inZOI Crashing on Startup or Not Launching on PC: inZOI: A New Life Simulation Experience inZOI, the latest life simulation game from inZOI Studio and published by Krafton, has made its debut in early access for PC on March 28, 2025.
With console versions on the horizon, the game is generating significant interest among simulation enthusiasts seeking a novel addition to the genre.
However, as is common with many early access games, some users have encountered persistent issues, particularly crashes during startup or mid-game.
These challenges have affected even those whose systems meet or surpass the recommended specifications. If you find yourself facing these difficulties, there’s no need for concern.
This guide provides a comprehensive collection of effective solutions designed to help you troubleshoot and resolve the crashing problems associated with inZOI on PC.
Why is inZOI Crashing?
There are several potential factors that could cause inZOI to fail during startup or during gameplay. These include:
- Outdated graphics or audio drivers
- Corrupted or absent game files
- Missing or outdated Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables
- Conflicts with overlay applications or antivirus software
- Insufficient administrative permissions
- Incompatibilities with the system or inadequate hardware specifications
- Background applications that are using excessive system resources
Now, let’s explore a comprehensive guide to troubleshoot and resolve these issues.
inZOI Crashing on PC – Step-by-Step Solutions
1. Check System Requirements
Before anything else, make sure your PC meets the minimum or recommended system requirements for inZOI.
Minimum:
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OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
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Processor: Intel i5 10400 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600
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RAM: 12 GB
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GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2060 / AMD RX 5600 XT (6GB VRAM)
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DirectX: Version 12
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Storage: 40 GB
Recommended:
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OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
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Processor: Intel i7 12700k / AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
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RAM: 16 GB
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GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 / AMD RX 6800 XT
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DirectX: Version 12
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Storage: 60 GB
If your hardware falls short, consider lowering in-game graphics settings or upgrading components.
2. Run the game as an Administrator
Running your video game without administrator privileges can lead to various problems, such as difficulties during launch, crashes at startup, or even failure to load the game altogether.
To troubleshoot these issues, it’s advisable to run the game executable file with administrator rights on your Windows computer. Here’s how to do it:
- Locate the inZOI executable shortcut on your desktop or in your file directory.
- Right-click on the shortcut and select “Properties” from the context menu.
- Navigate to the Compatibility tab in the Properties window.
- Look for the option labeled “Run this program as an administrator” and check the box next to it.
- Finally, click “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes.
By following these steps, you can determine if running the game with elevated permissions resolves the issues you’ve been experiencing.
3. Verify the Integrity of Game Files
Files that are either corrupted or missing frequently lead to crashes in applications.
To address this issue, follow these steps:
- Open the Steam application and navigate to your Library.
- Locate inZOI, right-click on it, and select Properties.
- In the Properties window, go to the Local Files tab and choose the option to Verify Integrity of Game Files.
- Allow the verification process to complete, and then restart your computer.
This should help resolve any file-related issues causing instability.
4. Update inZOI
We highly advise you to manually verify for any game updates through your game client to prevent any issues related to outdated versions that could interfere with the game’s launch. Running an older patch can lead to various problems, including potential crashes. Follow these steps to check for updates:
- Launch Steam and navigate to your Library.
- Select inZOI from the list on the left.
- Steam will automatically check for any available updates.
- If an update is found, click on the Update button.
- Please allow some time for the update process to complete.
- After the update finishes, it’s recommended to restart your PC to ensure all changes take effect.
5. Update Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
- It is strongly advisable to update the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables on your computer. Follow the instructions below to ensure your system is up to date.
- Important: If you’re utilizing Steam or another game launcher, you can obtain the latest version by visiting the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables website.
- To begin, navigate to the following directory on your PC:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Steamworks Shared_CommonRedist\vcredist - In this location, you should find the following folders:
2012\vc_redist.x64.exe
2013\vc_redist.x64.exe
2019\vc_redist.x64.exe
- Be sure to execute all of the available .exe files in these folders. If you discover additional folders, run the vc_redist.x64.exe files contained within them as well.
- Lastly, reboot your computer to complete the update process and resolve any potential issues.
6. Update DirectX
Outdated versions of DirectX can lead to issues when playing PC games. To prevent crashes, it’s advisable to manually update DirectX.
To do this, navigate to the following directory: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Steamworks Shared_CommonRedist\DirectX.
Once there, locate and execute the DXSETUP.exe file to initiate the reinstallation or update of DirectX. After the process is complete, be sure to restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect.
7. Update GPU Drivers
Several players experiencing issues have reported that they are using an outdated graphics driver. If you have been relying on an outdated version as well, it’s important to check for updates by following these instructions:
- Press the Windows key + X simultaneously to access the Quick Link Menu.
- Select “Device Manager” from the available options, then expand the “Display adapters” section by double-clicking on it.
- Locate your active dedicated graphics card, right-click on it, and choose “Update driver.”
- Opt for “Search automatically for drivers” to let your system find any available updates.
- If updates are found, they will be downloaded and installed automatically.
- After the installation is complete, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
Implementing this procedure should resolve the inZOI crashing problem on your PC. If the issue persists, consider exploring the next solution.
8. Disable Overlay Apps
Some players have reported that turning off the Steam overlay on their Windows PCs has resolved issues with games not launching.
The in-game overlay runs continuously in the background whenever you start the game client, which can sometimes lead to conflicts or resource allocation problems.
To disable the Steam overlay, follow these steps:
- Launch the Steam client and navigate to your Library.
- Locate the game “inZOI,” right-click on it, and select “Properties.”
- In the Properties window, go to the General tab and uncheck the box labeled “Enable Steam Overlay.”
- Return to your Library and restart the game “Squad” to see if the launching issue persists.
This simple adjustment may help improve your gaming experience.
9. Install Pending Windows Updates
It’s possible that certain Windows bugs or system files may interfere with the game’s performance. Additionally, if you haven’t updated your software in a while, you could encounter compatibility issues.
To ensure optimal performance, it’s important to individually install any pending Windows updates and keep your system up to date with the latest version. Here’s how to do it:
- Press the Win+I keys to access Windows Settings.
- Navigate to Update & Security and click on “Check for updates” in the Windows Update section.
- If a feature update is available, select “Download and Install.”
- Allow some time for the update process to complete.
- Finally, restart your PC to implement the changes immediately.
10. Disable Antivirus and Firewall Program
To begin, access the Start menu and enter “Control Panel” in the search field, then select it. Next, search for “firewall” in the search box and click on “Windows Firewall.”
In the left sidebar, choose the option to “Turn Windows Firewall on or off.” Here, you can disable the Windows Firewall for all network types: Private, Domain, and Public. After making these adjustments, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect and to check if the issue persists.
Additionally, you will need to disable Windows Defender’s antivirus protection. To do this, navigate to Windows Settings and select “Privacy and Security.” From there, go to “Windows Security” and then “Virus & Threat Protection.”
Click on “Manage settings,” and toggle off the “Real-time Protection” feature. Remember to restart your PC once more to apply these changes.
If you are using a third-party antivirus software, be sure to turn it off manually as well.
12. Perform a Clean Boot
- To access the Run dialog box, press the Windows key along with the R key simultaneously. In the text field that appears, enter “msconfig” and press Enter to launch the System Configuration window.
- Navigate to the Services tab and check the box labeled “Hide all Microsoft services” to filter out essential system services. Then, click the “Disable All” button to turn off all non-essential services. Don’t forget to click “Apply” followed by “OK” to confirm and save your changes.
- Next, switch to the Startup tab and click on “Open Task Manager.” In the Task Manager window, locate the Startup tab, where you will see a list of programs set to launch at startup. Select each enabled program, one at a time, and click “Disable” to prevent them from starting automatically.
- Focus on disabling programs that are marked as high impact on startup performance, doing this for each one individually. After you have completed these steps, restart your computer to implement the changes.
Finally, check to see if the issue with inZOI crashing has been resolved.
13. Close Background Processes
- To access Task Manager, simultaneously press the Ctrl, Shift, and Esc keys on your keyboard.
- Navigate to the Processes tab, where you can identify the task you wish to terminate.
- After selecting the appropriate task, click on the “End Task” button.
- Remember to repeat this process for each task you want to close individually. After you have finished, restart your computer to apply the changes promptly.
14. Reset inZOI
- To access the Quick Link Menu, simultaneously press the Windows (Start) key and the X key.
- From the options presented, choose “Apps and Features.”
- Locate inZOI among the installed applications and select it.
- Next, click on “Advanced options,” then opt for “Reset.” After completing these steps, restart your computer and attempt to launch the game again.
15. Reinstall inZOI
If you’ve tried all other troubleshooting methods without success, consider reinstalling the inZOI game to resolve the launch issue. Here’s how to do it:
- Access the Start menu and search for “Control Panel.”
- In the Control Panel, find and click on “Uninstall a Program.”
- Look for inZOI in the list, right-click on it, and select “Uninstall.”
- If a confirmation message appears, click “Uninstall” again to proceed.
- Allow the uninstallation process to finish, following any on-screen prompts as needed.
- After the uninstallation is complete, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
- Finally, open your game launcher (such as Steam) and reinstall inZOI.
This process may help resolve the issue you’re experiencing with the game not launching.
Final Thoughts
Experiencing crashes during the startup or gameplay can be quite aggravating, particularly when you’re excited to dive into a new game like inZOI.
Thankfully, many of these problems can be addressed through effective troubleshooting. Whether the cause is a missing file, outdated drivers, or conflicts within your system, this guide outlines key solutions to help you resume your gaming experience.
Regularly updating your drivers, the Windows operating system, and the game itself is essential for maintaining optimal performance. If you continue to encounter issues, consider contacting Krafton support or exploring community forums where developers and fellow gamers may offer valuable fixes.
We encourage you to share your experiences in the comments section, letting us know which solution worked for you or if you discovered an alternative fix. Enjoy your simulation adventures!