Here are some troubleshooting methods to fix the said problem. The methods are arranged according to the severity and impact level of the issue. Follow them to attain the best results to solve Overwatch crashes on launch problem.
How to Fix Overwatch Crashing on Windows 10 Basic Troubleshooting Method 1: Use High-Performance Power Plan Method 2: Disable Fullscreen Optimizations Method 3: Update Overwatch Patches to its Latest Version Method 4: Update Graphics Drivers Method 5: Reset Graphics Driver Settings Method 6: Uninstall Razer Chroma SDK (If Applicable) Method 7: Repair or Uninstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package Method 8: Scan for Errors in Drive Method 9: Defragment and Optimize Drives Method 10: Use Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool Method 11: Repair Corrupt System Files Method 12: Repair Overwatch Game Files Method 13: Disable Overlay Settings (For Discord) Method 14: Update Windows Method 15: Reset Game Settings Method 16: Contact Overwatch Support Pro Tip: Avoid Overheating
Before trying the advanced troubleshooting steps, you are advised to ensure the compatibility of the game and the system by following the basic troubleshooting steps as discussed below.
Ensure your system meets at least minimum specifications to enjoy the uninterrupted service of Overwatch. Refer to the table listed below.
Run the program as administrator since few game features can be launched only with administrative rights. Close all background applications consuming high CPU resources by using the Task Manager. Run an antivirus scan to check if any malware is preventing you from launching the game. Perform a memory test and ensure that your RAMs are working correctly. You can use the MemTest86 tool to run this test. Sometimes, an Windows Firewall may prevent you from accessing the game, considering it a threat. You can allow the game in Windows Firewall. Open your game in Windowed mode and change the display resolutions of your Desktop screen. This may help you fix the issue within a few clicks. Navigate to display settings of the game to turn off V-Sync, G-Sync, and FreeSync features and check if the issue is resolved. Finally, avoid overclocking to fix Overwatch not launching or crashes on launch issues. Also, set your GPU configurations to default settings to prevent the issue altogether.
If you did not get any fix by following these basic troubleshooting methods, then you can jump into the advanced troubleshooting solutions listed below to fix Overwatch crashes on launch problem.
You can also optimize your computer for games when you set your settings to a high-performance power plan. These power plans are developed to manage the power settings on portable settings. Follow the below-mentioned instructions to use high-performance power plan settings in your system.
If full-screen optimization is enabled in your system, you may encounter game crashes often. Disable the full-screen optimization to prevent the problem and launch the game now.
Finally, click on Apply and then OK to save the changes. Check if you have fixed the issue. Also Read: 5 Best FPS Counter For Windows 10
Any bugs in the game can be fixed by updating it. Thus to resolve Overwatch crashes on launch issue, follow the below-mentioned steps to its latest version as discussed below.
If there are updates available, follow the on-screen instructions to update the game Now, relaunch the game to check if Overwatch crashes on launch problem is solved. Note: If there are no patches available for update, try the rest of the methods discussed in this article.
Try updating the drivers to the latest version by following the given steps to fix Overwatch crashing problem.
Right-click on video driver (e.g. Intel (R) UHD Graphics) and choose Update driver as depicted below.
5A. If the drivers have been updated already, it shows The best drivers for your device are already installed.
5B. If the drivers are outdated, then they will get updated automatically. Lastly, restart your PC. Also Read: Fix Graphics Card Not Detected on Windows 10
If you have changed the settings of the graphics driver intentionally or unknowingly, the altered graphics settings will interfere with the Overwatch game, thus leading to Overwatch crashing issue. Accordingly, reset your graphics driver settings to resolve the same. Option 1: For Intel Graphics Driver
Finally, check the box for Restore Factory Defaults to reset graphics settings. Option 3: For NVIDIA Drivers
Finally, check if you have fixed the issue. Also Read: What is NVIDIA Virtual Audio Device Wave Extensible?
The primary reason for Overwatch crashing issues is Razer Chroma SDK. This enables effective communications of razer devices without the need for any additional drivers. Yet to ensure uninterrupted gaming service, you have to uninstall Razer Chroma SDK with the help of steps as discussed below.
Then, select Razer Chroma SDK and click on the Uninstall button shown highlighted. Note: We have shown uninstalling Origin as an example.
Click on Uninstall again to confirm the same and follow the on-screen instructions to finish the uninstallation process.
Incorrect Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package may lead to crashing of the game. If you face any conflicts during the installation of this package, cancel the process and restart it again. Also, if you have installed the package incorrectly, then repair them manually to resolve the issue. Follow the given steps as listed below to fix the issue. Option 1: Repair the Package
Then, click on the Yes button in the User Account Control prompt and wait for the repair process to be completed. Try repairing all other Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages by following the above steps. Now, restart your PC and check if Overwatch crashing issue is fixed or not. Option 2: Uninstall the Package
Now, check if you have fixed Overwatch crashes on launch issue. If not then, try uninstalling other Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages by following the above steps.
Sometimes, errors in hard disks might also contribute to the issue. Thus, you can perform a scan and sort out any errors, if any. Thus, find where your installation files are stored and scan the corresponding drive as instructed below.
Finally, check if you have fixed the issue. If you do not find any errors, follow the rest of the methods discussed in this article. Also Read: Fix Steam Stuck on Allocating Disk Space on Windows
If you do not use an SSD, the data on your hard drive gets fragmented over time and leads to performance loss and hence the game crashes. Therefore, you are advised to defragment your hard disk at least once a month to avoid such issues. Then, follow the below-mentioned steps to implement the same. Note: Defragmentation of SSD (Solid State Drive) is not recommended. Perform the demonstrated steps to defrag the hard disk.
Now, select your drive and click on Analyze option to find if it needs to be Optimized. Note: If the Analyze button is greyed out then, follow the below step to optimize the drive.
The Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool is a free memory test program to ensure any issues with the system memory triggering Overwatch crashing issue. This tool is easy to use, and the system will be rebooted after sorting the errors. Follow the below-mentioned steps to use Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.
Here, use the arrow keys to navigate to the Extended option and hit the F10 key to Apply and run the test. Note: The Extended tests include all the standard tests plus MATS+ (cache disabled). Stride38, WSCHCKR, WStride-6. CHCKR4, WCHCKR3, ERAND, Stride6 (Cache disabled), and CHCKRS.
Several minutes will take to complete the memory test. 5. If any errors are reported, note down the errors to troubleshoot them accordingly and hit the Esc key to exit the tool.
If you have any corrupt files in your system, you will face Overwatch crashing issue, and thus to repair them, there are several ways suggested by tech experts. Yet, here is a simple method to repair corrupt Windows files.
If you are prompted with a message, Chkdsk cannot run…the volume is… in use process, then, type Y and hit the Enter key.
Note: A system scan will be initiated and it will take a couple of minutes to finish. Meanwhile, you can continue performing other activities but be mindful of not accidentally closing the window. After completing the scan, it will show either of these messages:
Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations. Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.
Overlays settings will help you access third-party software and programs in your system during your game. But, these settings will trigger crashing issues too sometimes. Here, the steps to disable overlays in Discord are explained.
Scroll down the left navigation pane and click on Game Overlay under the ACTIVITY SETTINGS section.
Restart your system and open the game to check if Overwatch crashes on launch issue persists or not. Note: Read our guide on How to Disable Steam Overlay in Windows 10
If your Operating System is outdated then, you may have issues while playing games in your system. Follow the below-mentioned steps to update your Windows OS and fix Overwatch crashes on launch issue.
Unoptimized game settings will trigger more crashing issues, and thus if you did not get any fix by all the above-discussed methods, you could reset game settings as follows. Note: When you reset the game settings, all the in-game settings will default values.
Then, click on Done to reset the settings. Now, relaunch the game and check if you face the issue again. If the issue persists then you can reinstall the game again. Also Read: Fix Overwatch FPS Drops Issue
If you did not obtain any fix by the above-discussed methods, then you should contact Overwatch Support to solve the problem. The support team will analyze the exact reason for the issue and help you resolve the same.
Excessive overheating might also contribute to the poor performance of your game and your system. Overheating will damage the internal components and will slow down the performance of the system gradually. Here are some points you can follow to avoid overheating.
Rest your computer in between long gaming hours. When there is debris clot around the fan, your system will not be appropriately ventilated, leading to overheating. So, you should maintain a well-ventilated setup. Constant overheating will wear down not only your graphics card but also your system. If you play for long hours and experience the high temperature of your system, then install better cooling systems.
When your system is heated to the maximum temperature, the fans will spin with the highest RPM. Yet, the system may not be able to handle the heat. In this case, your GPU will develop a load of heat and leads to Thermal Throttling. You must use a dedicated graphics card to fix this issue.
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We hope that this guide was helpful and you could fix Overwatch crashing issue in your system. Let us know which method worked for you the best. Also, if you have any queries/suggestions regarding this article, then feel free to drop them in the comments section.
