Before you begin on the main troubleshooting portion of this guide, below are a few quick tasks you can try to resolve most common issues.
- Restart your PC — This clears stuck background tasks and free's memory.
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Free up resources — Close browsers, streaming apps, and any other programs you're not using.
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc → Processes → select anything you don’t need → End task
- If you're not sure what a process does, leave it alone.
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc → Processes → select anything you don’t need → End task
- Uninstall/Reinstall the game — In case there was a hiccup during the original install process, try uninstalling & reinstalling the game.
Continue to the main troubleshooting section below if the above doesn't resolve your issue.*
*We understand that the following can be a bit intimidating, so we've tried to make the instructions as easy as possible to follow. Please be sure to let us know if there were any steps you were unable to follow.
Update Windows
Keeping Windows current can help replace missing components the game needs.
- Start → Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates → install everything → Restart.
Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated video drivers can cause a long list of problems—games not launching, crashing mid-play, or graphics that look less than what they should. Keeping your drivers up to date can prevent, or fix, many of these issues.
Below are two easy ways to update your video/graphics card drivers.
Option 1: Update Using Windows Device Manager
If you’re not sure who makes your video card, Windows can usually handle the update for you.
Type Device Manager into the search bar on your taskbar.
Click Device Manager from the results.
Expand Display adapters.
Right-click your video card and select Update driver.
If Windows finds an update, install it and restart your computer when prompted.
Option 2: Update Directly from the Manufacturer
If Device Manager doesn’t find anything—or you already know your video card’s manufacturer—you can download the latest drivers directly from their support site:
Downloading drivers directly from the manufacturer is often the most reliable option, especially for newer systems or gaming-related issues.
Install/Repair Game Runtimes (.NET / Visual C++ / DirectX)
Many games rely on these:
- Open Settings → Apps → search for Microsoft Visual C++ items → for each, choose Modify → Repair.
- Click HERE for further Microsoft Visual C++ information.
- Make sure .NET is updated: Settings → Windows Update (it’s included).
- If the game has a _Redist or Prerequisites folder (or a “Repair” button in the launcher), run those installers.
Turn Off Overlays and Capture Tools
Overlays can inject into games and cause runtime errors.
- Disable Discord overlay, GeForce Experience overlay, Xbox Game Bar, MSI Afterburner/Rivatuner, Steam overlay (if applicable) or any other 'overlay' programs you might be using.
- Try the game again.
Check Security Software
Security tools can also block game components.
- If you use Microsoft Defender only:
- Start → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings → toggle Real-time protection Off, test the game, then turn it On again.
- Add the game folder to Exclusions (same page → Add or remove exclusions → Add an exclusion → Folder).
- If you use 3rd‑party antivirus, temporarily disable it to test, or click [HERE] for instructions on how to whitelist/exclude Big Fish folders.