How to Fix Fallout 4 Crashes on Startup | Windows 10

If you’re a fan of the Fallout series and experiencing issues with Fallout 4 crashing on startup, you’re not alone. Many players have encountered this frustrating problem, but fortunately, there are several effective solutions available. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through nine different methods to fix Fallout 4 crashes on startup in Windows 10.

Understanding the Causes of Fallout 4 Crashes on Startup

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the potential causes behind Fallout 4 crashing on startup. Some common factors include system incompatibility, incorrect game settings, display resolution conflicts, corrupted game files, security restrictions, and outdated drivers. Identifying the root cause will help us apply the most appropriate solution.

Method 1: Check System Compatibility

The first step in troubleshooting Fallout 4 crashes on startup is to ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements. Fallout 4 has specific requirements that must be met for the game to run smoothly. Here are the minimum system requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit OS required)
• Processor: Intel Core i5-2300 2.8 GHz / AMD Phenom II X4 945 3.0 GHz or equivalent
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 550 Ti 2GB / AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB or equivalent
• Storage: 30 GB available space

If your system doesn’t meet these requirements, you may need to upgrade certain components to ensure compatibility.

Method 2: Verify Integrity of Game Files

Corrupted game files can often cause Fallout 4 to crash on startup. Verifying the integrity of game files using the Steam client can help identify and resolve any issues. Follow these steps to verify the integrity of game files:

1. Open Steam and click on Library.
2. Right-click on Fallout 4 from the list and select Properties > Local Files.
3. Click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.

The Steam client will then scan the game files and repair or redownload any corrupted or missing files.

Method 3: Run Fallout 4 as an Administrator

Running Fallout 4 as an administrator can help resolve crashes caused by insufficient permissions. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the Fallout 4.exe shortcut file on your device.
2. Click on Properties and navigate to the Compatibility tab.
3. Check the option “Run this program as an administrator.”
4. Click on OK to save the changes.

Running the game as an administrator ensures that it has the necessary privileges to run smoothly.

Method 4: Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can often lead to crashes in games like Fallout 4. Updating your graphics drivers can help resolve this issue. Here’s how you can update your graphics drivers:

1. Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD).
2. Look for the latest drivers for your specific graphics card model.
3. Download and install the latest drivers according to the instructions provided.

Alternatively, you can use driver update software like NV Updater or AMD Driver Autodetect to simplify the driver update process.

Method 5: Modify DNS Settings

Sometimes, Fallout 4 crashing on the title screen can be due to server-related errors. Modifying the DNS settings can help resolve this issue. Follow these steps to modify your DNS settings:

1. Open Control Panel and navigate to Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click on Change Adapter Settings.
3. Right-click on your Wi-Fi connection and select Properties.
4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties.
5. Enter the following DNS values:

• Primary DNS Value: 8.8.8.8
• Secondary DNS Value: 8.8.4.4

Click OK to save the changes.

Modifying the DNS settings can help establish a stable connection and prevent crashes caused by server issues.

Method 6: Troubleshoot in Clean Boot State

Third-party applications installed on your computer can sometimes interfere with Fallout 4 and cause crashes. Performing a clean boot can help identify and resolve these conflicts. Here’s how to troubleshoot in a clean boot state:

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Typemsconfig and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
3. Go to the Services tab and check the box for “Hide all Microsoft services.”
4. Click on Disable all to disable all non-Microsoft services.
5. Go to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
6. In the Task Manager, disable all startup programs by right-clicking on each one and selecting Disable.
7. Close the Task Manager and go back to the System Configuration window.
8. Click on Apply and then OK to save the changes.
9. Restart your computer and launch Fallout 4 to see if the crash issue persists.

In the clean boot state, only essential services and processes will be running, allowing you to isolate the cause of the crashes.

Method 7: Update Fallout 4

Keeping your game updated is crucial for stability and bug fixes. If none of the previous methods have resolved the issue, updating Fallout 4 to the latest version might help. Here’s how you can update Fallout 4 through Steam:

1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
2. Right-click on Fallout 4 and select Properties.
3. In the Properties window, go to the Updates tab.
4. Enable the option “Always keep this game updated.”

With this option enabled, Steam will automatically download and install any available updates for Fallout 4.

Method 8: Disable or Remove Problematic Mods

Mods can sometimes cause compatibility issues and lead to crashes in Fallout 4. If you have installed any mods, try disabling or removing them to see if the crashes persist. Start a new game without any mods and check if the issue still occurs. If the crashes stop, it’s likely that one of the mods was causing the problem.

Method 9: Reinstall Fallout 4

If all else fails, reinstalling Fallout 4 can help resolve any issues related to corrupted game files or settings. Before reinstalling, make sure to back up your game saves and any important files. Uninstall Fallout 4 through the Steam client, delete any remaining files, and then reinstall the game from scratch.

Additional Tips

• Install the latest game patches: Installing the latest patches for Fallout 4 can provide bug fixes and optimizations. Check for updates regularly and apply them to ensure the best possible gaming experience.
• Adjust display settings: Sometimes, issues with display settings can cause Fallout 4 to crash. Try switching to windowed mode or modifying the graphics settings to see if it resolves the problem.
• Disable antivirus temporarily: Antivirus software can sometimes interfere with game files and cause crashes. Temporarily disabling your antivirus or adding Fallout 4 to its whitelist can help determine if it’s causing the issue.

Conclusion

By following these nine methods and implementing the additional tips, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve Fallout 4 crashes on startup in Windows 10. Enjoy your gaming experience without the frustration of constant crashes!