Elden Ring Won’t Launch or Not Loading: In February 2022, FromSoftware Inc. launched Elden Ring, an action role-playing game published by Bandai Namco Entertainment.
This title offers an immersive dark fantasy experience, featuring soul-like characters and impressive graphics. However, some PC players have encountered challenges with the game failing to launch or load correctly, leading to frustration.
Despite frequent updates and bug fixes commonly provided for PC games, players may still encounter various issues when starting the game or during their gaming sessions.
Newly released titles like Elden Ring can also exhibit glitches or stability problems that may require time for developers to address through patches.
Fortunately, several potential solutions outlined below could assist players in overcoming these issues.
Why Do Elden Ring Won’t Launch?
There is a significant likelihood that players may encounter common issues when launching or loading “Elden Ring Stay Human” on PC.
These problems can arise from various factors, including outdated graphics drivers, older game versions, and missing or corrupted game files.
Additionally, unnecessary background processes may contribute to these difficulties. Other potential culprits include an outdated Windows operating system and complications related to the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.
Furthermore, issues related to startup services, antivirus software, incompatible hardware, overlay applications, overclocked CPUs or GPUs, and DirectX-related problems can also lead to startup failures for the game. With that said, let’s delve into the solutions without further delay.
Elden Ring Won’t Launch or Not Loading: How to FIX
Let’s dive right in without delay. Please follow each method sequentially until the issue is resolved.
If you continue to experience difficulties with the game launching correctly, it is advisable to reach out to customer support for additional help.
Check System Requirements
To begin, verifying that your computer’s specifications align with the game’s system requirements is essential. Incompatible hardware can often lead to various problems when trying to launch the game. We have provided the game’s requirements for you to compare against your current setup.
Minimum System Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: INTEL CORE I5-8400 or AMD RYZEN 3 3300X
- Memory: 12 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1060 3 GB or AMD RADEON RX 580 4 GB
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 60 GB available space
- Sound Card: Windows Compatible Audio Device
Recommended System Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10/11
- Processor: INTEL CORE I7-8700K or AMD RYZEN 5 3600X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1070 8 GB or AMD RADEON RX VEGA 56 8 GB
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 60 GB available space
- Sound Card: Windows Compatible Audio Device
Run the game as an Administrator
Running your video game without administrator privileges can lead to various problems, such as difficulties in launching the game, startup crashes, or even failure to load altogether.
To potentially resolve these issues, it’s advisable to execute the game’s executable file with administrator rights on your Windows computer. Here’s how you can do that:
- To adjust the settings for the Elden Ring executable shortcut on your computer, start by performing a right-click on the shortcut file.
- From the context menu, navigate to the Properties option and then proceed to the Compatibility tab.
- In this section, ensure that you enable the option labeled “Run this program as an administrator” by checking the corresponding box.
- After making this adjustment, click on Apply, followed by OK, to confirm and save your changes.
Verify the Integrity of Game Files
In the event that your game files become corrupted or are inadvertently lost, utilizing the game launcher to verify and repair these files can be highly beneficial. Here’s how to proceed:
For Steam:
- To begin, open the Steam application and navigate to your Library.
- Locate Elden Ring in your collection of installed titles and right-click on it.
- From the context menu, select Properties, then proceed to the Local Files tab.
- Here, you will find the option to Verify the Integrity of Game Files; click on it.
- Allow the verification process to run until it finishes.
- Afterward, it is advisable to restart your computer to complete the procedure.
For Epic Games Launcher:
- Launch the Epic Games Launcher and navigate to your Library.
- Locate Elden Ring and click on the three-dot menu beside it.
- Select the option to Verify, and then allow the process to finish.
- After verification is complete, restart your computer to ensure that all changes take effect.
Update Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
- Head over to the following path on your PC:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Steamworks Shared\_CommonRedist\vcredist
- You should see the following folders:
- 2012\vc_redist.x64.exe
- 2013\vc_redist.x64.exe
- 2019\vc_redist.x64.exe
Ensure that you execute all the provided executable files. If you have multiple folders, be sure to run the vc_redist.x64.exe file located within each of them. Once you have completed this step, restart your computer to resolve the issue.
Update DirectX
- Navigate to the directory located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Steamworks Shared\_CommonRedist\DirectX.
- There, you will find the DXSETUP.exe file. Execute this file to reinstall or update your DirectX software.
- After the process is complete, it is advisable to restart your computer to ensure that all changes take effect.
Update GPU Drivers
Numerous players have indicated issues related to an outdated graphics driver. If you’ve been using an older version of your graphics driver, it’s advisable to verify for updates. You can follow the steps outlined below to ensure you have the latest version.
- To access the Quick Link Menu, press the Windows + X keys simultaneously. From the menu that appears, select Device Manager and then expand the Display Adapters section by double-clicking it.
- Locate your dedicated graphics card, right-click on it, and choose the option to Update the driver.
- Opt for the Search automatically for driver selection. If updates are available, your system will automatically download and install them.
- After the process is complete, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
- This approach may resolve the issue of Elden Ring not launching on your PC. If the problem persists, you can proceed to the next troubleshooting method.
Elden Ring Not Changing Resolution or Full Screen/Borderless Window Not Working
Disable Overlay Apps
Some players experiencing difficulties with game launches have reported that turning off the Steam overlay on their Windows computers has resolved the issue.
The in-game overlay application operates continuously in the background when the game client is active, which may lead to conflicts with system processes or resource allocation.
For Steam Overlay:
- To address the issue of Elden Ring not launching, first, launch the Steam client and navigate to your Library.
- Locate Elden Ring in your game list, right-click on it, and choose “Properties” from the dropdown menu.
- Next, switch to the General tab and find the option to disable the Steam Overlay; simply uncheck the box next to “Enable Steam Overlay.”
- After making this change, return to your Library and restart Squad to see if the problem persists.
Disable Discord Overlay:
- To get started, open the Discord application and look for the gear icon located at the bottom of the window.
- Once you click on it, navigate to the App Settings and find the Overlay section.
- Here, you should activate the option labeled “Enable in-game overlay.”
- Next, head over to the Games tab and choose Elden Ring from the list.
- After that, disable the “Enable in-game overlay” option.
- To ensure that all changes take effect, it’s important to restart your computer.
Disable Xbox Game Bar:
- To access Windows Settings, simply press the Windows key and the I key simultaneously.
- Once in the Settings menu, navigate to the Gaming section and select Game Bar.
- Here, you will find the option to disable the feature that allows recording game clips, taking screenshots, and broadcasting through the Game Bar.
- If you’re having trouble locating the Game Bar settings, you can use the search function within the Windows Settings to find it easily.
Disable Nvidia GeForce Experience Overlay:
- To begin, open the Nvidia GeForce Experience application and navigate to the Settings menu.
- Within the Settings, locate the General tab and turn off the In-Game Overlay feature.
- After making these adjustments, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect, and then relaunch your game.
Additionally, it’s important to consider disabling other overlay applications that may be running in the background, such as MSI Afterburner, Rivatuner, RGB control software, or any other third-party overlay tools. This can help improve your gaming experience.
Install All Pending Windows Updates
There may be instances where certain bugs within Windows or conflicts with system files could hinder the proper functioning of the game. Additionally, if your software hasn’t been updated for a considerable period, you might encounter compatibility problems. To ensure your system is running the latest version and to resolve potential issues, it’s essential to install all pending Windows updates sequentially. Here’s how you can do that:
- 1. Press the Windows + I keys simultaneously to access the Windows Settings menu.
- 2. Navigate to Update & Security, then click on Check for updates in the Windows Update section.
- 3. If a feature update is available, choose the option to Download and install it.
- 4. Allow some time for the update process to finish.
- 5. Lastly, restart your PC to implement the changes right away.
Disable Antivirus and Firewall Program
To begin, access the Start menu and search for “Control Panel.” Once located, open it. In the Control Panel, enter “firewall” into the search box and select “Windows Firewall” from the results.
- Next, navigate to the left sidebar and choose the option to “Turn Windows Firewall on or off.”
- It is important to select the option to disable Windows Firewall for all three network settings: Private, Domain, and Public.
- After making these adjustments, restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect, and then check if the issue persists.
Additionally, you will need to disable the antivirus protection provided by Windows Defender. To do this, follow these steps:
- 1. Open Windows Settings and go to “Privacy and Security.”
- 2. Select “Windows Security” and then click on “Virus & threat protection.”
- 3. Find the option labeled “Manage settings” and toggle off the “Real-time Protection” feature.
After completing these steps, remember to restart your computer to apply the changes. If you are using a third-party antivirus program, be sure to disable it manually as well.
Steam Deck Elden Ring Crashing, Not Launching, and Other Fixes
Perform a Clean Boot
- To begin, press the Windows + R keys simultaneously to open the Run dialog. In the text box, enter “msconfig” and press Enter to access the System Configuration window.
- Next, navigate to the Services tab and check the box that says “Hide all Microsoft services.” After that, click on the “Disable all” button to turn off all non-Microsoft services. Remember to hit Apply and then OK to confirm these changes.
- Proceed to the Startup tab and select “Open Task Manager.” In the Task Manager window, locate the Startup tab. Here, you’ll see a list of tasks that are set to run at startup. Click on each enabled task that you want to disable, and select the “Disable” option. Focus on disabling the programs that have a high impact on startup performance.
- Once you have completed these steps, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect. After your PC has rebooted, check to see if the issue with Elden Ring not launching has been resolved.
Close Background Processes
To effectively troubleshoot the issue, it is advisable to terminate background processes sequentially until the problem is fully resolved. Conflicts arising from these tasks can sometimes interfere with game launches or gameplay. To proceed, follow these steps:
- 1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- 2. Navigate to the Processes tab and identify the task you wish to end.
- 3. After selecting the task, click on the “End Task” button. Be sure to repeat this process for each task individually.
- 4. Once you have completed this, restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect immediately.
- By doing so, you may eliminate any conflicts affecting your gaming experience.
Reset Elden Ring
If the previous troubleshooting steps haven’t resolved the issue, it’s advisable to reset the game on your PC. This action can help address any temporary glitches or problems related to cached data.
- To begin the reset process, press the Windows (Start) + X keys to access the Quick Link Menu.
- From there, navigate to Apps and Features. Locate Elden Ring in the list of installed applications and select it
- Next, click on Advanced options and choose the Reset option.
- After you’ve completed the reset, restart your computer and attempt to launch the game again. This should help in resolving any lingering issues.
Reinstall Elden Ring
If you’ve tried all previous troubleshooting methods without success, consider reinstalling the Elden Ring game as a potential solution to the launching issue. Here’s how you can do it:
- 1. Launch the Steam client on your PC.
- 2. Navigate to your Library and locate the Elden Ring game.
- 3. Right-click on the game title and select “Manage.”
- 4. Choose the “Uninstall” option.
- 5. If a confirmation prompt appears, click “Uninstall” again and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the removal process.
- 6. After the uninstallation is complete, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
- 7. Once your computer has restarted, reopen the Steam client and reinstall the game using your existing Steam account.
Following these steps should help resolve the issue of Elden Ring not launching on your PC. We hope this guide proves helpful. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to leave a comment below. Enjoy your gaming experience!