COD Black Ops 3 Keep Crashing on Startup on PC

COD Black Ops 3 Keep Crashing on Startup on PC: How to FIX

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COD Black Ops 3 Keep Crashing on Startup on PC: Released in 2015, Call of Duty: Black Ops III remains a standout title in the realm of multiplayer zombie action first-person shooters, developed by Treyarch and published by Activision.

Serving as a sequel to Call of Duty: Black Ops II, which debuted in 2012, this installment has garnered significant acclaim, particularly for its PC version on Steam, across various gaming platforms.

However, many players have encountered a frustrating issue where Call of Duty: Black Ops III crashes upon startup on Windows PCs. If you find yourself experiencing this problem, this comprehensive troubleshooting guide is designed to help you resolve it.

It’s worth noting that many Call of Duty titles on PC are prone to occasional crashes due to unforeseen circumstances. Startup crashes and difficulties launching the game have become common complaints among PC gamers. Regardless of your system specifications, crashing at launch is frequently reported. Fortunately, there are several potential workarounds you can employ to address this issue.

Why COD Black Ops 3 is Crashing?

It appears that the PC version of Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 has encountered a crash during the launch process, which may stem from several potential factors.

These could include compatibility problems between the game and your PC’s specifications, issues with corrupted or outdated graphics drivers, or the game itself being outdated.

Additionally, antivirus software might be interfering, along with other factors such as background processes, DirectX version mismatches, and conflicts with startup applications.

Moreover, complications related to linking Blizzard and Activision accounts, problems with in-game overlay applications, issues with the game client, as well as corrupted or missing game files, can also contribute to launching difficulties.

Now that you’re familiar with these potential causes, you can explore the following solutions to resolve the issue. Let’s get started!

Fix: COD Black Ops 3 Keep Crashing on Startup on PC

We have compiled several potential solutions that may prove useful in addressing your issue. Please follow each method sequentially until you find one that resolves the problem. It’s important to note that even simple troubleshooting steps can often be effective in finding a resolution.

1. Check System Requirements

To begin with, it’s essential to verify that your PC’s specifications align with the game’s system requirements.

If your hardware is outdated or of a lower tier, it’s likely that the game will not perform optimally.

In cases where your PC is incompatible with the game, consider upgrading the necessary hardware or software to ensure compatibility. However, if your system already meets the requirements, you can move on to the next step.

Minimum Requirements:

  • OS: Windows 7 64-Bit / Windows 8 64-Bit / Windows 8.1 64-Bit
  • Processor: Intel Core i3-530 @ 2.93 GHz / AMD Phenom II X4 810 @ 2.60 GHz
  • Memory: 6 GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 470 @ 1GB / ATI Radeon HD 6970 @ 1GB
  • DirectX: Version 11
  • Network: Broadband Internet connection
  • Storage: 100 GB of available space
  • Sound Card: DirectX Compatible

2. Remove Battle.Net and Activation Friends

It has been observed that Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 frequently experiences crashes when players have an excessive number of online friends. To mitigate issues related to startup or in-game crashes, it is advisable to limit the number of friends on your account. Reducing this limit may enhance your gaming experience and improve stability.

3. Force Run DirectX 11

If you are currently using the latest version of DirectX, which is DX12, you may encounter issues running your game smoothly. To address this, consider forcing the game to utilize DirectX 11 instead while playing Call of Duty: Black Ops 3. Here’s how you can do this:

  • 1. Open the Battle.Net client on your computer.
  • 2. Navigate to Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 in your game library.
  • 3. Click on Options and check the box for Additional Command Line Arguments.
  • 4. Enter the command -d3d11 and exit the client to apply the changes.
  • 5. Finally, launch Call of Duty: Black Ops 3, and you should experience smoother gameplay without crashes.

4. Run Black Ops 3 as an administrator

To prevent any user account control issues related to permissions, it is essential to launch the Black Ops 3 executable file with administrative privileges. Additionally, you should also run the Battle.net client as an administrator on your system. Here’s how to do it:

  • 1. Locate the COD Black Ops 3 shortcut on your desktop or in your file directory.
  • 2. Right-click on the shortcut and select ‘Properties.’
  • 3. Navigate to the ‘Compatibility’ tab.
  • 4. Find the option labeled ‘Run this program as an administrator’ and check the box next to it.
  • 5. Click ‘Apply’ and then ‘OK’ to confirm and save your changes.

Remember to follow the same procedure for your Steam or Battle.net client to ensure smooth operation.

5. Repair Game Files

Corrupted or missing game files on your computer may not alert you directly, but you will likely encounter issues when attempting to launch the game—such as crashes or failure to open after loading. This can leave you puzzled about the root of the problem. However, you can often resolve these issues by repairing the game files through the respective game client. Here’s how to do it for both Battle.net and Steam:

**For Battle.net:

  • 1. Open the Battle.net client on your computer.
  • 2. Navigate to the library and select “COD Black Ops 3.”
  • 3. Click on “Options,” then choose “Scan and Repair.”
  • 4. Select “Start Scan” to begin the process.
  • 5. Wait for the scan to complete. Once finished, you should be able to play the game without issues. Remember to restart the client to implement any necessary changes.

**For Steam:

  • 1. Launch the Steam client on your computer.
  • 2. Click on “Library” to view your installed games.
  • 3. Right-click on “COD Black Ops 3” from your game list.
  • 4. Choose “Properties,” then navigate to the “Local Files” tab.
  • 5. Click on “Verify Integrity of Game Files” and allow the process to complete.
  • 6. After verification, restart your computer to ensure everything functions correctly.

By following these steps, you can effectively address and resolve problems related to your game files, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.

6. Update GPU Drivers

It’s possible that your graphics driver hasn’t been updated recently, which could lead to various issues. To eliminate any potential glitches, it’s advisable to update your graphics drivers on your computer. Here’s how you can do it:

  • 1. Press the Windows + X keys simultaneously to access the Quick Link Menu.
  • 2. From the options presented, select Device Manager and then double-click on Display adapters.
  • 3. Locate your dedicated graphics card, right-click on it, and choose Update driver.
  • 4. Opt for the option to Search automatically for drivers.
  • 5. If an update is found, your system will automatically download and install it.
  • 6. After the installation is complete, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

Following these steps can help enhance your graphics performance and resolve any existing issues.

7. Perform a Clean Boot

Certain applications and their associated services may launch automatically when your system starts up. This can lead to significant consumption of both internet bandwidth and system resources. If you’re experiencing similar issues, consider performing a clean boot on your computer to diagnose the problem. Here’s how to do it:

  • 1. Press the Windows key and the R key simultaneously to bring up the Run dialog box.
  • 2. Type **msconfig** and press Enter to access the System Configuration utility.
  • 3. Navigate to the **Services** tab and check the box labeled **Hide all Microsoft services**.
  • 4. Click on **Disable all**, then hit **Apply** and **OK** to confirm your changes.
  • 5. Next, switch to the **Startup** tab and click on **Open Task Manager**.
  • 6. In the Task Manager window, go to the **Startup** tab.
  • 7. Identify any applications that have a significant startup impact, select them, and click **Disable** to prevent them from launching at startup.
  • 8. Repeat this process for each application that shows a high startup impact.

After you’ve completed these steps, restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect.

8. Close Unnecessary Background Tasks

If you notice several unnecessary background tasks running on your system, especially those linked to third-party applications, it’s important to terminate them individually to optimize your CPU and memory usage. Follow these steps:

  • 1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  • 2. Navigate to the Processes tab.
  • 3. Identify and select the task you wish to close.
  • 4. Click on the “End Task” button to terminate it. Repeat this process for each unwanted task.

After you have finished closing the tasks, simply restart your computer to apply the changes immediately.

9. Disable Antivirus and Firewall Program

If you’re experiencing issues with your game, it may be beneficial to temporarily disable your antivirus software and firewall. Occasionally, overly aggressive security programs can interfere with the proper functioning of game files, mistakenly identifying them as threats and hindering your ability to launch or play the game smoothly. Here’s how to proceed:

1. **Disable Windows Firewall:

  • – Open the Start menu and type “Control Panel” to access it.
  • – In the Control Panel, type “firewall” in the search bar, then select “Windows Firewall.”
  • – On the left sidebar, click on “Turn Windows Firewall on or off.”
  • – Choose the option to “Turn off Windows Firewall” for all network profiles: Private, Domain, and Public.
  • – Restart your computer to implement these changes, and check if the issue persists.

2. **Turn Off Antivirus Protection:

  • – Navigate to Windows Settings by clicking on the gear icon.
  • – Select “Privacy and Security,” then go to “Windows Security.”
  • – Click on “Virus & threat protection,” and locate “Manage settings.”
  • – Disable the “Real-time Protection” toggle.
  • – After making this adjustment, reboot your PC to ensure the changes take effect.

If you are using any third-party antivirus software, remember to disable it as well during this troubleshooting process. This should help you determine if the security programs are causing the issue with your game.

10. Try Disabling Overlay Apps

Certain widely-used applications may have overlay features that can run in the background, potentially leading to gaming performance problems or issues during game launches. To resolve these issues, it’s recommended to disable these overlays by following the steps outlined below:

**Disabling Discord Overlay:

  • 1. Open the Discord application and click on the gear icon located at the bottom of the window.
  • 2. In the App Settings menu, select the Overlay option and enable the in-game overlay feature.
  • 3. Navigate to the Games tab and find Call of Duty: Black Ops III in the list.
  • 4. Toggle off the Enable in-game overlay option.
  • 5. Don’t forget to restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

**Disabling Xbox Game Bar:

  • 1. Press the Windows + I keys together to access Windows Settings.
  • 2. Click on the Gaming section, then select Game Bar, and disable the option for recording game clips, taking screenshots, and broadcasting using the Game Bar.
  • 3. If you have difficulty locating the Game Bar settings, you can search for it directly in the Windows Settings menu.

**Disabling Nvidia GeForce Experience Overlay:

  • 1. Launch the Nvidia GeForce Experience application and navigate to the Settings area.
  • 2. Under the General tab, turn off the In-Game Overlay feature.
  • 3. Restart your PC to apply the changes, and then try launching Call of Duty: Black Ops III once more.

Additionally, it is advisable to disable other overlay applications such as MSI Afterburner, Rivatuner, RGB management software, or any other third-party overlays that may be operating in the background, as they could also impact your gaming experience.

11. Link Both Blizzard and Activation Accounts

To resolve the game crashing issue during launch, it’s crucial to verify that your Blizzard and Activision accounts are properly linked. A disconnect between these accounts could be the cause of the problem. Here’s how to ensure they are connected:

  • 1. Visit the official Activision Support page to link your Activision account with your Blizzard account.
  • 2. If you encounter the error message “Error: Disconnected from Server,” please try the linking process again using the same account you originally used to purchase the game—this step is essential for a successful connection.

12. Set Power Options to High Performance

The Call of Duty series is known for its large file sizes and demanding graphics, which can put a significant strain on system resources during both launch and gameplay. To ensure optimal performance while playing Call of Duty: Black Ops 3, it is advisable to adjust your Windows power settings to High Performance. Here’s how to do it:

  • 1. Click on the Start menu or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
  • 2. Type “Power Options” and select it from the search results.
  • 3. In the Power Options window, look for the “Additional power settings” link and click on it.
  • 4. Activate the High-Performance option by toggling it on.

After making these changes, restarting your computer will help apply the new settings effectively. This adjustment will allow your system to utilize its resources to the fullest while enjoying the game.

13. Set Windows System to Best Performance

If you’re experiencing performance issues on your Windows computer, even when not using demanding applications or if your hardware specifications are sufficient, consider switching your system to Best Performance mode. This involves disabling certain features and visual effects. Here’s how to do it:

  • 1. Open Windows Search and type “Performance,” then select the corresponding option.
  • 2. Click on “Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.”
  • 3. Enable the “Adjust for best performance” setting for optimal results.

Keep in mind that enabling this option may lead to a decrease in the visual quality of the system interface, altering UI elements and fonts. However, if you find that this adjustment doesn’t improve performance, you can easily revert to the previous settings or the recommended mode.

14. Disable the SysMain Service

To enhance your gaming experience, it’s important to disable the SysMain service, commonly referred to as SuperFetch, as it can interfere with game launches and overall gameplay. Here’s how to turn it off:

  • 1. Press the Windows key and the R key simultaneously to open the Run dialog.
  • 2. In the box that appears, type “services.msc” and press Enter to access the Services menu.
  • 3. Locate the SysMain service on the list, then right-click on it.
  • 4. Select “Stop” from the menu, then right-click on SysMain once more and choose “Properties.”
  • 5. Change the Startup Type to “Disabled,” then click “Apply” followed by “OK” to confirm your changes.
  • 6. Finally, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

This process can help resolve potential issues and improve your gaming performance.

15. Adjust COD Black Ops 3 Exe Properties

Adjusting certain settings in the executable properties of Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 can often help resolve various issues. Here’s how to do it:

  • 1. Locate the COD Black Ops 3 executable file, either on your desktop or in the game’s installation folder, and right-click on it.
  • 2. From the context menu, choose “Properties,” then navigate to the “Compatibility” tab.
  • 3. In this section, check the box that says “Disable Fullscreen Optimizations.”
  • 4. Next, click on “Change high DPI settings.” Here, check the box for “Override high DPI scaling behavior.”
  • 5. Ensure that the “Scaling performed by” option is set to “Application.”
  • 6. Finally, click “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes.

These adjustments can help improve your gaming experience by addressing various performance issues.

16. Disable Crossplay Feature

Ensure to disable the Crossplay feature on your Battle.net client to check if that helps to remove the crashing issue with the COD Black Ops 3 game or not.

17. Delete Battle.Net Cache Data

Corrupted cache data files can lead to a range of problems. Here’s a step-by-step guide to resolve these issues:

  • 1. Start by closing all games and exiting the Battle.net client.
  • 2. Press the Windows + R keys together to open the Run dialog box.
  • 3. Enter %programdata% and press Enter to access the Program Data folder.
  • 4. Navigate to the Blizzard Entertainment folder and then to the Battle.net directory.
  • 5. Locate the Cache folder, select all files within it, and delete them.
  • 6. After deleting the files, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

Following these steps, you should be able to launch and enjoy Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 without difficulty.

Additionally, if you continue to experience issues such as glitches or stuttering, consider adjusting some of the in-game graphics settings. Limiting the frame rate to below 60 FPS may enhance your gaming experience and prevent crashes.

We hope you found this guide useful. If you have any further questions, feel free to leave a comment below.

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