Fix Counter Strike 2 (CS2) Crashing on Startup, Not Launching, and Won’t Start Issues

Harsh Clif
13 Min Read

Counter Strike 2 (CS2) is a popular first-person shooter game that has captivated gamers around the world. However, like any other software, CS2 can encounter issues that prevent it from launching or cause it to crash on startup. These issues can be frustrating, but fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve them. In this article, we will explore various methods to fix the Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) Low FPS and crashing issues.

Read: Fix Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) Error Code 1114

How to Fix Counter Strike 2 (CS2) Crashing on Startup, Not Launching, and Won’t Start Issues

Experiencing Counter Strike 2 (CS2) crashing on startup, not launching, and not starting issues hinder the overall gaming experience. But don’t fret. This guide has covered all potential methods to fix this problem.

Before we proceed to the following troubleshooting steps, make sure to review the following quick checks:

1. First of all, make sure the game is fully downloaded and installed. In case it is partially done, the game might not launch or start.

2. Make sure your Windows is updated to the latest version.

3. Next, close all apps and programs running in the background unnecessarily and then check if you are able to launch the game.

4. Some players have managed to resolve the issue by performing this weird workaround, try it.

– Keep your task manager open while you run CS2
– As the process shows up in the task manager right click on it.
– Go to properties
– Troubleshoot it and run it as on win8

If these quick workarounds don’t help to fix the issue, try the other below methods to get rid of Counter Strike 2 (CS2) crashing on startup, not launching, and not starting issues.

1. Check the System Requirements

Very important, to make sure your system is powerful enough to run the game smoothly on your device. Below are the minimum and recommended system requirements.

CS2 Minimum System Requirements:

– Operating system: Windows 10 (64 bits)

– Intel or AMD dual-core, quad-core, quad-threaded processor with 2.8 GHz speed.

– 4 GB of RAM.

– GeForce GTX 650 or Radeon HD 7750 graphics card.

– 60 GB of free space on the Hard Disk.

CS2 Recommended System Requirements:

– Operating system: Windows 10 64-bit.

– Processor: Intel or AMD with four cores and eight threads.

– Memory: 8GB RAM.

– Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 570.

DirectX: Version 11.

– Storage: 60 GB of available Hard Disk space.

2. Repair Game Files

You might face this issue due to some missing or damaged game files. To fix it, try verifying the integrity of game files. Here are the steps to do this:

– Navigate to your Steam Library.

– Right-click on CS2 and then select Properties

– Go to the Local Files tab 

– Then choose the Verify Integrity of Game Files option. 

– After the verification process is complete, restart the game for the changes to take effect.

3. Update Your GPU Drivers

Using an outdated version of the game can also result in CS2 crashing while startup and encountering launch-related issues. To prevent such issues, it is highly advisable to keep your graphics drivers up to date with the latest versions.

Here we give you the links from where you can obtain the updated drivers.

– AMD

– NVIDIA

– Intel

4. Close Faceit Anticheat (If You’re Using)

If you are using Faceit Anticheat, close it as it has helped some players to fix the issue so give it a try.

5. Lower In-Game Graphics

Sometimes, the CS2 crashing and not launching issue can be resolved simply by adjusting the graphics settings to their lowest possible configuration and then checking if the issue is fixed.

6. Try Running the Game as an Administrator

If the issue persists, try to run the game as an administrator. To do this, right-click on the CS2’s .exe file (Executable file) and select ‘Run as administrator’.

7. Disable Your Antivirus or Firewall Program

An antivirus and firewall program is created to identify and remove several malicious software like viruses and spyware. However, sometimes they hinder the proper functioning of the game. So, try to disable such security programs temporarily while accessing the game. To do this, you can modify your antivirus or internet security settings and include the game’s .exe file in the list of exceptions.

8. Disable External Applications

The next method we recommend is to disable all third-party applications like MSI Afterburner, Rivatuner, HWInfo, or any similar programs. Once done, relaunch the game.

9. Avoid GPU Overclocking

Are you overclocking your GPU? If yes, then switch it to the default settings to fix the issue because Overclocking your GPU can lead to instability, overheating, and multiple other issues. 

Read Next: Counter-Strike 2 Map Textures Not Loading Issue

10. Disable Fullscreen Optimization

If the issue persists, try disabling fullscreen optimization. For this:

– Go to the location where this game is installed on your system

Right-click on the executable and select Properties >> Compatibility

– Check “Disable full-screen optimizations”

11. Remove Launch Options and Restart Your PC

Sometimes, launch options can cause compatibility issues and lead to CS2 crashes. Follow these steps:

  • Launch Steam and go to your Library.
  • Right-click on CS2 and select “Properties.”
  • In the “General” tab, click on “Set Launch Options.”
  • Remove any launch options you have set.
  • Click “OK” and close the Properties window.
  • Restart your PC and try launching CS2 again.

12. Reset CSGO/CS2 Video Config

If you’ve customized your video settings in CSGO and CS2 is crashing, it’s possible that CS2’s video settings are conflicting with your system. To reset CS2’s video settings to a more stable default:

  • Launch CS2 and access the in-game settings menu.
  • Reset all video settings to their default values.
  • Make sure the settings match those of your CSGO configuration.
  • Apply the changes and restart CS2.

By aligning CS2’s video settings with your CSGO configuration, you can potentially resolve the crashing issue and ensure a smoother gaming experience.

13. Disable AMD FSR

If you’re experiencing crashes and are running the game with AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) enabled, try turning it off. FSR might be conflicting with your system, leading to crashes. You can disable it from the game settings or the AMD Radeon software.

14. Powershell Commands

Some players have reported success by using Powershell commands to address crashing issues related to Nvidia’s NvCameraEnable.exe. To do this:

  • Open Powershell as an administrator.
  • Enter the following commands:dir "$env:systemroot\system32\driverstore\filerepository\*NvCameraEnable.exe" -rec |% {& "$_" off} dir "$env:programfiles\nvidia corporation\*NvCameraEnable.exe" -rec |% {& "$_" off}

15. Shut Down Conflicting Applications

Ensure that no background applications are conflicting with CS2. Close unnecessary programs running in the background, especially resource-intensive applications.

16. Tone Down Game Settings

If your system is struggling to run CS2, lower the in-game graphics settings. Reduce the resolution, texture quality, and other graphics options to ease the strain on your hardware.

17. Try Changing the Screen Frequency Value

If the issue persists, one of the players suggests on Steam Community to try changing the screen frequency value to one lower. That means, if you have set it to 75, then try changing it to 70 and the game crashing issue should be fixed now.

18. Update Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

The next best trick you can try to fix CS2 crashing and not launching issue is to update Microsoft Visual C++ redistributable. To do this:

it is also essential to ensure that you have the correct version installed. Follow these steps to update Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable:

– Visit the official Microsoft website and download the latest version of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.

– Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to update the redistributable.

– Once done, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

19. Add CS2 to Steam Library

  1. Locate your CS2 game folder on your computer.
  2. Open the Steam client.
  3. Click “Games” in the top-left corner and select “Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library.”
  4. Check if CS2 is in the list. If not, click “Browse,” and select the CS2.exe file from your game folder.
  5. CS2 should now appear in your Steam library.
  6. Launch CS2 through Steam to resolve compatibility issues.

20. Reinstall the Game

In case all methods mentioned above fail to fix the issue, your last option to fix the issue is to uninstall the game and reinstall it.

21. Update DirectX

Ensure that your DirectX is up to date. You can download and install the latest version from the official Microsoft website.

22. Launch the Game in Windowed Mode (Steam)

Launch CS2 in windowed mode through Steam by right-clicking on the game in your Steam library, selecting “Properties,” and under the “General” tab, check the “Launch game in windowed mode” option. This can help bypass some startup issues.

23. Use the Vulkan API

If you’re experiencing crashes upon launching CS2, try launching the game with the Vulkan API. This can sometimes resolve compatibility issues and improve stability.

  • Right-click on CS2 in your Steam library.
  • Select “Properties.”
  • Under the “General” tab, click on “Set Launch Options.”
  • Enter “-vulkan” (without quotes) and click “OK.”
  • Launch the game and see if it starts without crashing.

24. Run SFC and DISM Checks

Use System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools in Windows to repair corrupted system files that might be affecting CS2.

25. Delete the CS2 Folder in the Steam Directory

Delete the CS2 folder in the Steam directory and then verify the integrity of game files to obtain a clean set of game files. This can eliminate any issues related to corrupted game data.

That’s it for this guide. We hope this guide has helped you to fix Counter Strike 2 (CS2) crashing on startup, not launching, and won’t start issues.

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He is caught in a loop between writing about games and playing them. It's a vicious cycle. Although he's biased towards PC, you can occasionally find him on the PS5. He does not own an Xbox Consoles but plans on getting one soon.
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