2 K Games, NBA 2K25 published the latest basketball simulation game. This game’s release date is September 6, but players who purchased any edition before 6th September can enjoy the game up to two days early. However, the game has a few issues and errors, so players cannot enjoy the game to the fullest. One of the common problems we have seen is that the game crashes on startup and gets stuck on the loading screen. If you are also experiencing the same problem, this guide has covered all potential solutions.
How to Fix NBA 2K25 Crashing on Startup and Stuck on Loading Screen
Crashing on startup and being stuck on the loading screen are common issues in major online games nowadays. Thankfully, these problems can be fixed by following a few simple workarounds.
1. Restart Your Device and Steam
Some players suggest restarting your device and Steam client. This simple workaround can often fix game issues as it clears temporary files and resets processes. Close the Steam client, shut down your PC, and restart it. If this simple trick doesn’t help resolve the issue, try the other workarounds below.
2. Update Your Graphics Drivers
Sometimes, outdated graphics drivers can trigger this issue, so make sure your graphics drivers are updated to the latest version to run NBA 2K25 on your device smoothly. Updating them is pretty simple: Go to the official website of your GPU manufacturer, such as NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel, and get the latest version. Once the drivers are updated, restart your PC and relaunch the game. The crashing issue should be fixed now.
3. Disabling Steam Overlay
Some players have resolved these problems by disabling or turning off Steam overlay. This workaround will help to reduce potential conflicts that might be causing crashing issues on startup. Here is how you can do it:
Go to Steam >> Right-click on the game >> Properties >> General >> Toggle off “Enable the Steam overlay while in-game.” Once done, relaunch the game, and the crashing issue should be fixed.
4. Clearing Cache
One common and effective workaround to fix the game crashing issue is to clear the cache. This method will help to remove outdated or corrupted data. To do this, Press your keyboard’s Ctrl + Shift + Del keys and open the “Clear browsing data” window. Then, select All time from the drop-down and click on “Clear now to clear your temporary internet files”. Once done, relaunch the game, and the crashing and stuck-on loading screen issue should be resolved.
5. Cancel Steam.exe Compatibility
If you have set compatibility mode for Steam.exe, it can cause issues with the game crashing. Here is how you can cancel it.
- Go to your C drive >> Program Files (x86) >> Steam
- Scroll down and look for the “Steam.exe” file
- Then, right-click on that file >> Select Properties
- Go to the Compatibility tab and uncheck all the options/boxes you see and then click on Apply and then Ok
- Once done, relaunch the game.
6. Disable or Uninstall Mod Programs
If you are using any mod programs to enhance the game, disable or uninstall them from your device, as they might affect the game’s performance. You need to go to the settings on your mod’s program and disable it. Once done, relaunch the game, and you will no longer face the game crashing issue.
7. Remove Third-Party Shaders
Although shaders are vital as they help to create realistic and immersive visuals in video games and provide special effects, sometimes they may cause crashing issues. So, if you have installed any of them, go to the game’s installation folder and remove any such files like d3d9.dll, d3d11.dll, or dxgi.dll and then relaunch the game. However, you can also uninstall them from the Control Panel as well.
8. Close Background Programs and Applications
The following workaround suggested by a few players is to close unnecessary programs and applications running in the background. Doing this can improve the overall system performance and possibly fix the crashing issues in NBA 2K25. To do this:
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Del, select “Task Manager”.
- Go to the “Processes” tab.
- Right-click on the programs and apps you are not using and select “End Task.”
- Once closed, relaunch the game.
9. Check Your Internet Connection
Your poor or unstable internet connection can cause the game to crash and get stuck on loading screen issues. You can try resetting your router/modem and then relaunching the game. We also suggest switching the WiFi to a Wired connection for a more stable and reliable connection. One potential workaround you can try is to close or disconnect other devices connected to the same internet connection.
10. Reinstall the Game
Even after trying all of the above workarounds, if you are still experiencing the same issues, the last resort you should try is to uninstall the game from your device and then reinstall it. This last workaround will also help to fix any missing or corrupted game files that might be causing crashing and not loading issues.
That’s it for this guide. Hopefully, one of these methods will help you fix NBA 2K25 crashing on startup and stuck on the loading screen.
Also check: How to turn off shot meter in NBA 2K25.
