How to Fix Fortnite Crashing on Windows 11: Complete Steps to Solve the Error

Fortnite crashing on Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially when you just want to jump into the game. Many users experience unexpected crashes due to various system or software conflicts. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can follow to fix these issues.

This guide will help you troubleshoot and solve Fortnite crashing problems with easy-to-understand instructions. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow along.

By the end of this article, you will have a clear path to get Fortnite running smoothly on your Windows 11 PC.

Let’s dive into the solutions step-by-step, from basic checks to more advanced fixes.

Quick Note Before You Start

Before jumping into troubleshooting, make sure your system meets the following prerequisites:

Windows 11 is updated: Running the latest updates ensures compatibility and security.
Fortnite is updated: Always use the newest version of the game to avoid bugs.
Check internet connection: Fortnite requires a stable connection to run properly.
Verify system specs: Ensure your PC has enough RAM, a compatible GPU, and sufficient storage.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Restarting your PC is the simplest way to resolve temporary glitches. It clears the memory and closes background apps that may interfere with Fortnite.

How to do it:

Click the Windows Start button.
Select “Restart” from the power options.
Wait for your PC to reboot fully, then try launching Fortnite again.

Step 2: Run Fortnite as Administrator

Sometimes Fortnite needs administrative permissions to access certain files or system resources. Running the game as an administrator can prevent crashes caused by permission issues.

How to do it:

Right-click the Fortnite shortcut or executable file.
Select “Properties” from the menu.
Go to the “Compatibility” tab.
Check the box labeled “Run this program as an administrator.”
Click “Apply,” then “OK.”
Launch Fortnite and check if the crashing stops.

Step 3: Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers are a common cause of game crashes. Keeping your GPU drivers updated ensures better performance and stability.

How to update your drivers:

For NVIDIA GPUs: Visit NVIDIA’s official site and download the latest drivers.
For AMD GPUs: Go to AMD’s support page and update accordingly.
For Intel integrated graphics: Use Intel’s driver support.

After installation, restart your PC and try running Fortnite again.

Step 4: Verify Fortnite Game Files

Corrupted or missing game files often cause crashes. Using the Epic Games Launcher to verify the integrity of Fortnite’s files can fix this problem.

Steps to verify game files:

Open the Epic Games Launcher.
Go to your Library.
Find Fortnite and click on the three dots next to it.
Select “Verify.”
Wait for the process to complete—it may download missing or corrupted files.
Launch Fortnite afterward to see if the crashes persist.

Step 5: Disable Background Applications

Other programs running in the background can interfere with Fortnite. Disabling unnecessary apps can free up resources and reduce conflicts.

How to close background apps:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Look for non-essential applications consuming CPU, memory, or disk resources.
Right-click these apps and select “End task.”
Try launching Fortnite again.

Tip: Antivirus or firewall software may block Fortnite’s connection. Temporarily disable them to test if they cause crashes.

Step 6: Adjust In-Game Settings

Lowering graphics settings can reduce the load on your PC and prevent crashes caused by hardware limitations.

Recommended adjustments:

Set resolution to your monitor’s native size or lower.
Lower or turn off effects like shadows, textures, and anti-aliasing.
Disable fullscreen optimizations by right-clicking the Fortnite executable, selecting Properties, Compatibility tab, and checking “Disable fullscreen optimizations.”

Step 7: Reinstall Fortnite

If none of the above steps work, reinstalling Fortnite can fix deeper software issues by replacing all game files.

How to reinstall:

Open Epic Games Launcher and go to your Library.
Click the three dots next to Fortnite and select “Uninstall.”
After uninstalling, restart your PC.
Return to the Epic Games Launcher and reinstall Fortnite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Fortnite keep crashing on Windows 11?

Crashes can happen due to outdated drivers, corrupted game files, incompatible system updates, or conflicting background applications.

How often should I update my graphics drivers?

It’s a good practice to check for updates every few weeks or whenever you experience game crashes or performance issues.

Can antivirus software cause Fortnite crashes?

Yes, sometimes antivirus or firewall programs mistakenly block game files or network connections, causing crashes.

Is my PC hardware causing Fortnite to crash?

If your system specifications do not meet Fortnite’s minimum requirements, crashes and performance problems are likely.

Will disabling fullscreen optimizations help?

Yes, this can resolve display-related crashes by preventing Windows from interfering with the game’s fullscreen mode.

When Nothing Works

If Fortnite continues to crash after trying all these steps, consider the following options:

Check Epic Games Status: Sometimes server issues cause crashes. Visit Epic Games Status to see if there are outages.
Contact Epic Games Support: Submit a ticket or chat with support at Epic Games Help Center.
Consider System Restore: If crashes started recently, restoring your system to a previous state may help.
Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes new patches include fixes for gaming issues.

Conclusion

Fixing Fortnite crashes on Windows 11 involves a series of simple steps that address common causes like driver issues, corrupted files, and software conflicts. Starting with basic tasks such as restarting your PC and running the game as an administrator can quickly solve the problem for many users.

Updating your graphics drivers, verifying game files, and adjusting settings further improve stability. If necessary, reinstalling the game or seeking official support can resolve more complex problems.

By following this detailed guide, you should be able to enjoy Fortnite without unexpected interruptions, making your gaming experience more enjoyable and hassle-free.