The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim Keep Crashing on Startup on PC

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition, developed by Bethesda, is a popular RPG that was released in 2016. Despite being available on various platforms such as PC, Xbox, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo, many players have reported experiencing crashing issues during startup on their Windows PCs. This problem has become quite common among PC gamers in recent years. If you’re one of the victims facing this issue, don’t worry. In this troubleshooting guide, we will provide you with several possible workarounds to fix the startup crashing or game not launching issue in Skyrim on your PC.

Why is Skyrim Crashing on Startup?

There are several possible reasons why Skyrim may crash during startup on your PC. Incompatibility with the game requirements and your PC specifications is one likely cause. Missing or corrupted game files, outdated game launcher, outdated game version, outdated Windows build, and issues with graphics drivers can also lead to frequent startup crashes. Additionally, problems with the DirectX version, overlay apps, unnecessary background processes, antivirus software, Windows Firewall protection, startup apps, conflicts with Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables, and more can trigger crashes during startup.

Troubleshooting Methods

You can follow these troubleshooting methods one by one to fix the crashing issue in Skyrim on startup. It is important not to skip any of the methods, as even the basic ones can resolve the problem in certain scenarios.

1. Check System Requirements

First and foremost, ensure that your PC configuration meets the system requirements of Skyrim. If your PC’s specifications do not meet the minimum requirements of the game, it may crash frequently during startup. Here are the minimum and recommended system requirements for Skyrim:

Minimum Requirements:

• OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit Version)
• Processor: Intel i5-750/AMD Phenom II X4-945
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 470 1GB /AMD HD 7870 2GB
• Storage: 12 GB available space

Recommended Requirements:

• OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit Version)
• Processor: Intel i5-2400/AMD FX-8320
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 780 3GB /AMD R9 290 4GB
• Storage: 12 GB available space

Ensure that your PC meets these requirements before proceeding to the next troubleshooting steps.

2. Disable Fullscreen Optimizations

Disabling the fullscreen optimization option has proven to be effective for some users. Follow these steps to disable fullscreen optimizations for Skyrim:

1. Open the Steam launcher and click on Library.
2. Right-click on Elder Scrolls V Skyrim and select Manage.
3. Choose Browse local files and navigate to the installed location of Skyrim.
4. Right-click on Elder Scrolls V Skyrim.exe and select Properties.
5. Go to the Compatibility tab and check the Disable fullscreen optimizations option.
6. Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

This should help prevent crashes during startup caused by fullscreen optimizations.

3. Run the Game File as an Administrator

Running the game executable file with administrator access can resolve authorization issues and prevent crashes during startup. Follow these steps to run the game file as an administrator:

1. Right-click on the Elder Scrolls V Skyrim.exe shortcut file on your PC.
2. Select Properties and go to the Compatibility tab.
3. Check the Run this program as an administrator checkbox.
4. Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.
5. Double-click on the game exe file to launch it.

Make sure to repeat these steps for your Steam launcher as well, granting the same UAC access to the game launcher.

4. Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or missing graphics drivers can cause issues with graphics-intensive programs like Skyrim. It is important to check for graphics driver updates and install the latest version to ensure optimal performance. Here’s how you can update your graphics drivers:

1. Right-click on the Start Menu and open the Quick Access Menu.
2. Click on Device Manager to open the interface.
3. Double-click on Display adapters to expand it.
4. Right-click on your dedicated graphics card and select Update driver.
5. Choose Search automatically for drivers and let the system check for updates.
6. If an update is available, it will be automatically downloaded and installed.
7. Restart your PC to apply the changes.

If no updates are found, visit the official website of your graphics card manufacturer (Nvidia, AMD, or Intel) and manually search for the latest driver update. Download and install it on your PC, then restart the system.

5. Update Windows

Running an outdated version or build of the Windows operating system can also lead to startup crashes in Skyrim. To check for and install Windows updates, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + I keys to open the Windows Settings menu.
2. Click on Windows Update from the left pane and select Check for updates.
3. If updates are available, click Download and Install.
4. Wait for the update process to complete.
5. Restart your PC to apply the changes.

6. Check for Optional Updates

In addition to regular updates, it is recommended to check for optional updates that may include device driver updates and security patches. Here’s how you can check for optional updates:

1. Press Windows + I keys to open the Windows Settings menu.
2. Click on Windows Update from the left pane and click on Advanced Options.
3. Scroll down and find the Additional options section.
4. Click on Optional updates and select any available updates.
5. Click on Download & install and restart the system once the update is installed.

Checking for optional updates ensures that your PC is up to date with all the latest improvements and fixes.

7. Switch to Dedicated GPU

If you have a dedicated graphics card on your Windows computer, make sure you are using it instead of the integrated HD graphics. Here’s how you can switch to your dedicated GPU:

For Nvidia GPU:

1. Right-click on the desktop screen to open the context menu.
2. Click on Nvidia Control Panel to open it.
3. Go to 3D Settings and select Manage 3D Settings.
4. Open the Program Settings tab and choose Elder Scrolls V Skyrim from the dropdown menu.
5. Select the preferred graphics processor for this program from another dropdown menu.
6. Ensure that your Nvidia GPU is set as the High-Performance Nvidia Processor.
7. Save the changes and reboot the PC.

For AMD GPU:

1. Right-click on the desktop screen to open the context menu.
2. Open Radeon Settings and navigate to Additional Settings.
3. Go to Preferences, select Power, and choose Switchable Graphics Application Settings.
4. Select Elder Scrolls V Skyrim from the list of installed applications. If the game isn’t in the list, click on Add Application and include the game exe file.
5. Finally, select High Performance from the Graphics Settings option and reboot the PC.

Switching to the dedicated GPU ensures that your system utilizes the full power of your graphics card for optimal gaming performance.

8. End Background Processes

Unnecessary background processes can consume system resources and impact the game launching experience. Closing these tasks can help prevent crashes during startup. Follow these steps to end background processes:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on the keyboard to open Task Manager.
2. Click on the Processes tab and select the tasks you want to close.
3. Click End Task to close them.
4. Repeat these steps for each task you want to close.
5. Once done, close the Task Manager window and restart your PC.

9. Verify and Repair Game Files

Missing or corrupted game files can cause issues with game application launching and lead to crashes. Most game launchers, including Steam, have a feature to verify and repair game files online. Here’s how you can use this feature in Steam:

1. Launch the Steam client and click on Library.
2. Right-click on Elder Scrolls V Skyrim from the list of installed games.
3. Click on Properties and go to Local Files.
4. Click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.
5. Wait for the process to complete.
6. Restart your computer.

This process will check for missing or corrupted files and repair them automatically.

10. Adjust Steam Overlay

Enabling the Steam Overlay can sometimes cause conflicts and result in crashes. Follow these steps to adjust the Steam Overlay settings:

1. Open the Steam client on your PC and click on Library.
2. Right-click on Elder Scrolls V Skyrim in the left pane and select Properties.
3. Click on General and make sure to turn on the ‘Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game’ option.

Adjusting the Steam Overlay settings can help resolve crashes during startup.

11. Adjust Nvidia Control Panel Settings

For Nvidia graphics card users, adjusting the Nvidia Control Panel settings can potentially fix crashing issues in Skyrim. Follow these steps to adjust the settings:

1. Right-click on the desktop screen to open the context menu.
2. Select Nvidia Control Panel to open it and choose Manage 3D settings.
3. Click on Program Settings and select Elder Scrolls V Skyrim from the list. If the game is not available, click on Browse and add it to the list.
4. Make the following changes or adjustments to the settings:

• Image sharpening: Off
• Low latency mode: Off
• Power Management: Prefer maximum performance
• Texture filtering – Quality: Performance
• Threaded optimization: On

Save the changes, reboot the PC, and launch the game again.

Adjusting these settings in the Nvidia Control Panel may help resolve crashing issues in Skyrim.

12. Disable Windows Firewall

Sometimes, the default Windows Firewall protection can interfere with game files and cause crashes. Temporarily disabling the Windows Firewall can help resolve this issue. Follow these steps to disable Windows Firewall:

1. Click on the Start Menu and type Firewall.
2. Select Windows Defender Firewall from the search results.
3. Click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off from the left pane.
4. Select the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) option for both the Private & Public Network Settings.
5. Click OK to save the changes.
6. Restart your computer.

Remember to re-enable Windows Firewall after troubleshooting to ensure your PC remains protected.

13. Turn Off Antivirus Protection

Antivirus software can sometimes interfere with game files and cause crashes. Temporarily turning off antivirus protection can help identify if it is causing the issue. Here’s how you can turn off Windows Defender:

1. Press Windows + I shortcut keys to open the Windows Settings menu.
2. Click on Update & Security and then select Windows Security from the left pane.
3. Click on Open Windows Security.
4. Go to Virus & threat protection and click on Manage settings.
5. Turn off the Real-time protection toggle.
6. If prompted, click Yes to proceed.

If you are using any other antivirus program, make sure to turn it off as well.

14. Set High Performance in Power Options

Setting the power mode to High Performance can improve the performance of graphics-intensive programs like Skyrim. Here’s how you can change the power mode:

1. Click on the Start Menu and type control panel.
2. Open Control Panel from the search results.
3. Go to Hardware and Sound and select Power Options.
4. Click on High Performance to select it.
5. Restart your PC to apply the changes.

Setting the power mode to High Performance can potentially resolve crashing issues in Skyrim.

15. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime

Outdated or missing Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime can cause various issues in gaming. Reinstalling the latest version of Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime can resolve compatibility issues. Follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key and search for apps & features.
2. Open Apps & Features from the search results.
3. Click on the Microsoft Visual C++ program(s) individually from the list.
4. Select each program and click Uninstall.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.
6. Visit the official Microsoft website and download the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime.
7. Install it on your computer and restart the system.

Reinstalling Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime can help resolve compatibility issues and prevent crashes in Skyrim.

16. Perform a Clean Boot

Performing a clean boot can help identify if third-party programs are causing conflicts and crashes during startup. Here’s how you can perform a clean boot:

1. Press Windows + R shortcut keys to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type msconfig and hit Enter to open System Configuration.
3. Go to the Services tab and enable the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox.
4. Click on Disable all and then click Apply and OK to save the changes.
5. Go to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
6. In the Task Manager, go to the Startup tab.
7. Disable the tasks with a higher startup impact. Repeat this step for each task you want to disable.
8. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Performing a clean boot helps eliminate conflicts and allows you to identify the program causing the crashes.

17. Try Disabling Overlay Apps

Overlay apps, such as Discord Overlay, Xbox Game Bar, and Nvidia GeForce Experience Overlay, can sometimes conflict with Skyrim and cause crashes during startup. Disabling these overlay apps can help resolve the issue. Here’s how you can disable them:

Disable Discord Overlay:

1. Launch the Discord app and click on the gear icon at the bottom.
2. Select Overlay under App Settings and turn off Enable in-game overlay.
3. Click on the Games tab and select Elder Scrolls V Skyrim.
4. Finally, turn off the Enable in-game overlay toggle.
5. Restart your PC to apply the changes.

Disable Xbox Game Bar:

1. Press Windows + I keys to open Windows Settings.
2. Click on Gaming and go to Game Bar.
3. Turn off the Record game clips, screenshots, and broadcast using the Game bar option.

Disable Nvidia GeForce Experience Overlay:

1. Launch the Nvidia GeForce Experience app and go to Settings.
2. Click on the General tab and disable the In-Game Overlay option.
3. Restart your PC to apply the changes and launch the game again.

Additionally, disable any other overlay apps you have installed, such as MSI Afterburner, Rivatuner, or RGB software, as they can also cause conflicts.

18. Update Elder Scrolls V Skyrim

Outdated game patches can cause various issues, including crashes. It is important to check for game updates regularly and install the latest update whenever available. Here’s how you can update Elder Scrolls V Skyrim:

1. Open the Steam client and go to Library.
2. Click on Elder Scrolls V Skyrim from the list of installed games.
3. The client will automatically search for available updates.
4. If an update is available, click on Update.
5. Wait for the update process to complete. The duration depends on your storage space and internet connectivity.
6. Close the Steam client.
7. Restart your PC to apply the changes and launch Elder Scrolls V Skyrim again.

Keeping Skyrim updated ensures that you have the latest improvements and fixes, reducing the chances of crashes.

Conclusion

Experiencing crashes during startup in The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim can be frustrating, but with the troubleshooting methods mentioned above, you can resolve the issue and enjoy a smooth gaming experience. Remember to follow each method carefully and not skip any steps, as even the basic ones can fix the problem in certain scenarios.

By checking system requirements, disabling fullscreen optimizations, running the game file as an administrator, updating graphics drivers and Windows, switching to the dedicated GPU, ending background processes, verifying and repairing game files, adjusting settings for Steam Overlay and Nvidia Control Panel, disabling Windows Firewall and antivirus protection, setting high performance in power options, reinstalling Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime, performing a clean boot, disabling overlay apps, and updating Elder Scrolls V Skyrim, you can increase the chances of resolving the crashing issue on startup. Enjoy your adventures in Skyrim without any interruptions!