Sniper Elite 5 Keep Crashing on Startup on PC

Sniper Elite 5 Keep Crashing on Startup on PC: How to Fix

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Sniper Elite 5 Keep Crashing on Startup on PC: “Sniper Elite 5 is a recently launched third-person tactical shooter that emphasizes stealth mechanics, sniping, and an advanced kill-cam feature that has set a new benchmark in the gaming industry.

Developed by Rebellion Developments, this title, which debuted in May 2022, serves as the sequel to Sniper Elite 4. It is accessible on multiple platforms, including PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

However, some players are experiencing issues with the game crashing upon startup on Windows PCs. Since its launch, a significant number of users have reported problems such as the game failing to launch, frequent crashes, lag, stuttering, frame rate drops, and occasional black screens.

While the developers are diligently releasing patch updates to address these concerns, it is not uncommon for PC games to face these types of issues. These problems may stem from various internal conflicts within the user’s PC system.”

Why Sniper Elite 5 Crashing? What are the Reasons?

When discussing the issue of game crashes in Sniper Elite 5, it’s likely that the root cause lies in either the game files or the software and hardware configurations of your PC.

Although the game may start initially, it can unexpectedly crash while loading into the lobby or during gameplay, often without providing any clear error message. This can leave players puzzled about the underlying issues.

To clarify, several potential factors could be contributing to these launch difficulties on a Windows PC, including:

  • – Corrupted or missing game files
  • – An outdated version of the game
  • – An outdated game launcher
  • – Issues related to DirectX
  • – Compatibility problems between the PC and the game
  • – Missing or outdated graphics drivers
  • – An outdated version of Windows

Understanding these possibilities can help you troubleshoot and resolve the crashing issue more effectively.

Fix: Sniper Elite 5 Keep Crashing on Startup on PC

We have compiled several troubleshooting techniques below that may assist you in resolving the issue. We recommend that you implement each solution sequentially until the crashing problem is resolved. Let’s get started without delay.

1. Check System Requirements

To begin with, it’s essential to thoroughly review the game’s system requirements to determine if your PC’s hardware and setup are sufficient for optimal gameplay.

An older PC or one with lower specifications may struggle to launch or run the game effectively, leading to a host of performance issues such as stuttering, lagging, crashes, visual artifacts, and reduced frame rates.

If your current configuration does not meet the necessary standards, consider upgrading your hardware to enhance your gaming experience.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
  • OS: Windows 10
  • Processor: Intel CPU Core i3-8100 or equivalent
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Graphics: DirectX12 capable GPU with 4GB VRAM
  • Storage: 85 GB of available space

Recommended Requirements:

  • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
  • OS: Windows 10
  • Processor: Intel CPU Core i5-8400 or equivalent
  • Memory: 16 GB RAM
  • Graphics: DirectX12 capable GPU with 6GB VRAM
  • Storage: 85 GB of available space

Now, if you’re seeing that your PC configuration is meeting all the system requirements of the Sniper Elite 5 game then you can head over to the following methods to troubleshoot.

2. Disable fullscreen optimizations

Disabling the fullscreen optimization setting has been effective for several users. Here’s how to do it:

  • 1. Launch the Steam application and navigate to your Library.
  • 2. Locate Sniper Elite 5, right-click on it, and choose the Manage option.
  • 3. Select “Browse local files” to access the directory where Sniper Elite 5 is installed.
  • 4. Find the file named SniperElite5.exe, right-click on it, and select Properties.
  • 5. In the Properties window, go to the Compatibility tab and check the box for “Disable fullscreen optimizations.”
  • 6. Finally, click Apply, then OK to save your changes.

This adjustment may help enhance your gaming experience.

3. Run the Game File as an Administrator

To ensure optimal performance and proper permissions for your game on a Windows PC, it is advisable to run the game’s executable file with administrator privileges.

This allows the User Account Control (UAC) to grant the necessary access, preventing the system from mistakenly interpreting your attempt to launch the game as unauthorized. This process needs to be completed only once for each game. Follow these instructions to set it up:

  • 1. Locate the Sniper Elite 5 executable shortcut on your desktop or in your file directory and right-click it.
  • 2. From the context menu, select ‘Properties,’ then navigate to the ‘Compatibility’ tab.
  • 3. Check the box next to ‘Run this program as an administrator‘ to enable this setting.
  • 4. Click ‘Apply‘ and then ‘OK‘ to confirm your changes.
  • 5. You can now double-click the game’s executable file to start it.

Additionally, you can apply the same steps to your game launcher (such as Steam or Epic Games Launcher) to ensure that it also has the necessary UAC permissions when launching games. This will help maintain consistent access across all your gaming applications.

4. Update Graphics Drivers

To ensure optimal performance and proper permissions for your game on a Windows PC, it is advisable to run the game’s executable file with administrator privileges.

This allows the User Account Control (UAC) to grant the necessary access, preventing the system from mistakenly interpreting your attempt to launch the game as unauthorized. This process needs to be completed only once for each game. Follow these instructions to set it up:

  • 1. Locate the Sniper Elite 5 executable shortcut on your desktop or in your file directory and right-click it.
  • 2. From the context menu, select ‘Properties,’ then navigate to the ‘Compatibility’ tab.
  • 3. Check the box next to ‘Run this program as an administrator‘ to enable this setting.
  • 4. Click ‘Apply’ and then ‘OK‘ to confirm your changes.
  • 5. You can now double-click the game’s executable file to start it.

Additionally, you can apply the same steps to your game launcher (such as Steam or Epic Games Launcher) to ensure that it also has the necessary UAC permissions when launching games. This will help maintain consistent access across all your gaming applications.

5. Update Windows

An outdated version of the Windows operating system can lead to various issues, such as system malfunctions, decreased performance, and application failures. In contrast, updating to the latest version can provide new features, essential bug fixes, performance enhancements, and critical security updates. To update your system, follow these steps:

  • 1. Press the Windows + I keys to access the Settings menu.
  • 2. In the left sidebar, select Windows Update, then click on Check for updates.
  • 3. If an update is available, choose the option to Download and Install.
  • 4. Allow the update process to finish.
  • 5. Finally, restart your computer to ensure that all changes take effect.

6. Check for Optional Updates

It’s advisable to look for optional updates as well, since certain device driver updates and security patches may be listed separately. Here’s how to do it:

  • 1. Open the Windows Settings by pressing the Windows key + I simultaneously.
  • 2. In the left sidebar, select “Windows Update,” then navigate to “Advanced Options.”
  • 3. Scroll down until you reach the “Additional options” section.
  • 4. Click on “Optional updates.” If any updates are available, be sure to check the box next to them.
  • 5. Proceed by clicking “Download & install.” After the installation is complete, restart your computer to apply the updates.

7. Switch to Dedicated GPU

To ensure optimal performance while playing Sniper Elite 5 on your Windows machine, it’s important to utilize your dedicated GPU instead of the integrated HD graphics. Here’s how you can configure your settings depending on your GPU type:

**For Nvidia Users:

  • 1. Right-click on your desktop to access the context menu.
  • 2. Select “Nvidia Control Panel” to launch the application.
  • 3. Navigate to “3D Settings” and then click on “Manage 3D Settings.”
  • 4. In the “Program Settings” tab, find Sniper Elite 5 from the drop-down list.
  • 5. Choose the preferred graphics processor for this game from the second drop-down menu.
  • 6. Ensure that “High-Performance Nvidia Processor” is selected.
  • 7. Save your changes and restart your computer for the settings to take effect.

**For AMD Users:

  • 1. Right-click on your desktop to open the context menu.
  • 2. Select “Radeon Settings” and then go to “Additional Settings.”
  • 3. Click on “Preferences,” followed by “Power,” and then select “Switchable Graphics Application Settings.”
  • 4. Locate Sniper Elite 5 in the list of installed applications. If it’s not listed, you can add it manually by selecting “Add Application” and browsing for the game’s executable file.
  • 5. Set the Graphics Settings to “High Performance.”
  • 6. Finally, reboot your PC for the changes to take effect.

By following these steps, you will ensure that your gaming experience is powered by the dedicated GPU, providing you with enhanced graphics and smoother gameplay.

8. End Background Processes

It is quite common for your system to become sluggish or overloaded due to numerous background processes running unnecessarily.

These processes can consume valuable system resources such as CPU, memory, and internet bandwidth, which may significantly affect your gaming experience.

If you find that certain third-party tasks are not essential, it’s advisable to terminate them. Here’s how you can do that:

  • 1. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  • 2. Navigate to the Processes tab and individually select the tasks you wish to terminate.
  • 3. Click on “End Task” to close each selected process.
  • 4. Repeat these steps for all the tasks you want to end.
  • 5. After you’ve finished, close the Task Manager and restart your computer.

This should help improve your system’s performance and enhance your gaming experience.

9. Perform Disk Cleanup

Regularly performing a disk cleanup on your computer is essential for maintaining optimal performance.

This process helps eliminate unnecessary files, often referred to as junk or temporary files, which can accumulate over time. By following these steps, you can enhance your system’s efficiency and minimize application crashes:

  • 1. Begin by accessing the Start menu; simply click on the Windows icon located at the bottom left corner of your screen.
  • 2. In the search bar, type “Disk Cleanup” and select the application from the search results.
  • 3. When prompted, choose your C: Drive, where the Windows operating system is typically installed. If your OS resides on a different drive, select that drive instead.
  • 4. You will see a list of file categories available for deletion. Review the options and check the boxes next to the items you wish to remove, such as downloaded program files, temporary internet files, DirectX shader cache, Windows error reports, and delivery optimization files.
  • 5. After making your selections, click on the “OK” button to proceed.
  • 6. Confirm your choice by clicking on “Delete Files,” and wait for the cleanup process to finish.
  • 7. Finally, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.

By routinely cleaning up your disk, you can significantly enhance your computer’s performance and reliability.

10. Run Additional Command-Line Argument

To ensure that Sniper Elite 5 runs smoothly with the necessary DirectX version, you may need to execute a command-line argument through your game launcher. It’s possible that your system is encountering compatibility issues with the most recent DirectX version. Here’s how to set it up for each launcher:

**For Steam:

  • 1. Open the Steam client and log into your account.
  • 2. Navigate to your LIBRARY and locate Sniper Elite 5 in the left pane.
  • 3. Right-click on the game title and select **Properties**.
  • 4. In the **General** tab, find the **Launch Options** section.
  • 5. Enter `-dx12` in the input field.
  • 6. Return to the main menu and start the game.
  • 7. If prompted, follow any on-screen instructions to proceed.

**For Epic Games Launcher:

  • 1. Launch the Epic Games Launcher and click on **Settings** in the lower-left corner.
  • 2. Scroll to the bottom of the page and locate the **Manage Games** section.
  • 3. Find Sniper Elite 5 and select it.
  • 4. Check the box for **Additional Command-Line Arguments**.
  • 5. Input `-dx12` in the provided field.
  • 6. Go back and attempt to launch the game once more.

By following these steps, you should be able to run Sniper Elite 5 with the appropriate DirectX version, improving your gaming experience.

11. Disable Windows Firewall

If you are currently utilizing the default Windows Firewall on your computer, it may be beneficial to temporarily disable it to troubleshoot the issue you are experiencing. Here’s how to do that:

  • 1. Open the Start Menu and enter “Firewall” in the search bar.
  • 2. From the results, select “Windows Defender Firewall.”
  • 3. In the left-hand menu, click on “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.”
  • 4. In the settings that appear, choose the option to “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended)” for both Private and Public Network Settings.
  • 5. After making your selections, click “OK” to apply the changes.
  • 6. Lastly, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

This process will help you determine if the Windows Firewall is contributing to the problem. Please remember to re-enable the firewall once you finish troubleshooting to maintain your system’s security.

12. Turn Off Antivirus Protection

To ensure that your game files are not being obstructed by antivirus software, consider disabling the Windows Defender feature on your computer.

  • 1. Use the shortcut keys Windows + I to access the Windows Settings menu.
  • 2. Navigate to Update & Security and select Windows Security from the options on the left.
  • 3. Click on the Open Windows Security button to launch the application.
  • 4. In the Windows Security interface, go to Virus & threat protection and then select Manage settings.
  • 5. You will find the option for Real-time protection; simply toggle this feature off.
  • 6. If a confirmation prompt appears, click Yes to continue.

This action may help in allowing your game files to run without interference.

13. Set High Performance in Power Options

The default setting for Windows is typically the Balanced Power Mode, which aims to strike a balance between performance and energy efficiency.

However, this mode may lead to performance limitations, especially when running graphics-intensive applications. For enhanced performance, it is advisable to switch to the High Performance power mode, although this will result in increased power consumption.

To change your power settings, follow these steps:

  • 1. Click on the Start Menu and type “Control Panel” into the search bar.
  • 2. Select “Control Panel” from the list of results.
  • 3. Navigate to “Hardware and Sound” and then click on “Power Options.”
  • 4. Choose the “High Performance” option to activate it.
  • 5. Finally, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

14. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime

If your Windows PC is not equipped with the most recent or necessary version of the Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime, you may experience various issues. To resolve this, follow these steps:

  • 1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard to access the Start Menu.
  • 2. Type “apps & features” in the search bar to locate the settings.
  • 3. Click on “Apps & Features” from the search results.
  • 4. In the list that appears, find each Microsoft Visual C++ program.
  • 5. Select each program individually and click on the “Uninstall” option.
  • 6. Follow the prompts on the screen to complete the uninstallation process.

Afterward, head over to the official Microsoft website to download the latest version of the Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime. Once the download is complete, install it on your computer. Finally, restart your system to apply the changes.

15. Perform a Clean Boot

According to various reports, numerous programs are often running in the background right from the moment your Windows system starts up. These services can unknowingly utilize system resources and consume internet bandwidth. To optimize performance, it’s advisable to perform a clean boot by disabling unnecessary startup applications. Follow the steps outlined below to do this:

  • 1. Press the Windows key + R simultaneously to bring up the Run dialog box.
  • 2. Type “msconfig” and press Enter to access the System Configuration tool.
  • 3. Navigate to the Services tab and check the box that says “Hide all Microsoft services.”
  • 4. Click on “Disable all,” then apply the changes by clicking “OK.”
  • 5. Next, go to the Startup tab and select “Open Task Manager.”
  • 6. In the Task Manager, click on the Startup tab.
  • 7. Identify any tasks that have a high startup impact, select them, and click “Disable.” Repeat this process for each program with significant impact.
  • 8. Finally, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.

By following these steps, you can enhance your system’s efficiency and reduce unnecessary resource consumption.

16. Try Disabling Overlay Apps

Occasionally, certain applications come bundled with overlay features designed to assist streamers and gamers. While these overlays can be beneficial, they may also interfere with game files, potentially leading to issues such as frame rate drops, black screens, lag, and glitches.

To troubleshoot and determine if these overlays are causing crashes, it’s advisable to disable them before attempting to launch the game again. Here’s how to do this for various applications:

**Disabling Discord Overlay:

  • 1. Open the Discord application and click on the gear icon located at the bottom left corner.
  • 2. Navigate to the Overlay section within App Settings and toggle on the Enable in-game overlay option.
  • 3. Go to the Games tab, find Sniper Elite 5, and turn off the Enable in-game overlay toggle.
  • 4. Restart your PC to ensure the changes take effect.

**Disabling Xbox Game Bar:

  • 1. Press the Windows + I keys together to access Windows Settings.
  • 2. Click on Gaming, then select Game Bar.
  • 3. Disable the option for recording game clips, taking screenshots, and broadcasting using the Game Bar.

**Disabling Nvidia GeForce Experience Overlay:

  • 1. Open the Nvidia GeForce Experience application and go to Settings.
  • 2. In the General tab, turn off the In-Game Overlay feature.
  • 3. Restart your PC to implement the changes and then relaunch the game.

Additionally, other overlay applications such as MSI Afterburner, Rivatuner, and RGB control software can also lead to similar problems. It’s advisable to disable these as well to ensure optimal game performance.

17. Repair Game Files

Corrupted or missing game files on your PC can lead to various problems, such as issues with launching the game or its performance. To address this, follow these steps for each gaming platform:

**For Steam Users:

  • 1. Open the Steam client and navigate to your Library.
  • 2. Locate Sniper Elite 5 in your list of installed 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.’
  • 5. Wait for the verification process to finish.
  • 6. After it’s complete, restart your computer.

**For Xbox App on PC:

  • 1. Launch the Xbox app on your PC.
  • 2. Head to the INSTALLED section and find Sniper Elite 5.
  • 3. Click on the three dots icon next to it and select ‘Manage.’
  • 4. Go to the ‘FILES‘ tab and choose ‘VERIFY AND REPAIR’ from the options.
  • 5. Allow the process to complete.
  • 6. Once finished, restart the app and run the game.

**For Epic Games Launcher:

  • 1. Open the Epic Games Launcher and click on the Library tab.
  • 2. Find Sniper Elite 5 and click on the three-dot icon next to it.
  • 3. Choose ‘Verify‘ to start the validation of the game files.
  • 4. Wait for the verification process to finish, then restart the launcher.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your game files are intact, helping to improve your gaming experience.

18. Update Sniper Elite 5

If you’ve tried all the suggested methods without success, it’s important to check if your version of Sniper Elite 5 is up to date. Running an outdated version can lead to bugs and performance issues. If it’s been a while since your last update, follow the instructions below to ensure your game is current.

**For Steam Users:

  • 1. Launch the Steam client.
  • 2. Navigate to your Library.
  • 3. Select Sniper Elite 5 from the list on the left.
  • 4. The client will automatically search for any available updates. If an update is found, click on the Update button.
  • 5. Allow some time for the update to install. Once completed, exit the Steam client.
  • 6. Restart your computer to apply the changes, and then relaunch the game.

**For Epic Games Launcher Users:

  • 1. Open the Epic Games Launcher.
  • 2. Go to the Library section.
  • 3. Click on the three dots next to Sniper Elite 5.
  • 4. Ensure that the Auto Update feature is enabled.

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

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