Fix Starfield Error Code 0xc0000142

Starfield, the highly anticipated space exploration game from Bethesda, has finally arrived. Gamers around the world are diving into the vastness of space, but some are encountering a frustrating roadblock in the form of Error Code 0xc0000142.

This error can be particularly vexing, especially when it seems to pop up unexpectedly. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to resolve this issue and get back to exploring the stars. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through various solutions to fix Starfield Error Code 0xc0000142.

How to Fix Starfield Error Code 0xc0000142

The cause of the error is not sure but some users suggest that it may be caused by DLSS files. Here are some solutions to fix the error code 0xc0000142.

Run Starfield as Administrator

One of the first steps you should take when encountering Error Code 0xc0000142 in Starfield is to run the game as an administrator. This can help resolve permission-related issues that may be causing the error.

To do this, follow these steps:

• Right-click on the Starfield shortcut or executable file.
• Select “Run as administrator” from the context menu.
• Confirm any User Account Control (UAC) prompts if they appear.

Running the game as an administrator ensures that it has the necessary privileges to access system resources and can often resolve the error.

Verify Integrity of Game Files

Corrupted or missing game files can also lead to Error Code 0xc0000142. To check and repair any damaged files, you can use the Steam or Bethesda Launcher’s built-in integrity verification feature.

For Steam users:

• Open the Steam client.
• Navigate to your game library.
• Right-click on Starfield and select “Properties.”
• Go to the “Local Files” tab.
• Click on “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”
• Steam will check for and repair any corrupted files.

For Bethesda Launcher users:

• Open the Bethesda Launcher.
• Click on the “Starfield” game icon.
• Click on the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner.
• Select “Scan and Repair.”
• The launcher will verify and repair any corrupted game files.

After the verification and repair process is complete, launch Starfield again to check if the error is resolved.

Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can be a common cause of Error Code 0xc0000142 in Starfield. To ensure your graphics drivers are up to date, follow these steps:

For NVIDIA graphics cards:

• Visit the NVIDIA driver download website (https://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx).
• Enter your graphics card details or use the automatic detection feature.
• Download and install the latest driver for your GPU.

For AMD graphics cards:

• Visit the AMD driver download website (https://www.amd.com/en/support).
• Enter your graphics card details or use the automatic detection feature.
• Download and install the latest driver for your GPU.

After updating your graphics drivers, restart your computer and launch Starfield again to see if the error persists.

Disable Conflicting Software

Certain third-party applications or software can conflict with Starfield and cause Error Code 0xc0000142. To identify and resolve such conflicts, follow these steps:

Disable Overlays and Screen Capture Software:

• Disable any software that provides in-game overlays, such as Discord, Steam overlay, or GeForce Experience.
• Turn off screen capture or recording software like OBS, Fraps, or ShadowPlay while running Starfield.

Disable Antivirus and Firewall:

• Temporarily disable your antivirus software and Windows Firewall.
• Ensure that any exceptions or exclusions for Starfield are properly configured in your security software.

Check for Third-Party Software Conflicts:

• Review your running processes and close any unnecessary or suspicious programs that may be running in the background.
• Use the Windows Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to end any processes that are not essential.

After disabling or closing conflicting software, launch Starfield to see if the error is resolved. If it is, you can gradually re-enable these applications one by one to identify the specific program causing the conflict.

Reinstall Starfield

If none of the previous solutions have worked, it may be necessary to reinstall Starfield to resolve Error Code 0xc0000142. Here’s how to do it:

For Steam users:

• Open the Steam client.
• Navigate to your game library.
• Right-click on Starfield and select “Uninstall.”
• After uninstalling, download and install the game again from your library.

For Bethesda Launcher users:

• Open the Bethesda Launcher.
• Click on the “Starfield” game icon.
• Click on the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner.
• Select “Uninstall.”
• After uninstalling, reinstall the game from the launcher.

Clean Boot

perform a clean boot of your system to identify and disable any third-party services or startup programs that may be causing conflicts with Starfield.

If all else fails, reach out to Bethesda’s customer support or consult the Starfield community forums for assistance. They may have specific solutions or patches for known issues.

Read: Fix Starfield Not Starting/Not Launching Xbox Series X