Overwatch 2 Keep Crashing on Startup on PC: How to FIX

Overwatch 2 Keep Crashing on Startup on PC: Blizzard Entertainment has long been celebrated for its exceptional video games, and their latest release, Overwatch 2, has rapidly gained popularity among multiplayer gaming enthusiasts.

This sequel to the original Overwatch introduces an engaging multiplayer experience, featuring both Player vs. Player (PvP) and Player vs. Environment (PvE) modes. However, some players may encounter crashing issues while playing Overwatch 2 on their Windows PCs, which require manual intervention to resolve.

If you are experiencing such crashes, there’s no need to panic. This guide provides several potential solutions to help you troubleshoot and fix the problem. Crashes can often be attributed to hardware or software conflicts on your PC.

However, it is likely that the issues you are facing stem from the current build of Overwatch 2, particularly since the game is still in its early access phase. This phase often comes with various bugs and glitches that the developers are expected to address in upcoming patch updates.

Why Does Overwatch 2 Crash?

Experiencing startup crashes or game launch failures is a common challenge faced by PC gamers, but fortunately, many of these issues can be resolved independently. There are several potential reasons your game may be crashing on your PC.

First and foremost, it’s essential to confirm that your system meets the game’s compatibility requirements to prevent crashes or lag. Additionally, using outdated software can introduce various complications.

Several other factors can contribute to startup crashes. These include running an outdated version of the game, having corrupted or missing game files, and using outdated or damaged GPU drivers. Background applications and startup programs can also interfere with game performance, as can an outdated game launcher.

Other culprits might include conflicts with antivirus software, an outdated DirectX version, issues with Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables, problems caused by overlay applications, or even an overclocked CPU or GPU. Addressing these factors can help ensure a smoother gaming experience.

Fix: Overwatch 2 Crashing on PC

We encourage our readers to utilize this troubleshooting guide to resolve any crashing issues they may encounter on their PC. It is advisable to systematically explore each potential solution until the problem is resolved. Occasionally, a straightforward approach can effectively address the issue. Let’s delve into the details without delay.

1. Check System Requirements

It’s essential to verify the system requirements for a game to determine if your PC is compatible. In some instances, your computer’s specifications may fall short, leading to performance issues like crashes, lag, or stuttering during gameplay.

An older PC or lower-end components can significantly impact your gaming experience. If you’re uncertain about your system’s ability to handle a particular game, refer to the information provided below for guidance.

Minimum System Requirements:

  • OS: Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10 64-bit (latest service pack)
  • Processor: Intel Core i3 or AMD Phenom X3 8650
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 600 or AMD Radeon HD 7000
  • Memory: 6 GB RAM
  • Storage: 50 GB of available hard disk space

Recommended System Requirements:

  • OS: Windows 10 64-bit (latest service pack)
  • Processor: Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 5
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD R9 380
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Storage: 50 GB of available hard disk space

2. Update Graphics Drivers

To ensure that your Windows system operates smoothly and efficiently, it’s essential to keep your graphics drivers up to date. Here’s how you can update them:

1. Begin by right-clicking the Start Menu to access the Quick Access Menu.

2. From the options presented, select Device Manager.

3. Locate the Display adapters section and double-click to expand the list of graphics devices.

4. Find your dedicated graphics card in the list, right-click on its name, and select “Update driver.”

5. Choose the option that says “Search automatically for drivers.” If an update is available, it will download and install automatically.

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

Alternatively, you can opt for a manual update by downloading the latest graphics driver directly from the official website of your graphics card manufacturer. For users with Nvidia graphics cards, the GeForce Experience app can be updated through Nvidia’s official site. If you have an AMD graphics card, head over to 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 alike. Regular updates help minimize system glitches, enhance compatibility, and prevent crashes. Additionally, new versions often bring a host of new features, performance enhancements, and vital security updates. Here’s how to ensure your system is current:

  • 1. Press the Windows + I keys to access the Settings menu.
  • 2. Navigate to Update & Security, then click on Check for updates in the Windows Update section.
  • 3. If an update is available, choose the option to Download and install it.
  • 4. The update process may take some time, so be patient.
  • 5. After the update is completed, restart your computer to finalize the installation.

By following these steps, you can maintain a smoother and more secure computing experience.

4. Run the game as an administrator

To prevent any user account control issues related to permissions, it’s important to run the game executable file as an administrator. Additionally, the Battle.net client should also be launched with administrative privileges on your computer. Here’s how to do it:

  • 1. Locate the Overwatch 2 executable shortcut on your desktop or in the file directory.
  • 2. Right-click on the shortcut and select ‘Properties’ from the context menu.
  • 3. Navigate to the ‘Compatibility’ tab in the properties window.
  • 4. Check the box next to ‘Run this program as an administrator’ to enable it.
  • 5. Click ‘Apply,’ then hit ‘OK’ to confirm your changes.

Be sure to follow these same steps for the Battle.net client as well. Doing so may help resolve any issues you’re experiencing with Overwatch 2 on your PC.

5. Close Background Running Tasks

Background processes and applications that are not essential can significantly consume system resources such as CPU and memory, adversely affecting overall performance.

This excessive resource use can lead to issues such as system crashes, lag, and failure to load applications. To improve performance, it’s advisable to terminate any non-essential background tasks. Here’s how you can do that:

  • 1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch the Task Manager.
  • 2. Navigate to the Processes tab and identify any tasks that are running unnecessarily and utilizing substantial system resources.
  • 3. Select each task and click on “End Task” to close them individually.
  • 4. After you have finished closing the unnecessary tasks, restart your computer.

Once your system has rebooted, check if the Overwatch 2 crashing issue has been resolved. If the problem persists, consider exploring additional solutions.

6. Set High Priority in Task Manager

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

  • 1. Right-click on the Start Menu and choose Task Manager from the list.
  • 2. Navigate to the Processes tab and locate the Overwatch 2 task.
  • 3. Right-click on the Overwatch 2 task and select ‘Set Priority’ followed by ‘High’ to prioritize it.
  • 4. Close the Task Manager.

Once you’ve completed these steps, launch Overwatch 2 to see if the crashing issue has been resolved.

7. Disable Windows Firewall or Antivirus Program

It’s possible that your default Windows Defender Firewall or any third-party antivirus software is interfering with your game connections or preventing game files from functioning correctly.

To troubleshoot this, consider temporarily disabling both the real-time protection and firewall settings. After doing so, try launching Overwatch 2 again to see if the crashing issue on your PC is resolved. Here’s how to proceed:

  • 1. Open the Start Menu and type “firewall” in the search bar.
  • 2. Click on “Windows Defender Firewall” from the list of results.
  • 3. In the left sidebar, select “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 the changes.
  • 6. Finally, restart your computer.

You should also consider disabling Windows Security temporarily. Follow these steps:

  • 1. Press the Windows + I keys to open the Settings menu.
  • 2. Navigate to “Update & Security,” then click on “Windows Security” in the left sidebar.
  • 3. Click on “Open Windows Security.”
  • 4. Go to “Virus & threat protection” and select “Manage settings.”
  • 5. Simply toggle off the Real-time protection switch.
  • 6. If prompted, confirm your choice by clicking “Yes.”

If desired, you may also disable cloud-delivered protection and Tamper protection for additional troubleshooting.

8. 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 improved performance. Keep in mind that this change may result in increased power consumption or reduced battery life. Here’s how to make the adjustment:

  • 1. Open the Start Menu and type “Control Panel” in the search bar, then select it from the results.
  • 2. Navigate to “Hardware and Sound” and then click on “Power Options.”
  • 3. Choose the “High Performance” plan 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, go to “Power,” and select “Shut Down.”
  • 5. Once your system is completely powered off, you can turn it back on.

This adjustment should resolve the crashing issues with Overwatch 2 on your PC in most instances. If this solution does not work, please proceed to the next troubleshooting method.

9. Try Disabling Overlay Apps

Certain widely-used applications may feature their own overlay functionalities that can potentially interfere with gaming performance or cause issues during game launches. To resolve these problems, it’s advisable 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 screen.
  • 2. Navigate to the “Overlay” section within the App Settings and ensure the “Enable in-game overlay” option is activated.
  • 3. Next, go to the “Games” tab and select Overwatch 2.
  • 4. Finally, toggle off the “Enable in-game overlay” option.
  • 5. Restart your computer to implement these changes.

**Turning Off Xbox Game Bar:

  • 1. Press the Windows + I keys to access Windows Settings.
  • 2. Select “Gaming” and then navigate to “Game Bar.”
  • 3. Disable the option that allows recording game clips, taking screenshots, and broadcasting using the Game Bar.
  • 4. If you have difficulty locating this option, you can easily search for “Game Bar” in the Windows Settings search menu.

**Disabling Nvidia GeForce Experience Overlay:

  • 1. Launch the Nvidia GeForce Experience application and go to the Settings menu.
  • 2. Click on the “General” tab and turn off the “In-Game Overlay” feature.
  • 3. Restart your PC once again to ensure the changes take effect and relaunch your game.

Additionally, remember to disable other overlay applications that may run in the background, such as MSI Afterburner, Rivatuner, RGB management software, or any other third-party overlay tools, as they can also adversely affect your gaming experience.

10. Verify and Repair Game Files

In the event that you encounter problems with your game files, such as corruption or missing data, follow these steps to diagnose and resolve the issue effectively:

  • 1. Open the Battle.net client on your computer.
  • 2. Locate and select the Overwatch 2 icon you wish to repair.
  • 3. Click on the gear icon (settings) positioned next to the Play button.
  • 4. Choose the option for Scan and Repair, then click on Begin Scan.
  • 5. Allow the scan to complete; once the process is finished, exit the Battle.net client and restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

11. Check for Game Updates

Blizzard Support indicates that issues with corrupted or damaged game files can lead to various problems when launching or playing games. Fortunately, updating the game often resolves these complications quickly.

To initiate the update process, follow these steps:

  • 1. Launch the Battle.net desktop application on your computer.
  • 2. Locate and select the Overwatch 2 icon that needs repair.
  • 3. Click on the settings cogwheel icon next to the Play button.
  • 4. Choose the “Check for Updates” option and allow the process to finish. If an update is available, ensure you download and install it accordingly.

This procedure should effectively address any missing or corrupted game file issues. If problems persist, consider uninstalling and then reinstalling the game. Alternatively, you can seek additional support through the Blizzard Technical Support Forums.

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

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