Starfield, the highly-anticipated space exploration game from Bethesda, has finally landed on the gaming scene. However, for some players, the journey to explore the cosmos is being halted by issues such as crashing on startup, failure to launch, and game not starting. These problems can be incredibly frustrating, but fear not – this comprehensive guide will walk you through a variety of solutions to get you back into the game.
Read: Fix Starfield Error Code 0xc0000142
How to Fix Starfield Crashing and Won’t Start Issues
The crashing issues are common in video games. But as every time, there are a few methods to solve this issue. Here are some solutions for the Starfield crashing issue.
Check SYtem Requirements
Before diving into the troubleshooting steps, it’s important to ensure that your PC meets the minimum and recommended system requirements for Starfield. Below are the specified requirements:
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 version 21H1 (10.0.19043)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 2600X, Intel Core i7-6800K
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 5700, NVIDIA GeForce 1070 Ti
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 125 GB available space
- Additional Notes: SSD Required
Recommended Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10/11 with updates
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3600X, Intel i5-10600K
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080
- DirectX: Version 12
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 125 GB available space
- Additional Notes: SSD Required
Now, let’s move on to the troubleshooting steps:
Run the Game as an Administrator
Running Starfield with administrative privileges can help resolve many launch issues. To do this: Locate the Starfield executable file. Right-click on it and select “Run as administrator.” Confirm any User Account Control (UAC) prompts.
Disable Fullscreen Optimizations
Fullscreen optimizations can sometimes interfere with games. To disable them for Starfield:
- Locate the Starfield executable file.
- Right-click on it and select “Properties.”
- In the Compatibility tab, check the box that says “Disable fullscreen optimizations.”
- Click “Apply” and then “OK.”
Close Unnecessary Background Tasks
Running too many background processes can impact game performance. Close unnecessary applications and background tasks before launching Starfield.
Repair Game Files
Corrupted game files can lead to launch issues. Most game platforms (such as Steam and Bethesda Launcher) have built-in tools to verify and repair game files. Use these tools to fix any issues.
Adjust Power Management Options
Windows power settings can affect game performance. Set your power plan to “High Performance” to ensure your PC is running at its full potential while gaming.
Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime
Starfield relies on certain Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime components. Reinstalling these can resolve launch issues. You can download the latest versions from the Microsoft website.
Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot ensures that no third-party software or services interfere with the game’s launch. To perform a clean boot:
- Press
Win + R, type “msconfig,” and press Enter. - In the System Configuration window, go to the “Services” tab.
- Check the box that says “Hide all Microsoft services.”
- Click “Disable all” to turn off third-party services.
- Next, go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
- Disable all startup items in Task Manager.
- Restart your computer.
Restore Default to Overclocked CPU or GPU
If you have overclocked your CPU or GPU, reset them to their default settings. Overclocking can sometimes cause instability in games.
By following the comprehensive troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you should be well on your way to resolving these problems.
