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Dead by Daylight Update on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Common Errors

Dead by Daylight is a popular multiplayer horror game enjoyed by many on Windows 11. However, updates can sometimes cause errors that interrupt gameplay. If you’re encountering issues after a recent update, don’t worry—this guide will help you fix common problems step-by-step.

Each solution here is designed to be easy to follow, even if you’re not very technical. We’ll start with simple checks and move toward more advanced fixes.

By following these instructions, you should be able to get your game running smoothly again on Windows 11. Let’s dive in.

Remember, patience is key when troubleshooting. Sometimes small adjustments make a big difference.

Quick Note Before You Start

  • Make sure your Windows 11 system is fully updated. Some errors happen because the OS itself needs patches.
  • Check your internet connection. A stable connection is essential for game updates and online play.
  • Verify that your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Dead by Daylight.
  • Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date—outdated drivers often cause crashes or performance issues.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Before making any changes, try restarting your PC. This simple action clears temporary files and frees up system resources, which can resolve many minor errors.

How to restart:

  1. Click the Start button in the bottom-left corner.
  2. Select the Power icon.
  3. Click Restart.

After your PC restarts, launch Dead by Daylight to see if the problem persists.

Step 2: Run the Game as Administrator

Running Dead by Daylight with administrator privileges allows the game to access necessary system files and permissions that might be restricted otherwise. This can fix issues related to file access or updates.

How to run as administrator:

  1. Right-click the Dead by Daylight shortcut on your desktop or in your Start menu.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  4. Check the box that says Run this program as an administrator.
  5. Click Apply, then OK.
  6. Double-click the game to launch it.

Step 3: Verify Game Files on Steam

If you’re playing Dead by Daylight through Steam, corrupted or missing game files can cause errors after an update. Verifying the integrity of game files will check for these issues and fix them automatically.

How to verify game files:

  1. Open the Steam client and go to your Library.
  2. Right-click Dead by Daylight and select Properties.
  3. Click on Local Files in the left menu.
  4. Click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
  5. Wait for Steam to complete the process, then try launching the game again.

Step 4: Update Graphics Drivers

Game errors often stem from outdated or incompatible graphics drivers. Keeping your drivers current ensures the best performance and compatibility with Windows 11 and game updates.

How to update your graphics drivers:

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Display adapters.
  3. Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
  5. Follow the prompts if an update is found.

Alternatively, visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (like NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) to download the latest drivers manually.

Step 5: Disable Background Applications

Some background applications can interfere with Dead by Daylight, causing crashes or slowdowns. Temporarily disabling unnecessary software can help isolate the problem.

How to close background apps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click the Processes tab.
  3. Select unnecessary apps that might be using a lot of CPU or memory.
  4. Click End Task for each one.
  5. Try running the game again.

Common culprits include screen recorders, overlay apps (like Discord or GeForce Experience), and antivirus software.

Step 6: Adjust Compatibility Settings

If Dead by Daylight still won’t run correctly, try adjusting compatibility settings to help the game work better on Windows 11.

How to change compatibility mode:

  1. Right-click the game shortcut and select Properties.
  2. Open the Compatibility tab.
  3. Check Run this program in compatibility mode for:.
  4. Choose Windows 10 from the dropdown menu.
  5. Click Apply and OK.
  6. Launch the game to test.

Step 7: Reinstall Dead by Daylight

If none of the above steps work, a clean reinstall might be necessary. This ensures all game files are fresh and correctly installed.

How to reinstall:

  1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
  2. Right-click Dead by Daylight and select Uninstall.
  3. Confirm the uninstallation.
  4. Restart your PC.
  5. Reinstall Dead by Daylight from Steam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Dead by Daylight crash after an update on Windows 11?

Crashes are often caused by outdated drivers, corrupted game files, or compatibility issues with the operating system. Following the steps above usually resolves these problems.

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

You can find the minimum and recommended specs on the official Dead by Daylight Steam page. Compare these with your system information by pressing Win + Pause or using the System Information app.

Will disabling antivirus software help?

Sometimes antivirus programs mistakenly block game files. Temporarily disabling them during gameplay or adding Dead by Daylight as an exception can help.

Should I update Windows before updating the game?

Yes, keeping Windows updated ensures compatibility with games and software. Missing updates can cause unexpected errors.

Can I recover my saved game progress after reinstalling?

Most progress is saved on your Steam account or cloud servers, but it’s a good idea to back up your saves manually before reinstalling.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and continue experiencing issues, consider these final options:

  • Visit the official Dead by Daylight Support Page for more detailed help and contact information.
  • Check the Steam Community forums for similar issues and community solutions.
  • Try running the game on a different user account on your PC to rule out profile-specific issues.
  • Consider performing a Windows 11 system repair using built-in tools like sfc /scannow in Command Prompt.

Conclusion

Dead by Daylight updates on Windows 11 can sometimes cause errors, but most problems are fixable with a few straightforward steps. Start with basic solutions like restarting your PC and running the game as administrator. Then verify your game files, update drivers, and adjust settings as needed.

If issues persist, reinstalling the game or seeking official support is a good approach. Following this guide will help you troubleshoot effectively and get back to enjoying Dead by Daylight without frustration.

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