Mortal Kombat 11 is a popular fighting game enjoyed by many PC users. However, like any complex software, it can sometimes experience bugs or crashes, especially on Windows 11. These issues can disrupt your gaming experience and cause frustration.
Fortunately, many common bugs in Mortal Kombat 11 can be fixed with simple troubleshooting steps. This guide will walk you through easy solutions to get your game running smoothly again.
Each step is designed to be clear and beginner-friendly, so even if you are not very technical, you can follow along without difficulty. Let’s start by checking some quick basics before diving into deeper fixes.
By following this step-by-step approach, you can identify and resolve most issues affecting Mortal Kombat 11 on your Windows 11 PC.
Quick Note: Initial Checks Before You Begin
- Check System Requirements: Ensure your PC meets the minimum specs for Mortal Kombat 11. Insufficient hardware can cause performance issues.
- Update Windows 11: Running the latest Windows updates helps fix compatibility problems.
- Verify Internet Connection: Some bugs may occur due to unstable or slow internet, especially in online modes.
- Close Background Programs: Other applications running simultaneously can interfere with game performance.
- Backup Game Saves: Before making major changes, back up your saved data to avoid loss.
Step 1: Verify Game Files Using the Game Launcher
Corrupted or missing game files often cause crashes or bugs. Verifying your game files ensures all necessary components are intact.
For Steam Users:
- Open the Steam application and go to Library.
- Right-click on Mortal Kombat 11 and select Properties.
- Click on the Local Files tab.
- Click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
- Wait for Steam to check and repair any corrupted files.
For Epic Games Store Users:
- Open the Epic Games Launcher.
- Go to Library and find Mortal Kombat 11.
- Click the three dots next to the game title.
- Select Verify.
- Allow the launcher to scan and fix files.
Why this step matters: Faulty game files can cause various bugs, including crashes, freezes, or graphical glitches. Verifying files fixes these issues by restoring missing or damaged data.
Step 2: Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers often lead to visual bugs and game crashes. Keeping your GPU drivers up to date ensures compatibility with the latest game updates.
- Identify your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
- Visit the official website of your GPU brand:
- Download and install the latest drivers compatible with your GPU and Windows 11.
- Restart your computer to apply changes.
Why this matters: Graphics drivers translate game data into visual output. Updated drivers improve performance, fix bugs, and prevent crashes related to rendering.
Step 3: Run Mortal Kombat 11 as Administrator
Sometimes, the game might not have the required permissions to access certain system files or resources, leading to errors or crashes. Running the game as an administrator can solve this.
- Right-click the Mortal Kombat 11 shortcut or executable file.
- Select Properties from the context menu.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box that says Run this program as an administrator.
- Click Apply and then OK.
- Launch the game and check if the issue persists.
Why this helps: Administrative privileges ensure the game can fully interact with your system, preventing permission-related bugs.
Step 4: Disable Fullscreen Optimizations and Game Mode
Windows 11 includes features like Fullscreen Optimizations and Game Mode to enhance gaming. However, these can sometimes cause conflicts with certain games.
- Right-click Mortal Kombat 11 executable or shortcut and select Properties.
- Navigate to the Compatibility tab.
- Check Disable fullscreen optimizations.
- Click Apply.
- Next, open Settings in Windows 11 by pressing
Win + I. - Go to Gaming > Game Mode.
- Toggle Game Mode off.
- Restart your PC, then launch the game again.
Why this is useful: Sometimes, Windows optimization features interfere with game performance or stability. Disabling them can prevent crashes or input lag.
Step 5: Update DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables
Mortal Kombat 11 requires certain Windows components to run properly. Missing or outdated DirectX or Visual C++ redistributables can cause bugs.
- Download and install the latest DirectX End-User Runtime from the official Microsoft site: DirectX End-User Runtime.
- Download and install the latest Visual C++ Redistributables (2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022): Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.
- Restart your computer after installations.
Why update these: These libraries provide key functions the game needs. Without them, the game might fail to start or experience runtime errors.
Step 6: Adjust In-Game Graphics Settings
If the game is crashing or lagging, lowering graphics settings can help stabilize performance.
- Open Mortal Kombat 11.
- Go to Settings > Graphics.
- Reduce options like resolution, texture quality, shadows, and effects.
- Disable V-Sync and anti-aliasing if enabled.
- Apply changes and restart the game.
Why this matters: High graphics settings can overload your hardware, especially if your PC barely meets minimum specs, causing crashes or frame drops.
Step 7: Temporarily Disable Antivirus and Firewall
Security software can sometimes mistakenly block game files or network connections, causing bugs or connectivity problems.
- Temporarily disable your antivirus software or firewall.
- Launch Mortal Kombat 11 and check if the bug persists.
- If the problem resolves, add the game folder and executable to your antivirus/firewall exceptions.
- Re-enable your security software afterward.
Note: Always be cautious when disabling security software and avoid downloading or running unknown files during this time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does Mortal Kombat 11 keep crashing on Windows 11?
Crashes can be caused by outdated drivers, corrupted game files, conflicting software, or incompatible Windows updates. Following the steps above usually resolves most crash problems.
How do I fix black screen or graphics glitches in Mortal Kombat 11?
Try updating your GPU drivers, verifying game files, disabling fullscreen optimizations, and lowering in-game graphics settings to fix display issues.
Is it safe to disable antivirus while playing?
It’s safe if done temporarily and you trust the game source. Always re-enable your antivirus after testing and add necessary exceptions for the game.
Can Windows updates cause game bugs?
Yes, sometimes new Windows updates introduce compatibility issues. Keeping drivers updated and verifying game files helps mitigate this.
What do I do if Mortal Kombat 11 doesn’t launch at all?
Try running the game as administrator, updating DirectX and Visual C++ redistributables, and verifying game files. If it still won’t launch, see the “When Nothing Works” section below.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and Mortal Kombat 11 still has bugs or crashes on your Windows 11 PC, consider these final options:
- Reinstall the Game: Uninstall Mortal Kombat 11 completely, then reinstall it fresh. This can fix deep file corruption.
- Check Official Forums and Support: Visit the official NetherRealm Studios or Warner Bros. support pages for updates or patches:
Mortal Kombat 11 Support - Contact Customer Support: Submit a ticket with detailed information about your issue for personalized assistance.
- Consider System Restore: If issues started recently, restoring Windows 11 to a previous state may help.
Conclusion
Fixing Mortal Kombat 11 bugs on Windows 11 is often straightforward if you follow a step-by-step troubleshooting path. Start with verifying game files and updating your graphics drivers, then adjust game and system settings as needed.
Running the game with proper permissions and ensuring critical Windows components are up to date will also improve stability. If all else fails, reinstalling the game or seeking official support can resolve more stubborn problems.
By understanding why each step is important, you gain better control over your gaming experience and can quickly get back to enjoying Mortal Kombat 11 without interruptions.