freezes.

  1. Right-click the Horizon Forbidden West shortcut and select Properties.
  2. Navigate to the Compatibility tab.
  3. Check the box for Disable fullscreen optimizations.
  4. Click Apply and then OK.
  5. Launch the game again.

This disables certain Windows features that may interfere with the game’s display.

Step 5: Adjust Antivirus and Firewall Settings

Sometimes, antivirus or firewall programs mistakenly block the game from running or connecting to the internet.

  • Add Horizon Forbidden West to the exceptions or whitelist in your antivirus software.
  • Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall to test if they are the cause.
  • If the game works with antivirus off, configure it to allow the game permanently.

Be careful when disabling security software; always re-enable it after testing.

Step 6: Update DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables

The game relies on Microsoft components like DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables. Missing or outdated versions can cause errors.

  1. Download the latest DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer and run it.
  2. Download and install the latest Visual C++ Redistributables (both x86 and x64).
  3. Restart your PC and try launching the game again.

Keeping these components updated ensures the game’s graphics and system calls work properly.

Step 7: Reinstall the Game

If none of the above steps work, reinstalling Horizon Forbidden West can fix deeper installation issues.

  1. Uninstall the game via the platform or Windows Settings.
  2. Restart your computer to clear any locked files.
  3. Download and install the game again.
  4. Launch the game to check if the problem is resolved.

This process replaces all game files and resets settings to default.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Horizon Forbidden West crash on startup in Windows 11?

Crashes can result from outdated drivers, corrupted game files, or software conflicts. Following the steps above usually resolves these issues.

Is Windows 11 fully supported for Horizon Forbidden West?

Yes, but your PC needs to meet minimum specs and have updated drivers and Windows updates installed.

How do I check if my PC meets the game’s requirements?

Check the official game website or store page for minimum and recommended specs. Compare them with your system information via Settings > System > About.

Can antivirus software cause Horizon Forbidden West to not work?

Yes, some antivirus programs may block essential game files or internet access. Adding exceptions or temporarily disabling antivirus can help diagnose this.

Why should I run the game as administrator?

Running as administrator grants necessary permissions that prevent issues related to file access or system resources.

What if I still get errors after reinstalling?

Contact official support or check community forums for specific error codes and solutions.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and Horizon Forbidden West still does not work on your Windows 11 PC, consider these final options:

  • Check Official Support: Visit the game’s official website or support page for troubleshooting guides and contact details.
  • Community Forums: Platforms like Reddit, Steam Community, or the Epic Games forums often have user-shared fixes and advice.
  • System Restore or Fresh Windows Install: As a last resort, restoring your PC to a previous working state or reinstalling Windows 11 can eliminate deep system issues.
  • Hardware Check: Ensure your hardware components are functioning properly, especially your GPU and RAM.

Conclusion

Getting Horizon Forbidden West to work on Windows 11 is often straightforward with the right steps. Start by verifying system compatibility and updating your software. Running the game as administrator, updating drivers, and verifying game files solve most problems.

If you encounter more stubborn errors, adjusting antivirus settings, updating DirectX, or reinstalling the game usually helps. Always keep your system and game updated for best performance.

By following this detailed guide, you can enjoy Horizon Forbidden West with fewer disruptions and a smoother gaming experience.

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