How to Troubleshoot Video Game Issues on Windows: Step-by-Step Guide

 Playing games on a Windows PC can be an amazing experience—until things go wrong. Whether it’s a game that crashes on startup, lags unexpectedly, or shows error messages, these problems can ruin your gaming session. In this blog post, we’ll walk through the most common video game issues on Windows and how to troubleshoot them, so you can get back to enjoying your favorite titles!

Common Video Game Issues on Windows

  1. Game won’t launch or crashes on startup.
  2. Low FPS or lag during gameplay.
  3. Screen tearing or stuttering.
  4. Audio not working in the game.
  5. Error messages or missing DLL files.
  6. Game controller not working properly.

Step 1: Check System Requirements

Make sure your PC meets the minimum or recommended requirements of the game. You can find the requirements on the game’s store page (like Steam, Epic Games Store, or Microsoft Store).

  1. Check your system specs:
    • Right-click on the Start menu and select System.
    • Note your processor, RAM, and GPU.
  2. Compare it with the game’s requirements and upgrade your hardware if needed.

Step 2: Install the Latest Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted GPU drivers often cause crashes, lag, or screen issues.

After updating your drivers, restart your computer and try launching the game again.

Step 3: Check for Windows Updates

Outdated Windows OS files can cause compatibility issues with games.

  1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  2. Click Check for updates.
  3. Install any available updates and restart your PC.

Step 4: Verify or Reinstall the Game Files

Corrupted or missing files can cause crashes or errors.

  • On Steam:

    1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
    2. Right-click the game and select Properties.
    3. Under Installed Files, click Verify integrity of game files.

  • On Epic Games:

    1. Open the Epic Games Launcher.
    2. Go to your Library and click the three dots next to the game.
    3. Select Verify.

  • If the game still doesn’t work, try reinstalling it from scratch.

Step 5: Adjust Game Graphics Settings

If your game lags or stutters, lower the in-game graphics settings.

  1. Lower resolution and disable V-Sync if your monitor or GPU struggles with high frame rates.
  2. Reduce anti-aliasing, shadow quality, and texture quality.
  3. Close unnecessary background apps to free up RAM and CPU resources.

For smoother performance, switch the game to Windowed Mode or Fullscreen Borderless.

Step 6: Disable Fullscreen Optimization and High DPI Scaling

Windows sometimes applies fullscreen optimization settings that interfere with game performance.

  1. Right-click the game’s .exe file and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  3. Check Disable fullscreen optimizations.
  4. Click Change high DPI settings and check Override high DPI scaling behavior.

Step 7: Update DirectX and Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables

Many games rely on DirectX and Visual C++ redistributables. If these components are outdated, your game might not run properly.

  1. Download and install the latest DirectX Runtime from the Microsoft website.
  2. Install the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables:

Step 8: Fix Error Messages and Missing DLL Files

Common Errors:

  • "MSVCP140.dll is missing"
  • "Xinput1_3.dll not found"
  1. If you see a DLL missing error, try reinstalling the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables.
  2. Make sure your game is installed correctly and verify the game files via Steam or Epic Games.
  3. Avoid downloading DLL files from third-party sites, as they could contain malware.

Step 9: Troubleshoot Game Audio Issues

If you’re not getting audio in the game:

  1. Check audio settings:
    • Open Settings > System > Sound.
    • Ensure the correct output device (headphones or speakers) is selected.
  2. Update your sound drivers through Device Manager:
    • Right-click the Start menu > Device Manager.
    • Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
    • Right-click your audio driver and select Update Driver.

Step 10: Fix Controller or Peripheral Issues

If your game controller isn’t working:

  1. Reconnect the controller and ensure it’s properly detected.
  2. Check for controller driver updates in Device Manager.
  3. Use Steam’s Big Picture Mode for better controller support:
    • Open Steam > View > Big Picture Mode.
    • Go to Settings > Controller Settings and configure your controller.

Step 11: Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily

Sometimes, antivirus software or firewalls can block certain game files or prevent online games from connecting to servers.

  1. Temporarily disable antivirus software and Windows Firewall:
    • Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection.
    • Turn off Firewall for public and private networks temporarily.
  2. Try running the game again. If it works, add the game as an exception in your antivirus or firewall.

Step 12: Monitor System Performance During Gameplay

Use Windows Task Manager to monitor CPU, GPU, and RAM usage during gameplay.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on the Performance tab and check if any resource is maxed out.
  3. If CPU or RAM is consistently at 100%, close unnecessary apps or upgrade your hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why does my game keep crashing on Windows?

  • Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date, verify game files, and check that your PC meets the game’s requirements.

2. How do I fix low FPS in games on Windows?

  • Lower the graphics settings, update drivers, close background apps, and ensure Windows Game Mode is enabled.

3. What should I do if a game won’t launch?

  • Reinstall or update the game, check for DirectX or Visual C++ updates, and disable fullscreen optimizations.

4. Why is my controller not working in some games?

  • Use Steam’s Big Picture Mode to configure controllers or update drivers via Device Manager.

5. How do I fix audio issues in games?

  • Ensure the correct audio output device is selected, and update your sound drivers through Device Manager.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting video games on Windows can be a hassle, but following these steps will resolve most issues, from game crashes and lag to controller and audio problems. Always keep your graphics drivers, Windows OS, and game files up to date to avoid future problems. With this guide, you’ll be back to gaming in no time!

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