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The Witcher 3 is a popular and immersive game loved by many players. However, some users experience freezing issues accompanied by sound problems on Windows 11. This can disrupt the gaming experience and cause frustration.

Freezes with sound issues often point to conflicts in software, driver problems, or system settings. Luckily, there are several straightforward steps you can try to fix this problem.

This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow solutions to get The Witcher 3 running smoothly again on your Windows 11 PC.

Each step is explained simply, so even if you are not very tech-savvy, you can follow along without any trouble.

Quick Note: What to Check Before You Start

• Make sure your Windows 11 is fully updated. Sometimes, system updates fix compatibility problems.
• Check that your graphics drivers and sound drivers are current. Outdated drivers are a common cause of freezing issues.
• Verify that The Witcher 3 meets the minimum system requirements on your PC.
• Close any unnecessary programs running in the background to free up system resources.

Step 1: Disable Fullscreen Optimization

Windows 11 includes a feature called fullscreen optimization, which sometimes causes games to freeze or have audio glitches. Turning this off can improve stability.

1. Right-click on the shortcut or executable file of The Witcher 3.
2. Select Properties from the context menu.
3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
4. Check the box labeled Disable fullscreen optimizations.
5. Click Apply and then OK.
6. Run the game and see if the freezing issue persists.

This step is important because fullscreen optimizations can interfere with how the game processes graphics and sound, leading to freezes.

Step 2: Update Your Graphics and Sound Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers often cause performance problems in games. Keeping your drivers updated ensures better compatibility with Windows 11 and The Witcher 3.

How to Update Drivers

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display adapters section for your graphics card.
3. Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
5. Repeat the process for Sound, video and game controllers to update your audio drivers.

If Windows cannot find a newer driver, you can visit the manufacturer’s website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest drivers directly.

Step 3: Verify Game Files via Steam or GOG

Sometimes game files become corrupted or incomplete, causing crashes or freezing. Verifying the game files checks for missing or broken files and repairs them.

For Steam Users

1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
2. Right-click The Witcher 3 and select Properties.
3. Go to the Local Files tab.
4. Click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
5. Wait for the process to complete, then launch the game.

For GOG Galaxy Users

1. Open GOG Galaxy and navigate to The Witcher 3 in your library.
2. Click on the settings icon (gear) next to the game.
3. Select Manage Installation > Verify / Repair.
4. Allow the process to finish before starting the game.

Step 4: Adjust In-Game Audio Settings

Sometimes the sound settings inside the game cause conflicts, especially if your system uses unusual audio configurations. Changing these settings can help.

1. Launch The Witcher 3.
2. Go to Options > Sound.
3. Set the Output Device to your default speakers or headphones.
4. Lower or disable any advanced sound effects like Environmental Effects or Reverb.
5. Save the changes and restart the game.

These adjustments reduce complexity in audio processing, which can prevent sound-related freezes.

Step 5: Run the Game as Administrator

Running The Witcher 3 with administrator privileges can solve permission-related conflicts that might cause freezes or audio issues.

1. Right-click the game’s shortcut or executable file.
2. Select Properties > Compatibility tab.
3. Check the box Run this program as an administrator.
4. Click Apply and OK.
5. Launch the game and check if the freezing problem is fixed.

Step 6: Disable Background Recording and Overlay Features

Windows 11 and gaming platforms like Steam or Xbox Game Bar include features that record gameplay or display overlays. These can cause performance issues.

• Press Win + G to open Xbox Game Bar.
• Click the Settings icon.
• Go to the Capturing section and disable background recording.
• Close Xbox Game Bar.
• If you use Steam, disable its overlay by right-clicking the game in Steam, choosing Properties, and unchecking Enable the Steam Overlay.

Disabling these features frees up system resources and reduces potential conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does The Witcher 3 freeze but sound keeps playing?

This usually happens due to GPU driver issues or conflicts between fullscreen optimization and Windows sound drivers. The game’s graphics may stop updating while the audio thread continues running.

Can Windows 11 cause compatibility problems with The Witcher 3?

Windows 11 is generally compatible, but some new system features or updates can cause conflicts. Updating drivers and disabling fullscreen optimization often helps.

Will lowering graphics settings fix freezing?

Lowering graphics settings can reduce strain on your system, which may prevent freezing caused by hardware limitations, but it may not fix all sound-related freezes.

Is it safe to verify game files?

Yes, verifying game files is safe and often recommended as it ensures your installation is complete and not corrupted.

Should I update Windows if the game freezes?

Yes, keeping your Windows 11 updated helps fix bugs and compatibility issues that could affect game performance.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above steps solve the freezing with sound problem, consider these final options:

• Reinstall The Witcher 3: Completely uninstall and then reinstall the game to fix deep file corruption issues.
• Check for Windows Updates: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install all available updates.
• Contact Support: Visit the official CD Projekt Red support page for The Witcher 3 at support.cdprojektred.com for specialized help.
• Check Community Forums: Browse forums like Reddit or Steam Community for user-shared fixes and suggestions.

Conclusion

Experiencing freezing with sound issues in The Witcher 3 on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but most problems stem from driver conflicts, system settings, or corrupted game files. By disabling fullscreen optimization, updating drivers, verifying game files, and adjusting audio settings, you can often resolve these issues quickly.

Start with simple fixes and gradually move to advanced steps if needed. If all else fails, reinstalling the game or seeking official support can provide a solution. Following this guide should help you enjoy a smooth and immersive Witcher 3 experience once again.