No Man’s Sky is an exciting space exploration game enjoyed by many players worldwide. However, sometimes you might encounter the “Corrupt Archive Data” error on Windows 11. This error can prevent the game from launching or cause it to crash unexpectedly.
Fixing this issue might seem complicated at first, but with the right steps, it can be resolved quickly. This guide will walk you through simple and effective methods to get your game running smoothly again.
Each step is explained in a clear, basic way to ensure even beginners can follow along without confusion. By the end, you should have a better understanding of how to handle this error.
Let’s start by making sure your system and game meet some basic requirements before diving into troubleshooting.
Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks
- Check your game platform: Make sure you are using the latest version of Steam or the Microsoft Store app, depending on where you purchased No Man’s Sky.
- Verify Windows 11 updates: Keeping your operating system updated reduces compatibility issues.
- Check disk space: Ensure you have enough free space on your drive where No Man’s Sky is installed.
- Backup your save files: Before fixing archive errors, back up your saves to avoid any data loss.
Step 1: Verify Integrity of Game Files (Simplest and Most Effective)
Corrupt archive errors often happen because some game files are damaged or missing. The easiest way to fix this is by verifying your game files through the game launcher.
For Steam Users:
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Right-click on No Man’s Sky and select Properties.
- Navigate to the Local Files tab.
- Click Verify integrity of game files.
- Steam will scan the game files and automatically download any missing or corrupted files.
For Microsoft Store Users:
- Open Settings in Windows 11.
- Go to Apps > Installed apps.
- Find No Man’s Sky in the list and click the three dots next to it.
- Select Advanced options.
- Click on Repair. If that doesn’t fix the issue, try the Reset option.
Why this matters: Verifying files replaces corrupt or missing files with correct ones, fixing many common errors.
Step 2: Clear Download Cache (Helps with Corrupted Downloads)
Sometimes, files can become corrupted during the download or update process. Clearing the cache forces the launcher to re-download fresh files.
For Steam Users:
- Open Steam client.
- Click on Steam in the top-left corner.
- Select Settings > Downloads.
- Click Clear Download Cache.
- Restart Steam and try launching the game again.
Step 3: Run the Game as Administrator
Running No Man’s Sky with administrator privileges can fix access issues that might cause archive errors.
- Right-click the No Man’s Sky shortcut or executable file.
- Select Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box for Run this program as an administrator.
- Click Apply and then OK.
- Launch the game to see if the error persists.
Step 4: Update Graphics Drivers and Windows 11
Outdated drivers or operating system files can cause unexpected errors in games. Keeping these updated ensures better compatibility and performance.
- Open Device Manager from the Start menu.
- Expand Display adapters.
- Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Follow the prompts to install any available updates.
- Also, check for Windows updates under Settings > Windows Update and install all important updates.
Step 5: Reinstall No Man’s Sky (Advanced but Effective)
If none of the above steps work, reinstalling the game can fix deep corruptions in the game files or archives.
- Backup your save files from the game directory before uninstalling.
- Open Steam or Microsoft Store, go to No Man’s Sky, and choose Uninstall.
- After uninstalling, restart your PC.
- Reinstall the game from your platform.
- Launch the game and check if the error has been resolved.
Why this helps: A fresh installation ensures all game files are clean and correctly installed.
Alternative Methods and Advanced Options
- Check your antivirus or firewall: Sometimes security software blocks or quarantines game files. Temporarily disable these or add No Man’s Sky as an exception.
- Run SFC and DISM scans: These Windows tools repair system files that might affect game performance.
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Run these commands in an elevated Command Prompt (Admin) and restart your computer.
FAQs
What causes the “Corrupt Archive Data” error in No Man’s Sky?
This error usually happens due to damaged or missing game files, corrupted downloads, or conflicts with system software.
Will verifying game files delete my saved games?
No, verifying game files only checks and replaces the core game files. Your saved games remain intact.
Is this error common on Windows 11 only?
No, it can occur on any Windows version, but Windows 11 users may face it more often due to recent system changes and updates.
Can I prevent this error in the future?
Keeping your game and system updated, avoiding forced shutdowns during updates, and regularly verifying game files can help prevent this error.
Does reinstalling the game delete my progress?
Reinstalling the game removes the game files but does not delete save files if you back them up properly before uninstalling.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the steps above and still face the “Corrupt Archive Data” error, consider the following options:
- Visit the official No Man’s Sky Support Center for specialized help.
- Check community forums like Steam Discussions or Reddit for similar issues and solutions.
- Contact your game platform’s customer support (Steam or Microsoft Store) for assistance.
- Perform a clean boot of Windows 11 to rule out software conflicts (Microsoft guide).
Conclusion
Encountering the “Corrupt Archive Data” error in No Man’s Sky on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but it is usually fixable with some straightforward steps. Start by verifying your game files and clearing download caches, then move on to updating drivers and running the game as administrator.
If these do not work, a clean reinstall often resolves deeper issues. Remember to back up your save files before making major changes. By following this guide, you can get back to exploring the universe without interruption.