No Man’s Sky Crashing on Startup on PC 2024-25

No Man’s Sky Crashing on Startup on PC 2024-25: How to FIX

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No Man’s Sky Crashing on Startup on PC 2024-25: “No Man’s Sky, a survival game focused on exploration, was launched by Hello Games in August 2016. It is compatible with PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows.

This action-adventure title features four distinct gameplay modes: exploration, survival, combat, and trading. However, some players on Windows PCs have encountered a frustrating issue where the game crashes upon startup.

Startup crashes and launch failures are not uncommon in the PC gaming landscape. Typically, PC versions of games experience more bugs and technical problems compared to their console counterparts.

As No Man’s Sky is still relatively new, it is expected that developers will require time to address these prevalent bugs and glitches. In the meantime, affected players may need to seek out temporary solutions or workarounds while waiting for official updates to resolve these issues.”

Why Does No Man’s Sky Keep Crashing?

Before diving into the troubleshooting steps outlined below, it’s important to explore all potential causes of the problem you’re experiencing.

Game crashes can occur for a variety of reasons, including an outdated version of the game, outdated graphics drivers, unnecessary background processes, issues with overlay applications, and conflicts with startup programs. Additionally, using an outdated game launcher or operating system can also lead to crashing issues.

Other factors such as an outdated version of DirectX, interference from antivirus software, outdated Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables, and overclocked CPU or GPU settings may also contribute to difficulties with launching games.

To assist you, we have compiled several effective solutions below that could help resolve these issues.

Fix: No Man’s Sky Crashing on Startup on PC

You can follow all the troubleshooting methods until the problem has been fixed for you. It’s worth regularly checking out the game’s system requirements before jumping to any conclusion.

1. Check System Requirements

To ensure optimal gaming experience, it’s advisable to regularly verify your PC’s specifications alongside the system requirements of the game. This will help you determine compatibility.

If you have any doubts about your PC’s ability to run the game smoothly, there’s no need for concern. Below, we have outlined both the minimum and recommended system requirements for your convenience.

Minimum System Requirements:

  • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
  • OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit versions)
  • Processor: Intel Core i3
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Graphics: nVidia GTX 480, AMD Radeon 7870
  • Storage: 10 GB available space

2. Update Graphics Drivers

To ensure that your Windows system runs all applications smoothly, it is essential to keep your graphics drivers updated. Here’s how you can do that:

  • 1. Begin by right-clicking the Start Menu to access the Quick Access Menu.
  • 2. From the options presented, select Device Manager.
  • 3. In the Device Manager window, locate and double-click on the Display adapters section to reveal the list of graphics devices.
  • 4. Find your dedicated graphics card in the list, right-click on its name, and choose Update driver.
  • 5. Opt for the option that says Search automatically for drivers. If a newer version is available, it will be downloaded and installed automatically.

After the installation is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Alternatively, you can directly download the latest graphics driver from the official website of your graphics card manufacturer. For users with Nvidia graphics cards, the GeForce Experience application can be updated through the Nvidia website. AMD graphics card users should visit the AMD website for the latest drivers.

3. Update Windows

Keeping your Windows operating system up to date is crucial for both general PC users and gamers, as it helps minimize system errors, compatibility problems, and unexpected crashes.

The most recent updates often come with new features, enhancements, and important security fixes. Here’s how to ensure your system is current:

  • 1. Press the Windows key and the ‘I’ key simultaneously to access the Settings menu.
  • 2. Navigate to the Update & Security section, then click on Windows Update. From there, select the “Check for updates” option.
  • 3. If an update for features is available, choose “Download and install.”
  • 4. The update process may take some time, so be patient.
  • 5. After the update is complete, restart your computer to finalize the installation.
  • By following these steps regularly, you can maintain optimal performance and security on your PC.

4. Run the game as an administrator

To prevent user account control issues related to permissions, it’s essential to launch the game executable file with administrative privileges. Additionally, you should also run the Steam client as an administrator. Here’s how you can do that:

  • 1. Locate the No Man’s Sky executable shortcut on your desktop or in your files.
  • 2. Right-click on the shortcut and select ‘Properties‘.
  • 3. Navigate to the ‘Compatibility’ tab.
  • 4. Check the box that says ‘Run this program as an administrator‘.
  • 5. Click ‘Apply‘ and then hit ‘OK’ to confirm the changes.

Be sure to follow the same procedure for the Steam client as well. This should help resolve any issues you may be experiencing with No Man’s Sky on your computer.

5. Close Background Running Tasks

Background processes and applications that are not essential can significantly drain system resources, such as CPU and memory, leading to decreased performance. This can result in frequent issues like crashes, lag, and failure to load properly. To resolve this, it is advisable to terminate any non-essential tasks running in the background. Here’s how you can do that:

  • 1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  • 2. Navigate to the Processes tab. Here, identify and select any tasks that are running unnecessarily and using considerable system resources.
  • 3. Click on “End Task” to terminate each of these processes individually.
  • 4. After closing the unnecessary tasks, restart your computer.

After rebooting, check if the crashing issue in No Man’s Sky has been resolved. If the problem persists, please proceed to the next troubleshooting method.

6. Set High Priority in Task Manager

To ensure that your game runs smoothly on your Windows system, you can elevate its priority in the Task Manager. Here’s how to do it:

  • 1. Right-click on the Start Menu and choose Task Manager from the list.
  • 2. Navigate to the Processes tab and locate the No Man’s Sky task.
  • 3. Right-click on the game’s entry and select “Set Priority,” then choose “High.”
  • 4. Once you’ve made the change, close the Task Manager.

Now, launch No Man’s Sky to see if the crashing issue has been resolved on your PC.

7. Reinstall DirectX (Latest)

To ensure optimal performance while playing No Man’s Sky, it’s recommended that you download and install the most recent version of DirectX from the official Microsoft website for your computer or laptop. Simply obtain the DirectX installer package and execute it to complete the installation. Please note that a minimum of DirectX 11 is necessary for the game to function correctly.

8. Force Run the Game in DirectX 11

To enhance your gaming experience, it’s advisable to run No Man’s Sky using DirectX 11. Here’s how to do it:

  • 1. Open your Steam client and navigate to your LIBRARY.
  • 2. Find No Man’s Sky in your game list, then right-click on it.
  • 3. Select Properties from the context menu.
  • 4. In the Properties window, choose the GENERAL tab on the left side.
  • 5. In the Launch Options field, enter -dx11.

After you’ve made these changes, return to the LIBRARY and start the game. If you see a prompt, simply select the option to play No Man’s Sky.

9. Disable Windows Firewall or Antivirus Program

It’s possible that your Windows Defender Firewall or any third-party antivirus software is interfering with your game connections or preventing game files from executing correctly. To troubleshoot this, you can temporarily disable these security features. Here’s how to do it:

  • 1. Open the Start Menu and type “firewall” into the search bar.
  • 2. From the search results, select “Windows Defender Firewall.”
  • 3. In the left sidebar, click on “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.”
  • 4. A new window will appear; choose the option to “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended)” for both Private and Public Network Settings.
  • 5. After making your selection, click “OK” to apply your changes.
  • 6. Finally, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

Next, you should also disable Windows Security features. Follow these steps:

  • 1. Press the Windows key and the letter “I” simultaneously to open the Settings menu.
  • 2. Click on “Update & Security,” then select “Windows Security” from the left side.
  • 3. Click on the “Open Windows Security” button.
  • 4. Navigate to “Virus & threat protection” and select “Manage settings.”
  • 5. Here, simply toggle off the “Real-time protection” option.
  • 6. If a prompt appears, confirm by clicking “Yes” to proceed.

If you wish, you can also disable additional features such as cloud-delivered protection and Tamper protection for further troubleshooting.

10. Set High Performance in Power Options

If your Windows system is currently set to Balanced mode in Power Options, consider switching to High-Performance mode for enhanced performance. Keep in mind that this setting may lead to increased power or battery consumption. Here’s how to make the change:

  • 1. Open the Start Menu and type “Control Panel,” then select it from the search results.
  • 2. Navigate to **Hardware and Sound** and then click on **Power Options**.
  • 3. Choose the **High Performance** option to activate it.
  • 4. After making this change, ensure you close the window and perform a complete shutdown of your computer. To do this, click on the Start Menu, select **Power**, and then choose **Shut Down**.
  • 5. Once your system has powered down, turn it back on.

This adjustment should help resolve the crashing issues you’re experiencing with No Man’s Sky on your PC. If this solution does not work, proceed to the next troubleshooting method.

11. Close the game from Background Apps

If you’re still experiencing problems with No Man’s Sky, consider disabling it from the Background Apps settings on your PC. Here’s how:

  • 1. Press the Windows + I keys simultaneously to access the Windows Settings menu.
  • 2. Navigate to the Privacy section and select it.
  • 3. In the left-hand menu, scroll down to find Background apps.
  • 4. Look for No Man’s Sky in the list of applications.
  • 5. Toggle the switch next to the game title to turn it off.
  • 6. After making this change, close the settings window and restart your computer.

This approach may resolve your issues. However, if the problem persists, there is an alternative method you can try.

12. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime

To effectively resolve various gaming issues or errors, it is important to reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime on your computer. Here’s how to do it:

  • 1. Open the Start Menu by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard.
  • 2. In the search bar, type “Apps & Features” and select it from the results.
  • 3. Browse through the list to find the Microsoft Visual C++ programs.
  • 4. Click on each program and choose the Uninstall option.
  • 5. Head over to the official Microsoft website to download the most recent version of the Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime.
  • 6. After the download is complete, proceed with the installation on your computer. Finally, restart your system to apply the changes.

This process should help eliminate the gaming issues you are experiencing.

13. Perform a Clean Boot

Certain applications and services may initiate automatically during system startup, potentially consuming substantial amounts of internet bandwidth and system resources.

If you are experiencing similar issues, it is advisable to perform a clean boot on your computer to diagnose the problem. Here’s how you can do this:

  • 1. Press the Windows key and the R key simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
  • 2. In the box that appears, type “msconfig” and press Enter to access the System Configuration utility.
  • 3. Navigate to the Services tab and check the option that says “Hide all Microsoft services.”
  • 4. Click on “Disable all,” then select Apply and OK to confirm your changes.
  • 5. Next, switch to the Startup tab and click on “Open Task Manager.”
  • 6. Once the Task Manager opens, go to the Startup tab within it.
  • 7. Identify any tasks that are marked with a high startup impact; select one and click “Disable” to prevent it from launching at startup.
  • 8. Repeat this disabling process for each program that has a significant impact on startup performance.
  • 9. Finally, ensure that you restart your computer to implement the changes.

By following these steps, you can help improve your system’s performance and connectivity.

14. Try Disabling Overlay Apps

Certain widely-used applications may have overlay features that can inadvertently interfere with gaming performance or even prevent games from launching properly. To resolve these issues, it’s advisable to disable these overlays by following the steps outlined below:

**Disabling the Discord Overlay:

  • 1. Open the Discord application and click on the gear icon located at the bottom of the window.
  • 2. Navigate to the “Overlay” section under App Settings and toggle the “Enable in-game overlay” option.
  • 3. Proceed to the “Games” tab, find No Man’s Sky in the list, and disable the “Enable in-game overlay” switch for that game.
  • 4. Remember to restart your PC to apply the changes.

**Turning Off the Xbox Game Bar:

  • 1. Press the Windows key + I to access Windows Settings.
  • 2. Select “Gaming” and then click on “Game Bar.”
  • 3. Disable the option for “Record game clips, screenshots, and broadcast using the Game Bar.”
  • 4. If you can’t locate the Game Bar settings, use the search function within Windows Settings.

**Deactivating the Nvidia GeForce Experience Overlay:

  • 1. Launch the Nvidia GeForce Experience application and navigate to the Settings.
  • 2. Click on the “General” tab and turn off the “In-Game Overlay” feature.
  • 3. Restart your PC to ensure that the changes take effect, then try launching the game again.

Additionally, consider disabling other overlay applications that may be running in the background, such as MSI Afterburner, Rivatuner, RGB management software, or any other third-party overlay tools, as they can also contribute to performance issues.

15. Verify Integrity of Game Files

In the event that you encounter problems with your game files, such as corruption or missing data, it’s essential to follow these steps to diagnose the issue effectively.

First, open the Steam application and navigate to your Library. Locate No Man’s Sky among your installed games and right-click on it. From the context menu, select Properties, then head over to the Local Files tab.

Here, you will find the option to Verify Integrity of Game Files. Click on this, and allow the verification process to run until it finishes. After completion, it’s a good idea to restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.

16. Disable CPU or GPU Overclocking

It is important to refrain from enabling CPU or GPU overclocking on your computer if you are experiencing frequent crashes or stuttering while gaming.

While overclocking can enhance performance significantly, it can also lead to complications such as bottlenecking or compatibility issues. For the best gaming experience, consider returning the clock speeds to their default settings to ensure optimal stability and performance.

17. Update No Man’s Sky

If you haven’t updated your No Man’s Sky game recently, it’s important to check for any available updates and install the latest patch. Here’s how to do that:

  • 1. Launch the Steam client on your computer.
  • 2. Navigate to your Library and select No Man’s Sky from the list on the left.
  • 3. The client will automatically search for updates. If an update is found, click on the “Update” button to begin the installation process.
  • 4. The update may take a few moments to install. Once it’s complete, be sure to exit the Steam client.
  • 5. Restart your PC to ensure that all changes take effect, and then try launching the game again.

That’s all there is to it! We hope this guide has been useful. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to leave a comment below.

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