Blog

How to Fix Forza Horizon 3 Errors on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions to Solve Common Issues

Forza Horizon 3 is a popular racing game enjoyed by many on Windows 11. However, like any software, it can sometimes face errors that disrupt gameplay. These issues can range from crashes to performance problems or installation errors.

Fixing these errors can often be straightforward if you follow the right steps carefully. This guide will walk you through simple and effective solutions to common Forza Horizon 3 errors on Windows 11.

Whether you’re a beginner or have some technical knowledge, the instructions here are designed to be easy to understand and follow. Let’s get your game running smoothly again.

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to check a few things to save time and effort.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Check System Requirements: Ensure your PC meets the minimum requirements for Forza Horizon 3. Insufficient hardware can cause errors.
  • Update Windows 11: Running the latest Windows updates can fix compatibility issues and bugs.
  • Update Graphics Drivers: Outdated GPU drivers are a common cause of game crashes and performance problems.
  • Stable Internet Connection: Some errors happen due to connectivity problems, especially during game activation or online play.
  • Close Background Applications: Other software running in the background can interfere with the game.

Step 1: Run Forza Horizon 3 as Administrator

Sometimes, the game needs special permissions to run correctly. Running it as an administrator can solve many access-related errors.

  1. Find the Forza Horizon 3 shortcut on your desktop or in the Start menu.
  2. Right-click the icon and select Run as administrator.
  3. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes to allow.

This step helps because administrator mode gives the game full access to your system resources and files, preventing permission-related crashes.

Step 2: Verify Game Files on Microsoft Store or Steam

Corrupted or missing game files can cause errors. Verifying the game files ensures everything is correct and intact.

If You Use Microsoft Store:

  1. Open the Microsoft Store.
  2. Click the three-dot menu in the upper right corner and select Downloads and updates.
  3. Find Forza Horizon 3 and click on it.
  4. Click Repair or Reset to fix the app files.

If You Use Steam:

  1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
  2. Right-click Forza Horizon 3 and select Properties.
  3. Under the Local Files tab, click Verify Integrity of Game Files.

This process detects and replaces corrupted files, which often solves crashes and loading issues.

Step 3: Update Graphics Drivers

Your graphics card drivers control how your PC communicates with your GPU. Outdated drivers can cause poor performance or game crashes.

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Display adapters and right-click your graphics card.
  3. Select Update driver and then choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
  4. Alternatively, visit the official website of your GPU manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest drivers.

After updating, restart your PC to apply changes.

Step 4: Adjust Game Compatibility Settings

Sometimes, running the game in compatibility mode can resolve issues related to Windows 11 compatibility.

  1. Right-click the Forza Horizon 3 shortcut and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  3. Check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select Windows 10 from the dropdown.
  4. Also, check Run this program as an administrator.
  5. Click Apply and then OK.

This forces the game to run with settings tailored for Windows 10, which is often more stable for older games.

Step 5: Disable Fullscreen Optimization

Fullscreen optimization can sometimes cause performance drops or crashes in games.

  1. Open the Forza Horizon 3 shortcut properties again.
  2. Under the Compatibility tab, click Change high DPI settings.
  3. Check Override high DPI scaling behavior and select Application from the dropdown.
  4. Click OK and then Apply.

This disables Windows’ automatic scaling that can interfere with game rendering.

Step 6: Reinstall DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables

Forza Horizon 3 relies on certain Microsoft software components to run. Missing or corrupted DirectX or Visual C++ files can cause errors.

  1. Visit the official Microsoft website to download the latest DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer.
  2. Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions.
  3. Next, download and install the latest Visual C++ Redistributables.
  4. Restart your PC after installation.

This ensures the game has all the required system components to function properly.

Step 7: Adjust Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Sometimes security software blocks game files or network connections, causing errors or preventing online play.

  1. Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
  2. Navigate to Firewall & network protection and click Allow an app through firewall.
  3. Find Forza Horizon 3 and ensure both Private and Public networks are allowed.
  4. If you use third-party antivirus software, add Forza Horizon 3 to its exception or whitelist.

Allowing the game through your firewall and antivirus helps prevent unnecessary blocking.

Step 8: Perform a Clean Boot

If background programs are interfering with the game, a clean boot can help identify the issue.

  1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. Go to the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services.
  3. Click Disable all.
  4. Next, open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  5. Go to the Startup tab and disable all startup items.
  6. Restart your PC and try running the game again.

This disables all non-essential programs that might conflict with Forza Horizon 3.

FAQs

Why does Forza Horizon 3 keep crashing on Windows 11?

Crashes are often caused by outdated drivers, corrupted game files, or software conflicts. Following the steps above usually solves these issues.

Can I play Forza Horizon 3 offline?

Yes, Forza Horizon 3 supports offline play, but some features require an internet connection.

How do I update Forza Horizon 3?

Updates are usually automatic via Microsoft Store or Steam. You can also check manually within these platforms.

Is my PC compatible with Forza Horizon 3 on Windows 11?

Check the minimum system requirements on the official Forza website. Windows 11 compatibility is generally good if your hardware is up to date.

What if I receive an installation error?

Try clearing the Microsoft Store cache by running wsreset.exe from the Run dialog, then reinstall the game.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the steps above and Forza Horizon 3 still shows errors, consider these final options:

  • Contact Official Support: Visit the Forza Support Page for personalized help.
  • Reinstall the Game: Uninstall and reinstall the game completely to fix persistent issues.
  • Check Forums and Communities: Sometimes, other players share fixes for specific problems on forums like Reddit or the official Forza forums.
  • Rollback Windows Update: If the problem started after a recent Windows 11 update, consider rolling back to a previous version temporarily.

Conclusion

Forza Horizon 3 errors on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but most problems have simple solutions. Starting with basic checks like system updates and running the game as administrator can fix many issues quickly.

Verifying game files, updating your graphics drivers, and adjusting compatibility settings often resolve crashes and performance problems. If needed, more advanced steps like reinstalling system libraries or performing a clean boot can help isolate tricky conflicts.

Remember to use official resources and support channels if problems persist beyond these fixes. By following this step-by-step guide carefully, you’ll improve your chances of enjoying Forza Horizon 3 without interruption on Windows 11.

Leave a Reply