How to Fix Games Crashing When Changing Resolution on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Experiencing game crashes when changing the resolution on Windows 11 can be frustrating. This issue often interrupts your gaming experience and can be caused by a variety of factors. Fortunately, there are several straightforward ways to fix this problem.

In this guide, we will walk you through simple, step-by-step solutions to resolve game crashes related to resolution changes. Each step is explained clearly to help even beginners troubleshoot effectively.

By following these instructions, you can enjoy a smoother gaming experience without unexpected interruptions. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the fixes.

These methods work for most popular games and Windows 11 systems.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before trying any fixes, make sure to complete these basic checks. Sometimes the solution is as simple as updating or adjusting a setting.

Check your system requirements: Ensure your PC meets the minimum requirements for the game and supports the resolution you want to use.
Update Windows 11: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any available updates. Updates often fix bugs that cause crashes.
Close unnecessary background programs: Running many apps can cause conflicts or use too much memory, leading to crashes.
Restart your computer: This clears temporary files and memory, which can sometimes resolve minor issues.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Game Crashing When Changing Resolution

Step 1: Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers are one of the most common reasons for crashes when changing resolution. Updating drivers ensures compatibility and better performance.

Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
Expand the Display adapters section.
Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers to let Windows find the latest driver.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install any updates.
Restart your PC after installation.

Why this matters: Updated drivers improve how your system handles different resolutions and can fix bugs that cause crashes.

Step 2: Change the Game’s Resolution Settings from Within the Game

Sometimes changing resolution directly through Windows causes crashes. Instead, try changing it inside the game’s settings.

Open the game and go to its Settings or Options menu.
Find the Display or Graphics section.
Adjust the resolution to your desired value.
Apply the changes and restart the game if necessary.

Why this helps: Games often optimize resolution changes internally, avoiding conflicts with Windows display settings.

Step 3: Run the Game in Compatibility Mode

Older games or some titles not fully optimized for Windows 11 might crash when changing resolution. Running the game in compatibility mode can improve stability.

Right-click the game shortcut or executable file and select Properties.
Go to the Compatibility tab.
Check the box Run this program in compatibility mode for:
Select Windows 10 or an earlier version from the dropdown.
Click Apply and then OK.
Try running the game again and change the resolution.

Why this can fix crashes: Compatibility mode adjusts how the game runs, helping it work better with newer Windows versions.

Step 4: Adjust Display Scaling Settings

Windows display scaling can sometimes interfere with how games handle resolution changes.

Right-click your desktop and select Display settings.
Scroll to the Scale and layout section.
Set the scaling to 100% (or the recommended setting).
Restart your PC.
Launch the game and try changing the resolution again.

Why this step matters: Non-standard scaling can cause graphical glitches or crashes in games, especially when resolution changes.

Step 5: Disable Fullscreen Optimizations

Fullscreen optimizations are designed to improve performance but sometimes cause instability with resolution changes.

Right-click your game’s executable or shortcut and select Properties.
Go to the Compatibility tab.
Check Disable fullscreen optimizations.
Click Apply and OK.
Restart the game and test resolution changes.

Why disable fullscreen optimizations: It prevents Windows from interfering with the game’s display mode, reducing crashes.

Step 6: Verify Game Files (For Games on Steam or Other Launchers)

Corrupted game files can cause crashes during resolution changes. Verifying game files ensures all files are intact.

Steam: Right-click the game in your library > Properties > Local Files > Verify integrity of game files.
Epic Games Launcher: Click the three dots next to the game > Verify.
Wait for the verification to finish.
Restart the game and try changing resolution.

Alternative and Advanced Options

Use Windowed or Borderless Windowed Mode

If fullscreen mode crashes when changing resolution, try switching to Windowed or Borderless Windowed mode from the game’s settings. This can improve stability when adjusting display settings.

Adjust Resolution Using Graphics Card Software

Both Nvidia and AMD provide control panels to customize resolutions and display settings. Setting a custom resolution here before launching the game may prevent crashes.

Open Nvidia Control Panel or AMD Radeon Software.
Go to Display > Change resolution or Custom resolutions.
Create or select a resolution you want to use.
Apply the changes and launch the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my game crash only when I change the resolution?

This usually happens because the graphics driver or game is unable to handle the new resolution properly. It can also be caused by incompatible display settings or corrupted game files.

Can outdated Windows cause resolution-related crashes?

Yes. Windows updates often include fixes for display and compatibility issues, so keeping your system updated helps prevent crashes.

Is it safe to disable fullscreen optimizations?

Yes, disabling fullscreen optimizations won’t harm your system. It can improve game stability, especially if you experience crashes or performance issues.

What if updating drivers doesn’t fix the problem?

If updating drivers doesn’t help, try running the game in compatibility mode or verifying game files. These steps often resolve deeper compatibility issues.

Can third-party software cause these crashes?

Yes, some software like screen recorders or overlays can interfere with games. Try disabling or closing such programs while gaming.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the steps above and your games still crash when changing resolution, consider the following final options:

Reinstall the game: A fresh install can fix corrupted or missing files causing crashes.
Reset Windows display settings: Use Settings > System > Display and click Advanced display settings to reset to default.
Contact game support: Visit the official website or forums of the game for help tailored to that title.
Check Microsoft’s support: Refer to the Windows 11 support page for known issues and fixes.

Conclusion

Game crashes when changing resolution on Windows 11 can be caused by a variety of factors, but most can be resolved with simple troubleshooting steps. Updating drivers, adjusting game and system settings, and verifying game integrity are effective ways to fix this issue.

Remember to start with the easiest solutions and move to more advanced options only if needed. By following this guide, you can enjoy your games without interruptions caused by resolution changes.

Always keep your system and games updated, and don’t hesitate to seek help from official support if problems persist.