Why Does My PC Keep Crashing Games? (And How to Fix It)

Is your PC constantly crashing during your favorite games? It’s a frustrating problem, but you’re not alone. Game crashes on PC are a common issue with many potential causes. This comprehensive guide will explore the most frequent culprits and provide actionable steps to troubleshoot and resolve them, so you can get back to gaming.

Common Causes of Game Crashes

Many factors can contribute to game crashes. Understanding these potential causes is the first step toward fixing the problem. Here’s a breakdown of the most common culprits:

  • Overheating: Excessive heat can cause instability and lead to crashes. Components like your CPU and GPU have thermal limits, and exceeding these can trigger shutdowns to prevent damage.
  • Driver Issues: Outdated, corrupt, or incompatible graphics drivers are a frequent cause of game crashes. Drivers are the software that allows your operating system to communicate with your hardware, and if they’re not functioning correctly, problems can arise.
  • Hardware Problems: Faulty RAM, a failing hard drive, or an underpowered power supply can all lead to game crashes. These hardware issues can manifest in various ways, including random shutdowns, blue screens of death (BSODs), and game-specific crashes.
  • Software Conflicts: Conflicts between different software programs, including antivirus software, overlays (like Discord or Steam overlays), and background applications, can sometimes interfere with game performance and cause crashes.
  • Operating System Errors: Issues within the operating system itself, such as corrupt system files or outdated updates, can also cause games to crash.
  • Game-Specific Bugs: Sometimes, the game itself is the problem. Bugs or glitches in the game’s code can lead to crashes, especially in newly released or unpatched games.
  • Insufficient System Resources: Your computer may not meet the minimum or recommended system requirements for the game. Insufficient RAM or a weak CPU/GPU can cause stuttering, lagging, and eventually, crashes.
  • Overclocking: While overclocking can boost performance, it can also lead to instability if not done correctly. Overclocking pushes your components beyond their designed limits, which can cause them to overheat or malfunction.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Game Crashes

Now that we know the common causes, let’s dive into the troubleshooting steps. Follow these steps in order, testing your game after each step to see if the problem is resolved.

1. Check Your System Temperatures

Overheating is a major cause of game crashes. Monitor your CPU and GPU temperatures while gaming using monitoring software like:

  • MSI Afterburner: A popular tool for monitoring GPU temperatures and performance.
  • HWMonitor: Provides detailed information about various hardware components, including CPU and GPU temperatures.
  • NZXT CAM: Provides temps, fan speeds, and allows for some control of NZXT hardware components.

Ideally, your CPU should stay below 80°C and your GPU below 85°C during gaming. If your temperatures are higher, consider the following:

  • Clean Your PC: Dust buildup can insulate components and prevent proper cooling. Clean your PC’s interior regularly with compressed air.
  • Improve Airflow: Ensure your case has adequate airflow. Add more fans or rearrange existing ones to optimize cooling.
  • Reapply Thermal Paste: Over time, thermal paste can dry out and lose its effectiveness. Reapplying thermal paste to your CPU and GPU can improve heat transfer.
  • Consider Liquid Cooling: If air cooling isn’t sufficient, consider investing in a liquid cooler for your CPU or GPU.

2. Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupt graphics drivers are a common cause of game crashes. Download and install the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website:

It’s also recommended to perform a clean installation of your drivers using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to remove any existing driver files that may be causing conflicts.

3. Verify Game File Integrity

Corrupted game files can also cause crashes. Most game launchers have a built-in feature to verify the integrity of game files.

  • Steam: Right-click on the game in your library, select “Properties,” go to the “Local Files” tab, and click “Verify integrity of game files.”
  • Epic Games Launcher: Click the three dots next to the game in your library, select “Verify.”
  • Other Launchers: Check the specific launcher’s documentation for instructions on verifying game files.

4. Check System Requirements

Ensure your PC meets the minimum and recommended system requirements for the game. You can usually find this information on the game’s store page or website. If your PC barely meets the minimum requirements, consider upgrading your hardware.

5. Close Background Applications

Close unnecessary background applications to free up system resources. Programs like antivirus software, overlays, and web browsers can consume significant resources and interfere with game performance. Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to identify and close resource-intensive applications.

6. Run a Memory Test

Faulty RAM can cause random crashes. Run a memory test using Windows Memory Diagnostic or Memtest86 to check for errors. If the test identifies errors, replace your RAM modules.

7. Check Your Hard Drive

A failing hard drive can also lead to crashes. Run a disk check using the chkdsk command in Command Prompt to scan for and repair errors. Replace the drive if necessary.

8. Update Windows

Ensure your operating system is up to date with the latest updates and security patches. Outdated operating systems can have bugs that cause instability, potentially leading to game crashes.

9. Check Power Supply

Make sure your power supply is sufficient for your hardware configuration. An underpowered PSU can cause instability and crashes, especially when your components are under heavy load during gaming. Calculate your system’s power requirements and ensure your PSU has enough wattage. A good tool for power supply calculation is the OuterVision Power Supply Calculator.

10. Reinstall the Game

If none of the above steps work, try reinstalling the game. This can resolve issues caused by corrupted game files or installation errors. Make sure to completely uninstall the game, including any leftover files, before reinstalling.

11. Rule out Overclocking

If you are overclocking your CPU or GPU, revert to the default clock speeds. Overclocking can cause instability and crashes, especially if not done correctly.

12. Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried all of the above steps and your PC is still crashing, it’s possible that you have a more serious hardware problem. Consider seeking professional help from a computer repair technician.

By systematically troubleshooting these common causes, you can often identify and resolve the reason why your PC keeps crashing during games and get back to enjoying your favorite titles.