How to Fix FIFA 18 Not Working on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions for Common Errors

FIFA 18 is a popular football game enjoyed by many Windows users. However, some players face issues when trying to run FIFA 18 on Windows 11. These problems can range from crashes to the game not launching at all.

This guide will help you fix common errors with FIFA 18 on Windows 11. The steps are simple and easy to follow, even if you are not very tech-savvy.

By carefully following these solutions, you can get FIFA 18 working smoothly again. Let’s start with some quick checks before moving on to detailed fixes.

Read on to learn how to troubleshoot and solve FIFA 18 problems step-by-step.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

Before diving into complex troubleshooting, ensure the following:

  • Check system requirements: Make sure your PC meets the minimum requirements for FIFA 18. Windows 11 compatibility should be considered.
  • Update Windows 11: Keeping your operating system updated helps fix bugs and improve compatibility.
  • Update graphics drivers: Outdated drivers often cause game crashes or performance issues.
  • Restart your PC: Sometimes a simple restart clears temporary glitches affecting the game.
  • Run as administrator: Running FIFA 18 with administrator rights can solve permission-related problems.

Step 1: Run FIFA 18 in Compatibility Mode

Windows 11 is new, and FIFA 18 was designed for earlier versions of Windows. Running the game in compatibility mode helps Windows mimic an older environment the game expects.

  1. Right-click on the FIFA 18 shortcut or executable file.
  2. Select Properties from the menu.
  3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  4. Check the box labeled Run this program in compatibility mode for:
  5. Choose Windows 10 or Windows 8 from the dropdown list.
  6. Click Apply and then OK.
  7. Try launching FIFA 18 again.

This method helps if the game is not launching or crashes immediately.

Step 2: Update Your Graphics Drivers

Graphics drivers control how your PC interacts with the GPU (graphics card). Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause FIFA 18 to crash or not start.

To update your graphics drivers:

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions if an update is found.
  6. Restart your PC and try launching FIFA 18.

Alternatively, visit the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) to download the latest drivers directly.

Step 3: Verify Game Files Integrity (For Origin or EA Desktop Users)

Sometimes game files can get corrupted or missing. Verifying the integrity of game files will fix these issues by downloading the correct files.

To verify your FIFA 18 files:

  1. Open the Origin or EA Desktop app.
  2. Go to My Game Library.
  3. Right-click on FIFA 18 and select Repair.
  4. Wait for the process to finish. It will check and replace any corrupted or missing files.
  5. Launch the game again.

Step 4: Disable Background Applications

Other programs running on your PC may interfere with FIFA 18, causing it to freeze or crash.

To close unnecessary background apps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. In the Processes tab, look for apps you don’t need while gaming (e.g., web browsers, update tools).
  3. Select them and click End Task.
  4. Try running FIFA 18 again.

This step frees up system resources and reduces conflicts.

Step 5: Adjust In-Game Graphics Settings

If FIFA 18 launches but runs poorly or crashes during gameplay, lowering the graphics settings can help.

Try these adjustments:

  • Open FIFA 18 and go to Settings > Video.
  • Lower the resolution to a value supported by your monitor.
  • Set graphics quality to Low or Medium.
  • Turn off advanced features like anti-aliasing or shadows.
  • Save changes and test the game.

Reducing graphics load helps computers with modest hardware run the game more smoothly.

Step 6: Reinstall FIFA 18

If none of the above steps work, reinstalling the game can often fix deeper issues.

Here’s how to reinstall:

  1. Open Control Panel > Programs and Features.
  2. Find FIFA 18 in the list and select Uninstall.
  3. Follow the prompts to remove the game completely.
  4. Restart your PC.
  5. Reinstall FIFA 18 from your Origin/EA Desktop app or installation media.
  6. After installation, launch the game and check if it works.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does FIFA 18 crash immediately after launching?

Crashes are often caused by outdated drivers, corrupted files, or compatibility issues. Try updating your GPU drivers, running the game in compatibility mode, or repairing game files.

Can I run FIFA 18 on Windows 11 without problems?

Yes, FIFA 18 can run on Windows 11 but may require compatibility adjustments and updated drivers to work smoothly.

Do I need a powerful PC to run FIFA 18 on Windows 11?

While FIFA 18 is not very demanding compared to newer games, your PC should meet minimum system requirements to avoid performance issues.

What should I do if FIFA 18 freezes during gameplay?

Try lowering graphics settings, closing background apps, and updating drivers. If the problem persists, verify the game files or reinstall the game.

Is it necessary to run FIFA 18 as administrator?

Running as administrator can help fix permission-related issues that prevent the game from launching or saving progress.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and FIFA 18 still does not work on your Windows 11 PC, consider these final options:

  • Check the official EA Help website: Visit EA Help for support articles and contact options.
  • Contact EA Support: Submit a ticket or chat with support for personalized assistance.
  • Join FIFA community forums: Other players may have found solutions specific to your issue.
  • Perform a clean Windows 11 installation: As a last resort, reinstall Windows to fix underlying system problems.

Conclusion

FIFA 18 not working on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but most issues can be resolved with simple troubleshooting. Start by ensuring your system is updated and meets requirements, then run the game in compatibility mode and update your drivers.

Verifying game files and disabling unnecessary background apps help improve stability. Adjusting graphics settings or reinstalling the game often fixes persistent problems.

If all else fails, official support and community resources are valuable for further help. By following these steps carefully, you can get back to enjoying FIFA 18 on your Windows 11 PC with minimal hassle.

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