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How to Fix Kodi Crashing on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions to Solve Errors

Kodi is a popular media player used by many to stream videos, music, and more. However, it sometimes crashes on Windows 11, causing frustration for users. If you’re facing this issue, don’t worry — there are simple ways to fix it.

This guide will walk you through easy and detailed steps to resolve Kodi crashing problems. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow along. Each step is explained clearly to help you get Kodi running smoothly again.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of why Kodi crashes and how to fix it effectively. Let’s get started with some quick checks.

Follow these solutions in the order they appear, starting from the simplest fixes.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

Before troubleshooting, make sure to check these basic points:

  • Windows 11 is up to date: Sometimes system updates fix compatibility issues.
  • Kodi is the latest version: Developers release updates to fix bugs and improve stability.
  • Your PC meets Kodi’s minimum requirements: Low system resources can cause crashes.
  • Close other heavy applications: Running many programs at once can overload your PC.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

It may sound simple, but restarting your PC can solve temporary glitches causing Kodi to crash. This clears the system memory and stops unnecessary background processes.

How to restart:

  1. Click on the Start menu.
  2. Select the Power icon.
  3. Choose Restart.

After your PC restarts, open Kodi and see if it still crashes.

Step 2: Run Kodi as Administrator

Sometimes Kodi needs special permissions to work properly on Windows 11. Running it as an administrator can give the app the access it requires.

To run Kodi as an administrator:

  1. Right-click the Kodi shortcut on your desktop or start menu.
  2. Select Run as administrator.
  3. Confirm any prompt asking for permission.

This step helps if Kodi crashes due to permission issues.

Step 3: Clear Kodi Cache and Temporary Files

Kodi stores temporary data that can sometimes become corrupted, leading to crashes. Clearing this cache can improve performance.

To clear Kodi cache:

  1. Close Kodi completely.
  2. Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog.
  3. Type %APPDATA%KodiuserdataDatabase and press Enter.
  4. Delete the files named Textures13.db and Textures13.db-journal. These store cached images.
  5. Restart Kodi.

Deleting these files forces Kodi to rebuild the cache, which often fixes crashing issues.

Step 4: Disable Problematic Add-ons

Add-ons enhance Kodi but can sometimes cause instability, especially if outdated or incompatible.

How to disable add-ons:

  1. Open Kodi.
  2. Go to Add-ons from the main menu.
  3. Select My add-ons.
  4. Browse through the list and disable any recently installed or suspicious add-ons by selecting them and clicking Disable.
  5. Restart Kodi and check if the crashing stops.

This step narrows down if an add-on is causing the problem.

Step 5: Update Graphics Drivers

Kodi relies heavily on your graphics card. Outdated or faulty drivers can cause crashes or freezing.

To update drivers on Windows 11:

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers.
  5. Follow on-screen instructions if an update is found.

Alternatively, visit your graphics card manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) to download the latest driver.

Step 6: Reinstall Kodi

If the above steps don’t help, reinstalling Kodi can fix corrupted files or settings.

To reinstall Kodi:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
  3. Find Kodi in the list and click on it.
  4. Select Uninstall and confirm.
  5. Download the latest Kodi version from the official website: https://kodi.tv/download.
  6. Run the installer and follow the prompts.
  7. Launch Kodi and check for stability.

This process ensures you have a clean and updated installation.

Step 7: Adjust Windows Compatibility Settings

Sometimes Kodi may not work well with Windows 11’s default settings. Changing compatibility mode can help.

How to change compatibility:

  1. Right-click the Kodi shortcut and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  3. Check 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.
  6. Run Kodi again and see if it works without crashing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Kodi keep crashing on Windows 11?

Common reasons include outdated software, corrupted cache files, incompatible add-ons, or issues with graphics drivers.

Is Kodi safe to use on Windows 11?

Yes, Kodi is safe when downloaded from the official website and used responsibly. Avoid third-party add-ons that may cause security risks.

Can Kodi crashes be caused by antivirus software?

Yes, sometimes antivirus programs block Kodi components. Temporarily disabling antivirus or adding Kodi as an exception may help.

Will resetting Kodi fix crashing issues?

Resetting Kodi can clear settings and data that might be causing crashes, but it also deletes your customizations and add-ons.

Do I need a powerful PC to run Kodi?

Kodi works on most modern PCs, but older or low-spec devices may struggle, leading to crashes or slow performance.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the steps above and Kodi still crashes on Windows 11, consider these final options:

  • Check Kodi’s official support forums: The community and developers often share fixes and updates. Visit https://forum.kodi.tv/.
  • Use system restore: Roll back Windows 11 to a point before Kodi started crashing.
  • Contact Kodi support: Submit a detailed bug report with logs if possible.
  • Try alternative media players: If Kodi remains unstable, apps like Plex or VLC can be good substitutes.

Conclusion

Kodi crashing on Windows 11 can be caused by several factors, but most issues are fixable with simple steps. Start by restarting your PC and running Kodi as an administrator. Clearing cache, disabling add-ons, and updating drivers often resolve common errors.

If necessary, reinstall Kodi or adjust compatibility settings to improve stability. Always ensure your system and Kodi are up to date. When problems persist, official forums and support resources can provide help.

By following this step-by-step guide, you should be able to enjoy Kodi smoothly on your Windows 11 PC without frequent crashes.

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