Fix: COD Black Ops 3 Keep Crashing on Startup on PC

Call of Duty: Black Ops III, released in 2015, remains one of the best-in-class multiplayer zombie action first-person shooter video games. Developed by Treyarch and Activision, it is a sequel to Call of Duty: Black Ops II. While the game has been launched on various platforms, the PC version, especially on Steam, has received positive reviews. However, many players have reported facing the issue of the game crashing on startup. In this troubleshooting guide, we will explore various solutions to fix this problem and get you back into the game.

Why is COD Black Ops 3 Crashing?

There are several possible reasons why the Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 game crashes on PC during startup. Some of the common causes include incompatibility issues between the game and PC specifications, corrupted or outdated graphics drivers, outdated game version, conflicts with antivirus software, background running tasks, DirectX version-related issues, conflicts with startup apps, and more. Additionally, issues with Blizzard and Activision account linking, in-game overlay apps, game client-related issues, corrupted or missing game files, and other factors can also contribute to the game crashing on startup.

Now that we are aware of the potential reasons behind the issue, let’s dive into the methods to fix it.

Solutions to Fix COD Black Ops 3 Crashing on Startup

Here, we will discuss several workarounds that can help resolve the issue of COD Black Ops 3 crashing on startup. It is recommended to follow each method one by one until the problem is resolved. Sometimes, even a basic troubleshooting method can do the job.

Check System Requirements

The first step is to ensure that your PC build or specifications meet the system requirements of the game. If your PC specifications are outdated or have a lower-end configuration, there is a high chance that the game won’t run properly. If your PC build is incompatible with the game, consider upgrading the specific software or hardware to make it compatible. Below are the minimum requirements for the game:

• OS: Windows 7 64-Bit / Windows 8 64-Bit / Windows 8.1 64-Bit
• Processor: Intel Core i3-530 @ 2.93 GHz / AMD Phenom II X4 810 @ 2.60 GHz
• Memory: 6 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 470 @ 1GB / ATI Radeon HD 6970 @ 1GB
• DirectX: Version 11
• Network: Broadband Internet connection
• Storage: 100 GB of available space
• Sound Card: DirectX Compatible

If your PC meets these requirements, move on to the next solution.

Remove Battle.Net and Activation Friends

It appears that having too many friends added in the Battle.Net and Activation accounts can contribute to the game crashing on startup. To reduce the chances of this issue, try reducing the number of friends on your account to a minimum.

Force Run DirectX 11

If you already have the latest version of DirectX (currently DX12), it may cause the game to not run properly. To overcome this, you can force the game to run on DirectX 11. Here’s how:

1. Open theBattle.Net client on your PC.
2. Go to theCOD Black Ops 3 game from the library.
3. In the options, enable theAdditional Command Line Arguments checkbox.
4. Type-d3d11 in the text field.
5. Exit the client to save the changes.
6. Launch the game again to see if the crashing issue is resolved.

Run Black Ops 3 as an Administrator

Running the Black Ops 3 executable file as an administrator can help avoid user account control-related privilege issues. Additionally, running the Battle.Net client as an administrator might also be beneficial. Follow these steps to run the game as an administrator:

1. Right-click on theCOD Black Ops 3 executable shortcut file on your PC.
2. SelectProperties and click on theCompatibility tab.
3. Check theRun this program as an administrator checkbox.
4. ClickApply and thenOK to save the changes.

Repeat the same steps for the Steam or Battle.Net client as well.

Repair Game Files

Corrupted or missing game files can often cause crashes or prevent the game from launching properly. Repairing the installed game files directly from the client can help resolve these issues. Here’s how to repair the game files for Battle.Net and Steam clients:

For Battle.net:

1. Open theBattle.net client on your computer and go to the library.
2. Click onCOD Black Ops 3 and selectOptions.
3. ChooseScan and Repair and clickStart Scan.
4. Wait for the process to complete and then try launching the game again. Restart the client if necessary.

For Steam:

1. LaunchSteam and click onLibrary.
2. Right-click onCOD Black Ops 3 from the list of installed games.
3. SelectProperties and go to theLocal Files tab.
4. Click onVerify Integrity of Game Files.
5. Wait for the process to complete and then restart your computer.

Update GPU Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can cause issues with the game’s performance and stability. It is recommended to update your GPU drivers to the latest version to ensure compatibility and to remove potential glitches. Follow these steps to update your GPU drivers:

1. PressWindows + X keys to open theQuick Link Menu.
2. Click onDevice Manager and double-click onDisplay adapters.
3. Right-click on your dedicated graphics card and selectUpdate driver.
4. ChooseSearch automatically for drivers and let the system download and install any available updates.
5. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Perform a Clean Boot

Some apps and their services may start automatically during system boot, consuming internet connection and system resources. Performing a clean boot can help identify if any background tasks are causing the issue. Here’s how to perform a clean boot:

1. PressWindows + R keys to open theRun dialog box.
2. Typemsconfig and hitEnter to openSystem Configuration.
3. Go to theServices tab and check theHide all Microsoft services checkbox.
4. ClickDisable all, then clickApply andOK to save the changes.
5. Go to theStartup tab and clickOpen Task Manager.
6. In the Task Manager interface, go to theStartup tab and disable any tasks with a high startup impact.
7. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Close Unnecessary Background Tasks

Closing unnecessary background tasks can help reduce CPU and memory usage, potentially resolving performance-related issues. Follow these steps to close unnecessary background tasks:

1. PressCtrl + Shift + Esc keys to openTask Manager.
2. Go to theProcesses tab and select the tasks you want to close.
3. ClickEnd Task for each selected task.
4. Restart your computer to see if the crashing issue is resolved.

Disable Antivirus and Firewall Programs

Antivirus and firewall programs can sometimes interfere with game files and prevent them from running properly. Temporarily disabling these programs may help resolve the crashing issue. Here’s how to disable them:

1. Click on theStart menu and typeControl Panel to open it.
2. Search forfirewall and click onWindows Firewall.
3. From the left pane, click onTurn Windows Firewall on or off.
4. SelectTurn off Windows Firewall for thePrivate,Domain, andPublic Network Settings.
5. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Additionally, if you are using any third-party antivirus software, make sure to turn it off as well.

Try Disabling Overlay Apps

Overlay apps, such as Discord, Xbox Game Bar, and Nvidia GeForce Experience, can sometimes cause conflicts with game launches and gameplay. Disabling these overlay apps may help resolve the crashing issue. Here’s how to disable them:

Disable Discord Overlay:

1. Launch theDiscord app and click on the gear icon at the bottom.
2. Go toOverlay underApp Settings and disable theEnable in-game overlay option.
3. Click on theGames tab and selectCall of Duty: Black Ops III.
4. Turn off theEnable in-game overlay toggle.
5. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Disable Xbox Game Bar:

1. PressWindows + I keys to openWindows Settings.
2. Click onGaming and go toGame Bar.
3. Turn off theRecord game clips, screenshots, and broadcast using Game bar option.

If you can’t find the Game Bar option, search for it in the Windows Settings menu.

Disable Nvidia GeForce Experience Overlay:

1. Launch theNvidia GeForce Experience app and go toSettings.
2. Click on theGeneral tab and disable theIn-Game Overlay option.
3. Restart your computer and launch the COD Black Ops 3 game again.

Make sure to disable any other overlay apps, such as MSI Afterburner, Rivatuner, RGB software, or any other third-party overlay apps running in the background.

Link Both Blizzard and Activation Accounts

Ensure that your Blizzard and Activision accounts are properly linked to each other. Issues with account linking can sometimes cause the game to crash during startup. Follow the official Activision Support page to link your Activision account with your Blizzard account. If you encounter the error message “Error: Disconnected from Server,” retry the method using the same account used to purchase the game.

Set Power Options to High Performance

Call of Duty games, including Black Ops 3, require maximum system resources due to their high-end graphics and processes. Setting your power options to High Performance can prevent the system from limiting resource usage while playing COD Black Ops 3. Here’s how to change the power options:

1. Click onStart or press the Windows key and typePower Options to open it.
2. Click on theAdditional power settings option.
3. Enable theHigh-Performance option.
4. Restart your system to apply the changes.

Set Windows System to Best Performance

If you experience performance issues on your Windows computer, even without running high-end applications or games, setting the Windows system to Best Performance mode can help. This involves removing additional features or visual enhancements. Here’s how to do it:

1. TypePerformance in the Windows Search bar and openAdjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
2. Select theAdjust for best performance option.

Note that enabling the best performance option may reduce the graphics quality of the system UI, change UI elements, or font design. If this option doesn’t help, you can revert back to the previous option.

Disable the SysMain Service

Disabling the SysMain service, also known as SuperFetch, can help resolve issues with game launches and gameplay. Here’s how to turn it off:

1. PressWindows + R keys to open theRun dialog box.
2. Typeservices.msc and hitEnter to openServices.
3. Find theSysMain service from the list and right-click on it.
4. Click onStop and then right-click onSysMain again.
5. Go toProperties and set theStartup Type toDisabled.
6. ClickApply and thenOK to save the changes.
7. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Adjust COD Black Ops 3 Exe Properties

Tweaking certain options in the COD Black Ops 3 executable properties can help resolve multiple issues. Follow these steps to adjust the properties:

1. Right-click on the COD Black Ops 3 exe file on your desktop or in the installed game location.
2. SelectProperties and click on theCompatibility tab.
3. Disable theFullscreen optimizations option.
4. Click onChange high DPI settings and enable theOverride high DPI scaling behavior checkbox.
5. SelectScaling performed by: Application.
6. ClickApply and thenOK to save the changes.

Disable Crossplay Feature

Disabling the Crossplay feature in the Battle.Net client may help resolve the crashing issue. Follow these steps to disable it:

1. Open the Battle.Net client and go to the game settings.
2. Disable the Crossplay feature.

Delete Battle.Net Cache Data

Corrupted cache data files can cause various issues. Deleting the Battle.Net cache data can help resolve these issues. Here’s how to do it:

1. Close all games and quit the Battle.net client.
2. PressWindows + R keys to open theRun dialog box.
3. Type%programdata% and hitEnter to open theProgram Data folder.
4. Open theBlizzard Entertainment folder and go toBattle.net.
5. Click onCache, select all files, and delete them.
6. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Finally, it is recommended to turn off or lower some of the in-game graphics settings if you still experience glitches or stutters that cause the game to crash. Consider capping the FPS limit to under 60 FPS for an optimal gaming experience.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of COD Black Ops 3 crashing on startup and enjoy uninterrupted gameplay. If you have any further queries or need additional assistance, feel free to comment below.