Sea of Thieves Keep Crashing on Startup on PC: How to FIX

Sea of Thieves Keep Crashing on Startup on PC: Released in 2018, Sea of Thieves has quickly established itself as a leading action-adventure video game, immersing players in a vast open-world multiplayer experience centered around pirate life.

Players can engage in activities such as sailing ships, battling foes, looting treasures, and exploring the high seas, all of which contribute to creating a legendary piratical existence.

Developed by Rare and published by Microsoft Studios, the game has garnered significant acclaim. However, with the arrival of a recent update, many players on PC have reported encountering a frustrating crashing issue upon startup.

If you’re experiencing similar difficulties, this troubleshooting guide will help you resolve the problem. Crashes during startup or failure to launch have become increasingly common among PC gamers.

Unfortunately, the initial release of Sea of Thieves faced its share of challenges, as it was launched in an early access format. Many players are also dealing with additional issues, including lag, black screens, frame rate drops, and more. So, what steps can you take to address these concerns?

Why is Sea of Thieves Crashing?

It is likely that your computer is experiencing conflicts with the software or game files, preventing them from launching successfully.

Several factors may contribute to frequent crashes on your PC, and it’s advisable to review these potential causes before proceeding with troubleshooting steps. The primary concern seems to be compatibility issues related to either your software or hardware.

Here are some common reasons that could lead to these problems:

  • 1. Incompatibility with your PC’s specifications
  • 2. An outdated version of the game
  • 3. An outdated game launcher
  • 4. Graphics drivers that need updating
  • 5. Issues with your DirectX version
  • 6. Unnecessary background processes running
  • 7. Antivirus or firewall software interfering
  • 8. Problems with startup applications
  • 9. Issues with Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables
  • 10. Overclocking of the CPU or GPU
  • 11. Conflicts with overlay applications

Addressing these areas may help resolve the issues you are facing.

Fix: Sea of Thieves Game Keeps Crashing on Startup on the PC

“We assume you have explored all the potential causes listed earlier. Now, it is important to systematically follow each workaround until the issue is resolved.

Keep in mind that a straightforward solution might work for you even if it hasn’t been effective for others. Therefore, be sure to try every method. Let’s proceed without delay and delve into the solutions.”

1. Check System Requirements

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

If your current setup is outdated or insufficient, consider upgrading the necessary components. Please refer to the system requirements outlined below for guidance.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
  • OS: Windows 7 64 Bits Service Pack 1
  • Processor: Intel Core i5 7400 / AMD Ryzen 5 1400
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Graphics: Nvidia GTX 1050 2GB / AMD RX 560 2GB
  • DirectX: Version 11
  • Storage: 17 GB available space
  • Sound Card: Compatível com DirectX

Recommended Requirements:

  • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
  • OS: Windows 10 64 Bits
  • Processor: Intel Core i5 9400f / AMD Ryzen 5 2600
  • Memory: 16 GB RAM
  • Graphics: Nvidia GTX 1070 8GB / AMD RX 590 8GB
  • DirectX: Version 12
  • Storage: 17 GB available space
  • Sound Card: Compatível com DirectX

2. Run the game as an admin

To ensure that the game app functions properly on your PC, it’s essential to run it with administrative privileges. This allows the User Account Control (UAC) to grant the necessary permissions for the program to operate effectively, which can be crucial for its performance. Fortunately, you only need to set this up once. Follow these steps to enable admin access:

  • 1. Navigate to the directory where Sea of Thieves is installed.
  • 2. Locate the application file, right-click on it, and select ‘Properties.’
  • 3. In the Properties window, go to the ‘Compatibility‘ tab.
  • 4. Check the box that says ‘Run this program as an administrator‘ to activate it.
  • 5. Click ‘Apply‘ and then ‘OK‘ to confirm your changes.
  • 6. Finally, double-click the game app file to start playing.

If you are using the Steam client to access the game, remember to repeat these steps for the Steam application as well to ensure smooth operation.

3. Disable fullscreen optimizations

In certain cases, disabling fullscreen optimizations for your game application can resolve compatibility issues on some PCs. Although these optimizations are typically off by default, it’s important to verify their status to ensure they aren’t currently enabled. Here’s how you can do that:

  • 1. Launch the Steam client and select the Library tab.
  • 2. Locate Sea of Thieves in your game list, then right-click on it and select Manage.
  • 3. Choose the option to Browse local files, which will take you to the game’s installation directory.
  • 4. Find GundamEvolution.exe, right-click on it, and select Properties.
  • 5. In the Properties window, navigate to the Compatibility tab and check the box for “Disable fullscreen optimizations.”
  • 6. After making this change, click Apply and then OK to confirm and save your settings.

Following these steps may help improve your gaming experience.

4. Update GPU Driver

To enhance your PC’s performance, it’s essential to update your graphics driver. Follow the steps outlined below to ensure you have the latest version installed.

An outdated graphics driver can lead to various issues when launching applications, particularly games, and can negatively impact gameplay.

Not only can this result in subpar graphics, but it can also prevent your computer from operating at its optimal capacity due to conflicts related to graphics performance. Here’s how you can update your driver:

  • 1. Press the Win+X keys simultaneously to open the Quick Access Menu.
  • 2. Select “Device Manager” from the list that appears.
  • 3. Locate “Display adapters” and double-click to expand the section.
  • 4. Right-click on your active graphics card.
  • 5. Choose “Update driver,” then select “Search automatically for drivers.”

Your system will now check for any available updates, download, and install the latest driver version. Wait for the process to complete and restart your PC to apply the changes.

If no updates are found through this method, you can manually search for your graphics driver on the official website of your graphics card manufacturer.

Make sure to download and install the most recent driver compatible with your specific model. This ensures that you’re maximizing the performance and capabilities of your graphics hardware.

5. Update Windows

If you have been using an older version of Windows for an extended period, it’s important to verify your current build and ensure you are up to date. Keeping your system updated is crucial, as it provides essential security patches, enhances performance, resolves bugs, and introduces new features.

To check for updates, follow these steps:

  • 1. Press the **Win+I** keys to access the Settings menu.
  • 2. Navigate to **Windows Update** and select **Check for updates**.
  • 3. If an update is available, click on **Download and Install**.
  • 4. Allow the update process to complete.
  • 5. Once finished, restart your computer to implement the changes.
  • In addition to regular updates, you should also look for optional updates, as they may include important driver updates or security patches that can address various issues. To do this, follow these steps:
  • 1. Open Settings by pressing the **Win+I** keys.
  • 2. Go to **Windows Update** and click on **Advanced Options**.
  • 3. Scroll down to find **Additional options**.
  • 4. Select **Optional updates**. If any updates are listed, you can choose the ones you wish to install.
  • 5. Click on **Download & install** and wait for the process to finish.
  • 6. Finally, reboot your system to complete the installation.

By following these steps regularly, you can ensure your Windows operating system remains secure and performs optimally.

6. Force Use the Dedicated GPU

**Configuring Graphics Settings for Nvidia GPU:

To adjust your Nvidia GPU settings, start by right-clicking on your desktop and selecting the Nvidia Control Panel. Navigate to the “3D Settings” section and click on “Manage 3D Settings.” Within the “Program Settings,” find and select Sea of Thieves from the provided list.

Choose the preferred graphics processor for this game, ensuring it is set to the High-Performance Nvidia Processor. After making these selections, don’t forget to save your changes and restart your computer for the settings to take effect.

**Configuring Graphics Settings for AMD GPU:

For AMD graphics cards, right-click on your desktop and open Radeon Settings. Proceed to “Additional Settings” and click on “Preferences.” From there, go to “Power” and then select “Switchable Graphics Application Settings.”

Locate Sea of Thieves in the list; if it’s not displayed, you can add it manually by selecting “Add Application.” Once you’ve selected the game, set the Graphics Settings to High Performance. Finally, restart your computer to ensure the new settings are applied.

7. Close Unnecessary Background Tasks

To optimize your system’s performance, it’s advisable to terminate any unnecessary background tasks.

Excessive resource usage can lead to decreased performance, which may not be immediately apparent but can manifest as in-game lag, frame rate drops, or stuttering. The following steps will help you reclaim system resources effectively:

  • 1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  • 2. Navigate to the Processes tab and identify any tasks that are utilizing a significant amount of system resources.
  • 3. Select the resource-heavy process and click on “End Task” to terminate it.
  • 4. Repeat this process for any third-party applications that are also consuming a lot of resources.
  • 5. After completing these steps, close Task Manager and restart your computer for optimal performance.

By managing your background processes, you can improve your system’s efficiency and enhance your overall experience.

8. Repair Game Files

It’s important to note that problems with corrupted or missing game files on your PC can often lead to crashes when attempting to launch games, frequently without any clear error messages. If you find that Sea of Thieves begins to load briefly before shutting down or fails to open altogether, it is advisable to check and repair the game files. You can do this by following these steps:

  • 1. Open the Steam client and navigate to your Library.
  • 2. Locate Sea of Thieves in your list of games and right-click on it.
  • 3. Select ‘Properties‘ from the context menu, then go to the ‘Local Files‘ tab.
  • 4. Click on ‘Verify Integrity of Game Files‘ to initiate the process.

Please be aware that this verification may take some time, so it’s best to be patient. After the process is complete, restart your PC to ensure all changes are applied. This method is often effective in resolving crashing issues with Sea of Thieves.

9. Update Sea of Thieves

We recommend that you manually check for game updates through the Steam client to avoid any issues related to outdated versions that could interfere with launching the game. An outdated patch can lead to various problems, including crashes. Here’s how to check for updates:

  • 1. Launch the Steam client and navigate to your Library.
  • 2. Select “Sea of Thieves” from the list on the left; Steam will automatically look for any available updates.
  • 3. If an update is found, click on “Update” to start the process.
  • 4. Please be patient while the update downloads and installs.
  • 5. After the update is complete, reboot your PC to ensure all changes take effect.

10. Turn Off Third-Party Overlay Apps

Conflicts arising from third-party overlay applications running in the background can lead to various issues when attempting to launch the game.

These overlays tend to consume significant system resources, similar to the processes initiated during the game startup.

Even if the game fails to launch, the overlay applications may start automatically and continue to run until they are manually closed. Additionally, some of these overlays may initiate during the system boot process.

Therefore, it is advisable to disable any overlay applications manually.

**To Disable Discord Overlay:

  • 1. Open the Discord application and click on the gear icon (Settings) located at the bottom.
  • 2. Navigate to the Overlay section under App Settings and ensure the “Enable in-game overlay” option is activated.
  • 3. Click on Games, then select Sea of Thieves.
  • 4. Disable the “Enable in-game overlay” toggle.
  • 5. After completing these steps, restart your computer to apply the changes.

**To Disable Xbox Game Bar:

  • 1. Press Windows + I to access Settings.
  • 2. Click on Gaming, then select Game Bar.
  • 3. Toggle off the option that says “Record game clips, screenshots, and broadcast using Game bar.”
  • 4. Save your changes and reboot your PC to effect the modifications.

**To Disable Nvidia GeForce Experience Overlay:

  • 1. Open the Nvidia GeForce Experience application and navigate to Settings.
  • 2. Click on General and turn off the “In-Game Overlay” option.
  • 3. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

**To Disable Steam Overlay:

  • 1. Launch the Steam client and click on Library.
  • 2. Right-click on Sea of Thieves and choose Properties.
  • 3. Go to the General tab and disable the option that says “Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.”
  • 4. Once these adjustments are made, restart your PC to implement the changes.

Additionally, some gamers or advanced users may utilize other overlay tools such as MSI Afterburner, Rivatuner, or RGB configuration software.

If you have any other peripheral software or RGB tools that are not essential for gameplay, it is advisable to disable them as well to ensure optimal game performance.

11. Turn Off Windows Firewall and Antivirus Software

It’s quite common for users to rely on the default Windows Firewall for their PC security. However, temporarily disabling it before launching a game can sometimes alleviate startup crashes. Here’s how to do it:

  • 1. Open the Start Menu and type in “Windows Defender Firewall” to access it.
  • 2. In the left sidebar, click on “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.”
  • 3. For all network types, select the “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended)” option.
  • 4. Click OK to confirm your changes, and then restart your computer to apply them.

In addition to modifying the firewall settings, it’s important to disable Windows Defender antivirus, as it may interfere with game files. Follow these steps:

  • 1. Press the Win + I keys to open the Settings menu.
  • 2. Navigate to Update & Security, then select Windows Security.
  • 3. Click on “Open Windows Security” and go to “Virus & threat protection.”
  • 4. Find “Manage settings” and toggle off the “Real-time protection” option.
  • 5. If prompted, select Yes to continue.

Note: If you have a third-party antivirus installed, remember to disable it through its respective settings to prevent potential conflicts with your game.

12. Adjust Power Management Options

To maximize your gaming experience, it’s advisable to switch your computer to the high-performance power setting. Windows typically defaults to a balanced power mode, which aims to conserve energy and provide moderate performance for everyday tasks.

However, resource-intensive games and applications benefit significantly from high-performance mode, which, while it uses more power, delivers enhanced performance capabilities.

To enable this setting, follow these steps:

  • 1. Open the Start Menu and search for “Control Panel“; click to open it.
  • 2. Navigate to “Hardware and Sound” and then select “Power Options.”
  • 3. Choose the “High Performance” plan to activate it.

Once you’ve made this change, restart your computer to ensure the new settings take effect.

13. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime

If your Windows system lacks the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables, or if they are already present but need reinstallation, you can do so by following these steps:

  • 1. Access the Start Menu and search for “Apps & Features” to open the settings.
  • 2. In the list of installed applications, locate each Microsoft Visual C++ program. Select them one at a time.
  • 3. Click on the “Uninstall” option and follow the prompts to remove the programs.
  • 4. After you have uninstalled all Visual C++ entries, restart your computer.
  • 5. Next, visit the official Microsoft website to download the latest version of the Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime.
  • 6. Install the downloaded runtime on your system, and then restart your computer to apply the changes.

This process ensures that you have the most up-to-date version of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables installed on your computer.

14. Perform a Clean Boot

Several users have reported that resolving boot-up problems on their PCs can often be achieved by initiating a clean boot. This process helps eliminate conflicts caused by applications or tasks that automatically launch at startup, which can significantly drain system resources. To perform a clean boot, follow these steps:

  • 1. Press the Windows key and the R key simultaneously to bring up the Run dialog box.
  • 2. Enter “msconfig” and press Enter to access the System Configuration utility.
  • 3. Navigate to the Services tab and check the box that says “Hide all Microsoft services” to prevent essential services from being disabled.
  • 4. Click on “Disable all” to turn off the remaining services.
  • 5. Click “Apply,” then “OK” to confirm your changes.
  • 6. Next, go to the Startup tab and select “Open Task Manager.”
  • 7. In the Task Manager, switch to the Startup tab and identify any tasks that have a high impact on startup time.
  • 8. Select these tasks individually and click “Disable” to prevent them from running at startup.

Important: Repeat this process for each high-impact program, with the exception of any audio or graphics services.

Lastly, remember to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

15. Restore Default to Overclocked CPU or GPU

Overclocking your CPU or GPU can occasionally lead to compatibility issues with other components in your PC, resulting in performance bottlenecks.

To diagnose the cause of any crashes you might be experiencing, it’s advisable to either temporarily disable the overclocking settings or revert the CPU/GPU back to its original factory settings. This will allow you to pinpoint the problem more effectively.

There are numerous software tools available online that can assist you in managing overclocking, including MSI Afterburner, Riva Tuner, AMD Ryzen Master, and EVGA Precision X.

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

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