Gaming is a huge part of Windows 11. In fact, many people have called it the OS for gamers. However, a few users have complained that games keep crashing on Windows 11, dampening the gaming experience.
Many factors may contribute to this problem; however, regardless of the triggering factors, you can resolve it using the solutions we explore in this guide. Remember, you may also use specific configurations to optimize your Windows 11 for gaming.
1. Disable Overclocking
Overclocking increases the clock speed of the computer beyond the manufacturer’s specifications. It is often done to improve the performance of the computer. However, it may come with side effects, including the risk of overheating and instability.
Users with overclocked computers may encounter games crashing on Windows 11. You should disable this setting and see if it resolves the problem.
2. Resolve Possible Conflicts between Game Mode and Third-party Optimizing Tools
Aggressive game settings frequently result in some problems with the game. Although the Game Mode is intended to improve gaming performance, it is also possible that this issue results from its use. You can disable it and see if it fixes the problem.
1. Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
2. On the left pane, click Gaming, and on the right, click Game Mode.
3. Toggle off the Game Mode switch.
3. Upgrade Your Hardware
All games have their system requirements. When your computer does not have the minimum requirements for a certain game, you should expect a lot of instability, which is one reason you will see games crashing on Windows 11.
Upgrading specific hardware will come in handy, and below are some effects hardware upgrades will have:
- Graphics Card (GPU) – The graphics card controls video rendering. It will not be able to render many modern games when it is underpowered, leading to game crashes.
- Processor (CPU) – The CPU processes the game’s logic and calculations. When it is insufficient for specific games, it leads to crashes when games are launched.
- Random Access Memory (RAM) – Games store temporary data in the RAM. If the RAM is smaller than required, it cannot hold game files.
4. Close Other Running Applications
Closing running apps is one of the easiest ways to fix the issue of games crashing on Windows 11. Since games are often resource intensive, decreasing the number of running apps will reduce the demand on the computer and fix the problem. This is especially effective on older computers or those with lesser specs.
As the steps below explain, you may simply click the X button for individual apps or use the Task Manager.
1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. Click the Processes option on the left pane, click a running procession on the right, and click the End Task button.
5. Update the Graphics Card
We have explained that the graphics card is essential to rendering images and videos while gaming. Its driver is a vital link between the OS and the card. When this driver is outdated, you will experience some gaming instability or crash on Windows 11. You may update it directly from the manufacturer’s website, using driver updating tools, or the Device Manager.
1. Right-click the start menu and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Display adapters, right-click your driver, and click Update driver.
3. Click ‘Search automatically for updates’.
6. Update the Operating System
Updating the operating system is another way to fix crashing while running game apps on Windows 11. OS updates often come with bug fixes, performance improvements, and patches, making it a valid fix if a bug triggers the game crash.
1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I.
2. Click Windows update on the left pane, then click ‘Check for Updates’ on the right.
3. If any updates are found, Download and install them.
7. Edit Video Performance Settings
By lowering the graphics burden and ensuring the system is not using more resources than the hardware can support, adjusting the visual performance settings helps resolve game crashes on Windows 11.
Crashing games frequently means that the hardware can’t handle the game’s demands. Crash prevention and stress relief may be achieved by adjusting the graphics settings.
1. Click the Start menu, type ‘advanced system settings’, and click the ‘View advanced system settings’ option
2. Click the Advanced tab, then click Settings in the Performance section.
3. Click the Data Execution Prevention tab, then tick ‘Turn on DEP for all programs except those I select’.
4. Click the Add button and choose the exe file for the problematic game.
5. Click Apply and OK.
8. Reinstall Problematic Games
If you notice the crash affects just one game, it may be a sign that the game files or installation is bad. If that is the case, you will fix the game crash problem by reinstalling the problematic game. Simply uninstall the game and reinstall a freshly downloaded copy.
Playing Games Without Interruption
Games crashing on Windows 11 can be very annoying, reducing the gaming experience on your computer. With any of the solutions discussed, you can fix the problem.