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How to Fix Metro Exodus Black Screen Error on Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Steps

Metro Exodus is a popular first-person shooter game known for its stunning graphics and immersive gameplay. However, some players on Windows 11 experience a frustrating black screen error when launching the game. This issue can prevent the game from running properly, disrupting your gaming experience.

In this guide, we will walk you through simple and effective troubleshooting steps to fix the Metro Exodus black screen error on Windows 11. Each step is explained clearly to help users of all experience levels.

By following these instructions carefully, you should be able to resolve the black screen problem and get back to enjoying the game. Let’s begin with some quick checks before diving into the fixes.

These solutions range from basic checks to more advanced options, so take your time and try them in order.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before starting the troubleshooting process, please ensure the following:

  • Your Windows 11 system is fully updated. Updates often fix compatibility issues that can cause black screens.
  • Your graphics drivers are the latest version. Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause of display problems in games.
  • Your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Metro Exodus. Insufficient hardware can lead to errors when launching the game.
  • Close any unnecessary background applications. Sometimes other software interferes with the game’s startup process.

Step 1: Update Graphics Drivers

Graphics drivers are software that allow your operating system to communicate with your graphics card. If these drivers are outdated or corrupted, it can cause display issues like a black screen.

To update your graphics drivers:

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers to let Windows find the latest version.
  5. If Windows doesn’t find any updates, visit the official website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest driver manually.
  6. Install the driver and restart your computer.

Updating drivers ensures your system can properly render the game’s graphics, which often resolves black screen problems.

Step 2: Run Metro Exodus as Administrator

Sometimes, the game might require administrator permissions to access certain files or resources.

To run the game as an administrator:

  1. Right-click the Metro Exodus 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 and then OK.
  6. Launch the game and check if the black screen issue persists.

Running as administrator can prevent permission-related issues that might block the game from displaying properly.

Step 3: Disable Fullscreen Optimization

Fullscreen optimization is a feature in Windows 11 designed to improve gaming performance, but it can sometimes cause display problems.

To disable fullscreen optimization:

  1. Right-click the Metro Exodus executable file and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  3. Check the box Disable fullscreen optimizations.
  4. Click Apply and then OK.
  5. Try launching the game again.

Disabling this feature can fix issues where the game fails to properly switch to fullscreen mode.

Step 4: Verify Game Files Integrity

If you are using Steam or another game client, corrupted or missing game files can cause black screen errors.

To verify the integrity of game files on Steam:

  1. Open the Steam client.
  2. Go to your Library and right-click on Metro Exodus.
  3. Select Properties.
  4. Click on the Local Files tab.
  5. Choose Verify integrity of game files.
  6. Wait for the process to finish and then relaunch the game.

This process will replace any damaged files, improving stability and potentially fixing the black screen issue.

Step 5: Adjust In-Game Launch Options

Some launch options can help fix display-related problems by forcing the game to start with specific settings.

To add launch options on Steam:

  1. Open Steam and navigate to your Library.
  2. Right-click Metro Exodus and select Properties.
  3. Under the General tab, find the Launch Options field.
  4. Enter the following command to force windowed mode:
-windowed

Alternatively, you can try disabling the intro videos by adding:

-nointro

After entering the options, close the properties window and launch the game.

Using windowed mode helps bypass fullscreen display issues that might cause black screens.

Step 6: Disable Overlays and Background Software

Overlay programs like Discord, GeForce Experience, or Steam Overlay can interfere with the game’s rendering.

To disable overlays:

  • Open the settings of each overlay application and disable the overlay feature.
  • For Steam, go to Steam > Settings > In-Game and uncheck Enable the Steam Overlay.
  • Close all unnecessary background applications before launching the game.

Closing overlays and other software prevents conflicts that might cause the black screen.

Step 7: Adjust Graphics Settings in Windows

Windows 11 allows you to set graphics preferences per app, which can help if your system has multiple GPUs.

To set Metro Exodus to use your dedicated GPU:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to System > Display > Graphics.
  3. Click Browse and locate the Metro Exodus executable file.
  4. Add the game and select Options.
  5. Choose High performance to force use of the dedicated GPU.
  6. Save the settings and restart the game.

This step ensures the game uses the most powerful graphics processor, which can fix rendering issues.

Step 8: Reinstall Metro Exodus

If none of the above steps work, reinstalling the game can fix persistent problems caused by corrupted installations or updates.

To reinstall:

  1. Uninstall Metro Exodus via Settings > Apps > Installed apps or the game client.
  2. Restart your computer.
  3. Download and install the latest version of the game from your game client or official source.
  4. Try launching the game again.

A fresh installation replaces all files and settings, which often resolves stubborn black screen errors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Metro Exodus show a black screen on startup?

This usually happens due to outdated graphics drivers, permission issues, corrupted game files, or conflicts with other software.

Can Windows 11 compatibility cause this problem?

Yes, some games may experience issues on new operating systems. Updating Windows and game files helps minimize compatibility problems.

Is my hardware causing the black screen?

If your PC doesn’t meet the minimum requirements or has faulty hardware, you might see display errors. Check your system specs and perform hardware diagnostics if needed.

Will disabling fullscreen optimizations affect game performance?

Disabling fullscreen optimizations can slightly reduce performance but often fixes display bugs, making it worth trying if you see a black screen.

Do I need to disable antivirus or firewall?

Sometimes security software blocks game files. Temporarily disabling them during game launch can help identify if they are causing the issue. Remember to re-enable them afterward.

When Nothing Works: Final Options

If you have tried all the above steps and still face the black screen error, consider these last resort options:

  • Check official Metro Exodus support forums and websites. Developers and community members often share fixes for specific issues.
  • Contact game support. Submit a ticket with detailed information about your problem and system specs.
  • Perform a clean boot of Windows 11. This disables all non-essential services and startup items, helping isolate software conflicts.
  • Consider reverting to an earlier Windows build. If you recently updated Windows and the problem appeared after, rolling back might help.

Conclusion

The Metro Exodus black screen error on Windows 11 can be caused by various factors, including outdated drivers, software conflicts, or corrupted files. By following the troubleshooting steps in this guide—from updating drivers to verifying game files—you can systematically identify and fix the issue.

Start with the simple solutions and progress to more advanced options if needed. Remember to keep your system and game software updated and to check official resources when in doubt. With patience and careful attention, you should be able to enjoy Metro Exodus without encountering the black screen problem.

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