The latest Windows 11 operating system is specially optimized for a seamless gaming experience with improved performance and enhanced visual graphics. And with regular Windows updates, Microsoft adds the latest security enhancements, bug fixes and also brings improvements for gaming, including DirectStorage support, Auto HDR, and better performance optimizations. However, at times, you may experience computer crashes when playing games. Users report Windows 11 crashes when playing games online. For some others, Games Keep Crashing, not loading after Windows 11 update. This issue can be frustrating, prevent playing your favorite games. Here in this article explore a few tested solutions that will get you back to gaming ASAP.
Why Windows 11 crashes when playing Games?
There are multiple reasons may cause this issue, outdated Graphic driver is the most common reason why computer crashes when playing games. Yes, Graphics drivers are crucial for smooth gaming performance, And Outdated or corrupted drivers can lead to crashes during gameplay.
Again Insufficient System Resources (RAM, CPU power, or GPU memory) may struggle to handle demanding games, leading to system crashes.
It may be Background applications or processes might interfere with the game, causing instability and crashes. Sometimes Missing or corrupt DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables can lead to crashes when launching or running games.
Computer Crashes When Playing Games
If your Windows computer crashes while playing games, Update or reinstall the Graphics driver with the latest version probably help fix the problem and you can get back to gaming ASAP. In some cause, corrupt system files or memory errors could be the reason why Windows 11 crashes, and you need to run sfc and memory diagnostic tool to fix the problem.
Also, update Windows 11 and the Game with the latest version to address the crashing issue. Sometimes a simple system restart can resolve temporary glitches and free up system resources, potentially resolving the crash issue.
Check Game Minimum Requirements
Game crashes can occur if your device hardware doesn’t meet the game’s specifications. Before attempting any updates or changes to your operating system, verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the game you’re trying to play.
Verifying that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the games ensures your hardware can handle them without crashing.
You can check the specification of your computer under settings -> system -> about.
You can Visit the game’s official website or the platform where you purchased the game to find the minimum system requirements.
In addition, you can go to go to the Can I Run it to check detailed reports of specific games and requirements.
Update Graphics Drivers
Graphics drivers play a crucial role in rendering graphics and ensuring smooth performance during gaming sessions. Sometimes Outdated Graphics drivers are the primary reason why Windows 11 crashes when playing games. And Updating graphics drivers with the latest version ensures that your GPU functions optimally, improving compatibility with games and reducing the likelihood of crashes.
NVIDIA, AMD releases regular driver updates for their game drivers to make those compatible with new games.
- Right-click on the “Start” button and select “Device Manager.”
- Expand the “Display adapters” section.
- Right-click on your GPU and choose “Update driver.”
- Select “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
- Windows will search and install the latest drivers. Follow on-screen instructions if prompted.
Also, you can visit GPU manufacturer’s (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) official website to download and install the latest Graphics driver for Windows 11.
Check for Overheating issue
Sometimes overheating will be the reason why windows 11 crashes when playing games. If the cooling system is not sufficient or becomes clogged with dust and debris, the temperatures can rise to unsafe levels. And address this issue significantly reduce the likelihood of computer crashes while playing games.
Overheating can cause system instability and crashes during gaming.
- Ensure your computer is placed on a flat, well-ventilated surface.
- Use compressed air to clean dust and debris from cooling vents and fans.
- Consider investing in a cooling pad or external fans for improved airflow.
- Monitor your CPU and GPU temperatures using software like MSI Afterburner or HWMonitor and take breaks during extended gaming sessions.
- Lower the in-game graphics settings to reduce the workload on your GPU and CPU, reducing heat generation during gameplay.
Reinstall DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables
DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables are essential components for running games and other software on Windows systems. Issues with these components can indeed lead to crashes when playing games.
Reinstalling DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables ensure that the necessary gaming components are in place, reducing crashes caused by missing or corrupt files.
- Press “Windows + R,” type “appwiz.cpl,” and hit Enter to open the Programs and Features window.
- Locate and uninstall all versions of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables.
- Visit the official Microsoft DirectX website and download the latest version.
Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation and restart your computer.
Visit the official Microsoft website and download the latest Visual C++ Redistributables. Install them and restart your computer.
Install Windows 11 Updates
Running an outdated version of Windows 11, result in compatibility issues with certain games, leading to instability and crashes during gameplay. Install the latest Windows update includes bug fixes and stability improvements that can resolve gaming-related crashes.
- Press the Windows key + X and select Settings,
- Go to windows update then hit the Check for Updates button,
- Download and install if any available updates there,
- Once done, restart your computer to apply the changes.
Optimize System Resources
Optimizing system resources allows your computer to handle games more efficiently, reducing the risk of crashes due to insufficient resources.
- Close unnecessary background applications before launching games.
- Adjust in-game graphics settings to lower resource consumption.
- Upgrade your RAM or consider closing non-essential processes via the Task Manager.
Disable Conflicting Background Applications
Also disabling conflicting background applications eliminates potential sources of interference during gameplay.
- Right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager.”
- Identify and close resource-heavy or non-essential background applications.
- Disable unnecessary startup programs to prevent them from running during gaming.
Switch to the High-Performance Mode
Select High-Performance mode power plan prioritizes system performance over power efficiency, providing more resources to your CPU and GPU during demanding tasks like gaming. This can result in smoother gameplay, reduced input lag, and improved overall performance.
- Press Windows key + R, type powercfg.cpl and click ok to open power options,
- Click on show additional power plans then Choose “High performance.”
Check Memory errors with Memory Diagnostic Tool
Memory-related issues, such as faulty RAM or memory corruption, can cause system instability and crashes during gaming sessions. Running Memory Diagnostic tool, help identify and potentially resolve these problems, leading to a more stable gaming experience.
- Press the Windows key + R, type Type mdsched.exe and press Enter.
Click Restart now and check for problems (recommended).
This will immediately restart your computer and run the memory check. The tool will display the progress and any detected issues during the memory check.
Once the memory check is complete, your computer will restart again, and you can view the results in the Windows Event Viewer.
Repair Windows system files
System files are essential for the proper functioning of the operating system, and when they become corrupted or missing, it can lead to various issues, including crashes during gameplay. You can run the sfc utility and DISM command to scan and repair corrupted system files on Windows PC.
- Press Windows key + S, type cmd, Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”
- First, run DISM restore health command, DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth and let it complete 100% scanning.
- Next, run the System file checker command sfc /scannow,
The above command scans protected system files. If any files are found to be corrupted, they are replaced with cached copies stored in a compressed folder located at %WinDir%\System32\dllcache. Once the scanning complete 100% restart your computer to apply changes.
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