Fallout 4 crashes often stem from hardware limitations, software incompatibility, or corrupted game files/mods. To fix it, start by updating your graphics drivers, then carefully manage your mods, and verify your game file integrity. Let’s explore each solution in detail.

Identifying the Cause: Common Culprits

  • Outdated Graphics Drivers: These are a frequent cause. Outdated drivers may lack support for Fallout 4’s features, leading to instability and a “Fallout4.exe has stopped working” error.
  • Mod Conflicts and Corruption: Incompatible mods, incorrect load orders, or corrupted mod files often cause crashes. Buffout 4 can help diagnose mod-related crashes.
  • Hardware Limitations (Insufficient Specs): If your computer doesn’t meet the system requirements, the game might struggle, especially in graphically intensive areas. Check the official Bethesda website for requirements. Low RAM or a weak CPU can be major bottlenecks.
  • Corrupted Game Files: Game files can become corrupted due to improper installation, disk errors, or interruptions during updates.
  • Operating System Incompatibilities: Certain OS configurations or outdated Windows versions can cause issues, even though Fallout 4 is generally compatible with Windows 10 and 11.
  • DirectX Issues: An outdated or corrupted DirectX can lead to visual glitches and crashes.
  • Overheating: If your CPU or GPU overheats, your computer may shut down the game to prevent damage, resulting in a crash.

Troubleshooting Steps: Fixing Fallout 4 Crash Issues

1. Update Your Graphics Drivers:

  • Identify Your GPU: Find your graphics card model (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080, AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT) in the Device Manager (search “Device Manager” in Windows).
  • Download the Latest Drivers: Visit NVIDIA (nvidia.com) or AMD (amd.com) to download the latest drivers for your GPU.
  • Perform a Clean Installation: During installation, select the “Custom (Advanced)” option (NVIDIA) or “Factory Reset” (AMD) to remove any previous driver files.

2. Manage Your Mods:

  • Use a Mod Manager: Use Mod Organizer 2 (MO2) or Vortex to organize mods, manage load orders, and identify conflicts.
  • Disable Mods: Disable all mods and test the game. If the crashes stop, re-enable them one by one (or in small groups) to find the problematic mod.
  • Check Load Order: Ensure your mods are loaded in the correct order. Use tools like LOOT (Load Order Optimization Tool).
  • Check for Mod Compatibility: Read mod descriptions and compatibility notes.
  • Verify Mod File Integrity: Re-download mods if you suspect file corruption. Nexus Mod Manager has a built-in tool for checking archive integrity.

3. Check System Requirements:

  • Compare Specs: Compare your computer’s CPU, GPU, and RAM with the minimum and recommended system requirements.
  • Upgrade Hardware: If your hardware falls short, upgrade your CPU, GPU, or RAM. Consider at least 16 GB of RAM.

4. Verify Game File Integrity:

  • Steam: In Steam, right-click on Fallout 4, select “Properties,” go to the “Local Files” tab, and click “Verify Integrity of Game Files.” Steam will download and replace any corrupted files.

5. Adjust Graphics Settings:

  • Lower Settings: Reduce graphics settings (e.g., texture quality, shadow quality, anti-aliasing).
  • Disable Godrays: Disable godrays or set them to a lower quality.

6. Other Potential Solutions:

  • Run as Administrator: Right-click on the Fallout4.exe file and select “Run as administrator.”
  • Disable Antivirus Temporarily: Temporarily disable your antivirus to see if it resolves the issue (re-enable it afterward).
  • Update DirectX: Download and install the latest version of DirectX from the Microsoft website.
  • Clean Boot: Perform a clean boot of Windows to eliminate software conflicts. Search “msconfig,” go to the “Services” tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” and click “Disable all.” Restart your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Fallout 4 keep crashing on my PC?

Fallout 4 crashes are often caused by outdated graphics drivers, conflicting mods, corrupted game files, or your PC not meeting the game’s minimum system requirements.

How do I update my graphics drivers for Fallout 4?

Identify your GPU, then visit the NVIDIA or AMD website to download the latest drivers. Perform a clean installation to remove old driver files.

How do I manage mods to prevent Fallout 4 crashes?

Use a mod manager like Mod Organizer 2 or Vortex. Disable mods one by one to identify conflicts, check load orders, and verify mod file integrity.