Why Does Borderlands 3 Keep Crashing

Borderlands 3 crashes? It’s often due to outdated graphics drivers, insufficient RAM/VRAM, corrupted files, software conflicts, or overheating. This guide helps you troubleshoot and fix these issues to get back to gaming.

Identifying the Culprit: Common Causes of Borderlands 3 Crashes

Before randomly changing settings, understand the potential sources:

Outdated or Corrupted Graphics Drivers: This is common. Old drivers lack optimizations, or a bad install causes instability.
Insufficient System Resources: Borderlands 3 is demanding. If your PC doesn’t meet the requirements (RAM, VRAM, CPU), crashes happen due to memory leaks.
Corrupted Game Files: Damaged files during install/update cause crashes when accessed.
Conflicting Software: Background programs interfere. This includes overlays (Discord, MSI Afterburner), antivirus, or resource-heavy apps.
Overheating: CPU or GPU overheating causes instability, especially in intense scenes.
DirectX Issues: Problems with DirectX installation cause crashes.
Hardware Limitations: Older components struggle at higher resolutions/settings.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Borderlands 3 Crashes

Safety First: Before opening your computer, ensure it’s unplugged and you’re grounded to prevent static discharge.

1. Update Your Graphics Drivers

Identify Your GPU: NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon (check Device Manager).
Download the Latest Drivers:
- NVIDIA GeForce: Get them from the NVIDIA website or use GeForce Experience.
- AMD Radeon: Get them from the AMD website (Adrenalin drivers).
Perform a Clean Installation: Choose “Custom (Advanced)” during install and check the box for a clean install to remove conflicting older files.

2. Verify Game File Integrity

Steam:
- Right-click Borderlands 3 in your Steam library.
- Select “Properties.”
- Go to the “Local Files” tab.
- Click “Verify integrity of game files…”
Epic Games Launcher:
- Click the three dots next to Borderlands 3 in your Library.
- Select “Verify.”
This scans and redownloads corrupted/missing files.

3. Adjust Graphics Settings

Lower Graphics Presets: Start with “Low” or “Medium.”
Reduce Resolution: Significantly reduces GPU load.
Disable VSync: Can sometimes cause issues.
Adjust Individual Settings: Disable/lower shadows, ambient occlusion, and anti-aliasing.
Limit FPS: Cap frame rate (e.g., 60 FPS) to prevent GPU overheating.

4. Close Unnecessary Background Programs

Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc): Close programs consuming CPU/memory.
Disable Overlays: Discord, MSI Afterburner, etc.
Temporarily Disable Antivirus: Test if it’s interfering (re-enable afterward!).

5. Check Your System’s Temperature

Monitoring Software: Use MSI Afterburner or HWMonitor to track CPU/GPU temperatures.
Acceptable Temperatures: CPU below 80°C, GPU below 85°C.
Solutions for Overheating: Improve cooling by cleaning dust, reapplying thermal paste, or upgrading your cooler.

6. Check your RAM

Windows Memory Diagnostic: Use the built-in tool (search in Windows).

7. Reinstall DirectX

Locate DirectX installation files (in game directory or download from Microsoft).
Run the installer to update/reinstall.

8. Reinstall Borderlands 3

As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall for a fresh copy.

When to Suspect Hardware Problems

If crashes persist, consider hardware issues:

Failing GPU: Graphical artifacts/crashes in other games.
Faulty RAM: RAM errors can cause crashes.
Power Supply Unit (PSU): Inadequate PSU causes instability. Ensure it provides enough wattage.

If you suspect a hardware problem, run diagnostics or consult a technician. Troubleshooting helps pinpoint the cause and get you back to enjoying Borderlands 3!

Frequently Asked Questions