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Game crashing errors on Windows 11 can be frustrating and interrupt your gaming experience. These crashes might happen randomly or at specific points in the game. Fortunately, most crashing issues can be fixed with simple troubleshooting steps.

This guide will walk you through easy, step-by-step solutions to resolve game crashes on your Windows 11 computer. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow these instructions.

By carefully trying each step, you can identify and fix the root cause of the crashes. Let’s get started to make your gaming smooth and enjoyable again.

Remember, patience and following the steps in order will help you fix the problem efficiently.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

Before diving into deeper troubleshooting, ensure the following:

• Your Windows 11 system is fully updated. Updates often contain important fixes that improve stability.
• Your game and its launcher are also updated to the latest version.
• Check that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the game.
• Make sure your graphics drivers are current, as outdated drivers commonly cause crashes.
• Close unnecessary background programs that may interfere with the game.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

It may sound simple, but restarting your PC can fix many basic issues. Restarting clears temporary files and resets system processes that might be causing conflicts.

After rebooting, try launching the game again to see if the crash persists.

Step 2: Run the Game as Administrator

Sometimes, games require extra permissions to run properly, especially if they need to access certain system files.

1. Right-click the game’s shortcut or executable file.
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.

Now, launch the game and check if it still crashes.

Step 3: Update Graphics Drivers

Graphics drivers are essential for rendering games correctly. Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause of crashes.

To update your drivers:

1. Press Windows + X and choose Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display adapters section.
3. Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will look for newer drivers online.
5. If a new driver is found, follow the prompts to install it.

Alternatively, you can visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (such as NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) to download the latest drivers directly.

Step 4: Verify Game Files Integrity

If some game files are missing or corrupted, the game may crash. Most game launchers have a tool to check and repair game files.

For example, on Steam:

1. Open the Steam client and go to Library.
2. Right-click your game and select Properties.
3. Go to the Local Files tab.
4. Click Verify integrity of game files.
5. Steam will scan and replace any damaged files.

Other launchers like Epic Games or Origin have similar options.

Step 5: Disable Background Applications

Sometimes, other programs running in the background can conflict with your game.

To close unnecessary apps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Under the Processes tab, look for apps using a lot of CPU or memory.
3. Select unwanted apps and click End task.
4. Try running the game again.

Pay special attention to screen recorders, overlays (like Discord or GeForce Experience), and antivirus software, as they are common culprits.

Step 6: Adjust Graphics Settings in the Game

If your hardware struggles to run the game at high settings, it may crash due to overload.

Try lowering the game’s graphics settings such as resolution, texture quality, and shadows. This reduces strain on your system and can increase stability.

Step 7: Check for Windows 11 Compatibility Mode

Some games designed for older versions of Windows might have compatibility issues.

1. Right-click the game executable and select Properties.
2. Go to the Compatibility tab.
3. Check Run this program in compatibility mode for:
4. Choose Windows 10 or an earlier version from the dropdown.
5. Apply the changes and try launching the game.

Step 8: Reinstall the Game

If none of the above solutions work, reinstalling the game can fix corrupted installations.

Make sure to back up any saved game files if necessary before uninstalling.

1. Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Find your game in the list and select Uninstall.
3. After uninstalling, download and install the game fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my game keep crashing on Windows 11?

Common reasons include outdated drivers, corrupted game files, insufficient hardware, or conflicts with background software. Following the steps above usually helps resolve these issues.

Do I need the latest Windows updates to play games?

Yes. Windows updates often include important stability and security fixes that can improve game performance and reduce crashes.

Can antivirus software cause game crashes?

Sometimes. Antivirus programs may mistakenly block game files or interfere with game processes. Temporarily disabling antivirus or adding the game folder to exceptions can help.

Is it better to run games as administrator?

Running as administrator gives the game necessary permissions to access system files, which can prevent some crashes, especially on systems with strict security settings.

What should I do if a specific game crashes but others don’t?

This usually indicates an issue with that game’s files, settings, or compatibility. Verifying game files or reinstalling the game often solves the problem.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps and your game still crashes, consider the following options:

• Visit the official support page of the game or its developer. Many games have forums or knowledge bases with specific fixes.
• Contact the game’s customer support for personalized assistance.
• Check online community forums like Reddit or Discord for advice from other players who faced similar crashes.
• As a last resort, consider resetting or reinstalling Windows 11, but only after backing up your important data.

Conclusion

Game crashing errors on Windows 11 can usually be fixed by following a series of simple troubleshooting steps. Starting with a system restart and ensuring your drivers and software are up to date often resolves most issues.

Remember to verify game files, close conflicting programs, and adjust settings if needed. If problems persist, reinstalling the game or seeking official support can help.

By carefully applying these solutions, you can enjoy a much more stable and enjoyable gaming experience on your Windows 11 PC.