The Forest Game Keep Crashing on PC: How to FIX

The Forest Game Keep Crashing on PC: Endnight Games Ltd released an open-world survival crafting video game titled ‘The Forest’ in April 2018, which has garnered an impressive number of positive reviews on Steam for its PC version.

However, some players are experiencing frustrating crashes during startup, which can detract from the gaming experience. If you’re among those encountering this issue, this troubleshooting guide may provide some effective solutions.

Reports indicate that this first-person survival horror simulator presents various technical challenges for many users. Regardless of whether your PC is well-optimized for the game, you might still face issues such as startup crashes or problems with the game failing to launch.

Fortunately, we have compiled several potential solutions that could assist you in resolving these issues. Let’s delve into the troubleshooting steps to help you get back to enjoying your gameplay.

Why Does The Forest Game Keep Crashing?

Crashes during game launches on your PC are often linked to hardware or software problems. Common culprits include outdated operating systems, an old version of the game itself, missing or damaged game files, and outdated or corrupted graphics drivers.

Additionally, background processes, issues with startup applications, and an out-of-date game launcher can also lead to instability. Overclocked CPUs or GPUs, incompatible DirectX versions, and various overlay applications may contribute to the problem as well.

Moreover, issues related to Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables and compatibility conflicts with your system can result in game crashes. To resolve these issues, it’s advisable to systematically follow troubleshooting steps to identify and rectify the underlying cause of the crashes.

The Forest Game Keep Crashing on PC: How to FIX

“Hey, you know, sometimes fixing crash problems is super easy if you just try some simple tricks that people often overlook when they’re troubleshooting. So, don’t skip any steps!”

1. Check System Requirements

Before diving into a game, it’s a good idea to double-check if your PC meets the system requirements. If your setup is old or on the lower end, you might run into all sorts of problems while playing.

Not sure if your rig can handle it? No worries! Just take a look at the requirements listed below. If you find out your PC isn’t up to snuff, consider upgrading some hardware to get it running smoothly.

Minimum System Requirements:

• OS: Windows 7
• Processor: Intel Dual-Core 2.4 GHz
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 8800GT
• DirectX: Version 9.0
• Storage: 5 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX-compatible
• Additional Notes: 32bit windows users need to ensure they have at least 4GB of ram usable on their system.

Recommended System Requirements:

• OS: Windows 7
• Processor: Quad-Core Processor
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560
• DirectX: Version 9.0
• Storage: 5 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX-compatible

2. Update Graphics Drivers

To ensure optimal performance of all programs on your Windows system, it is essential to keep your graphics drivers up to date. Here’s how you can do that:

• 1. Begin by right-clicking on the Start Menu to access the Quick Access Menu.
• 2. Select “Device Manager” from the options presented.
• 3. Locate and double-click the “Display adapters” section to reveal the list of installed graphics devices.
• 4. Find your dedicated graphics card, right-click on its name, and choose “Update driver.”
• 5. Opt for “Search automatically for drivers.” If an update is available, it will be downloaded and installed automatically.
• 6. After the installation is complete, remember to restart your computer to apply the changes.

If you prefer, you can also manually download the latest drivers directly from the official website of your graphics card manufacturer. For users with Nvidia graphics cards, updates can be obtained through the GeForce Experience application available on the Nvidia website. Similarly, those with AMD graphics cards can visit the AMD website to access the latest driver updates.

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, enhances compatibility, and prevents crashes. Additionally, the latest updates often come with new features, improvements, and critical security patches. To update your system, follow these steps:

• 1. Press the Windows + I keys to access the Windows Settings menu.
• 2. Navigate to Update & Security, then click on “Check for updates” within the Windows Update section.
• 3. If a feature update is available, select the option to download and install it.
• 4. The update process may take some time to complete.
• 5. After the installation finishes, restart your computer to finalize the update.

4. Run the game as an administrator

To prevent any user account control issues related to permissions, it’s important to execute the game executable file with administrative privileges. Additionally, ensure that the Steam client on your computer is also running as an administrator. Here’s how to do this:

• 1. Right-click on the shortcut for The Forest executable file on your desktop or in your file explorer.
• 2. Select “Properties” from the context menu and navigate to the “Compatibility” tab.
• 3. Check the box next to “Run this program as an administrator.”
• 4. Click “Apply,” then “OK” to confirm your changes.

Remember to repeat these steps for the Steam client as well. This should help resolve any issues you may encounter while playing The Forest on your PC.

5. Close Background Running Tasks

Background applications and processes that are not needed can significantly consume system resources, such as CPU and memory, leading to a noticeable decline in performance.

This can result in frequent issues like system crashes, delays, and loading failures. To enhance your system’s efficiency, it’s advisable to terminate any unnecessary tasks running in the background. Here’s how you can do this:

• 1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch the Task Manager.
• 2. Navigate to the Processes tab and identify the tasks that are running without necessity and using up valuable resources.
• 3. Select each unwanted task and click on “End Task” to terminate them individually.
• 4. After closing these processes, restart your computer.

Once your system has rebooted, check to see if the crashing issue with The Forest has been resolved. If the problem persists, you may want to explore additional troubleshooting methods.

6. Set High Priority in Task Manager

To enhance the performance of your game and ensure it runs smoothly on your Windows system, you can adjust 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 task for The Forest.
• 3. Right-click on it and select the option to Set Priority, then choose High.
• 4. After making this adjustment, close the Task Manager.

Now, launch The Forest to see if the crashing issue on your PC has been resolved.

7. Reinstall DirectX (Latest)

To ensure optimal performance of The Forest game, it is advisable to download and install the most recent version of DirectX from the official Microsoft website for your computer.

Simply acquire the DirectX installer package and execute it to complete the installation. Remember, you will need DirectX 9 or a later version for the game to function correctly.

8. Force Run the Game in DirectX 9

To optimize your experience with The Forest, it’s advisable to run the game using DirectX 9. If your system is operating on an older version of DirectX, you should specifically force the game to launch in this mode. Here’s how to do it:

• 1. Open your Steam client and navigate to your LIBRARY.
• 2. Find The Forest in your game list, then right-click on it.
• 3. Select Properties from the context menu, and then click on the GENERAL tab on the left side.
• 4. In the Launch Options field, enter -dx9.

After entering the command, you can return to the main interface and start the game. When prompted, make sure to select the radio button next to the Play option for The Forest.

The Forest Stuck on loading screen: How to FIX

9. Disable Windows Firewall or Antivirus Program

There is a significant possibility that your default Windows Defender Firewall or any third-party antivirus software may be obstructing ongoing connections or preventing game files from functioning correctly.

To troubleshoot this issue, consider temporarily disabling both the real-time protection and firewall settings. After doing so, try launching the game again to see if the crashing problem in The Forest on PC has been resolved. Here’s how to proceed:

• 1. Open the Start Menu and type “firewall.”
• 2. From the search results, select “Windows Defender Firewall.”
• 3. Click on “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off” located in the left-hand menu.
• 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 selections, click “OK” to apply the changes.
• 6. Restart your computer to finalize the adjustments.

Next, you’ll also need to disable Windows Security protection. Follow these steps:

• 1. Press the Windows + I keys simultaneously to access the Windows Settings menu.
• 2. Navigate to “Update & Security” and then select “Windows Security” from the left sidebar.
• 3. Click on the “Open Windows Security” button.
• 4. Go to “Virus & threat protection” and select “Manage settings.”
• 5. Simply toggle off the Real-time protection setting.
• 6. If prompted for confirmation, click “Yes” to proceed.

If desired, you can also disable cloud-delivered protection and Tamper protection for additional assurance.

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 improved performance. Keep in mind that this setting may increase power consumption or drain battery life more quickly. 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 click on “Power Options.”
• 3. Choose the “High Performance” option to activate it.
• 4. After making this adjustment, ensure you close the window and completely shut down your computer. To do this, go to the Start Menu, select “Power,” and then click on “Shut Down.”
• 5. Once your PC is completely powered off, turn it back on.

This adjustment should resolve the crashing issue in The Forest for most users. However, if the problem persists, please proceed to the next troubleshooting method.

11. Close the game from Background Apps

If you continue to experience problems with The Forest game, it may be helpful to disable it from the Background Apps settings on your computer. Here’s how to do that:

• 1. Press the Windows + I keys simultaneously to access the Windows Settings.
• 2. Navigate to the Privacy section and then select Background apps from the menu on the left.
• 3. Scroll through the list to locate The Forest.
• 4. Toggle the switch next to its name to the off position.
• 5. Once you’ve made this change, close the settings window and restart your PC.

This adjustment could resolve your issues. If the problem persists, you can try the next troubleshooting method.

12. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime

To resolve various gaming issues or errors, it’s important to reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime on your computer. Follow these steps to do so:

• 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. Scroll through the list to find the Microsoft Visual C++ programs.
• 4. Click on each program and select the “Uninstall” option.
• 5. Navigate to the official Microsoft website to download the latest version of the Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime.
• 6. After downloading, proceed with the installation on your computer. Finally, restart your system to apply the changes effectively.

13. Perform a Clean Boot

Certain applications and services may initiate automatically during the system’s boot process, which can significantly consume both internet bandwidth and system resources. If you’re experiencing similar issues, it’s advisable to perform a clean boot on your computer to identify the cause. Here’s how to do it:

• 1. Press the Windows + R keys simultaneously to bring up the Run dialog.
• 2. Type “msconfig” and hit Enter to access the System Configuration window.
• 3. Navigate to the Services tab and check the box labeled “Hide all Microsoft services.“
• 4. Click on “Disable all,” then select “Apply” followed by “OK” to save your adjustments.
• 5. Next, switch to the Startup tab and click on “Open Task Manager.”
• 6. In the Task Manager, go to the Startup tab to view the applications that launch at startup.
• 7. Identify any tasks with a significant startup impact, select them, and click “Disable” to prevent them from starting automatically.
• 8. Repeat this process for each program that is using a considerable amount of system resources at startup.
• 9. Finally, restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect.

By following these steps, you can help optimize your system’s performance and reduce unnecessary resource consumption.

14. Try Disabling Overlay Apps

Certain widely-used applications come with overlay features that may operate in the background, potentially leading to performance issues during gaming or problems when launching games. To resolve these issues, it’s advisable to disable these overlays by following the instructions 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 under App Settings and toggle off the “Enable in-game overlay” option.
• 3. Go to the Games tab, find and select “The Forest,” and ensure that the in-game overlay is disabled for this title as well.
• 4. Restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

Turning Off Xbox Game Bar:

• 1. Press the Windows + I keys simultaneously to access Windows Settings.
• 2. Click on the Gaming section, select Game Bar, and disable the option labeled “Record game clips, screenshots, and broadcast using the Game bar.”
• 3. If you’re having trouble locating the Game Bar settings, you can use the search function within the Windows Settings menu to find it quickly.

Disabling Nvidia GeForce Experience Overlay:

• 1. Launch the Nvidia GeForce Experience application and go to the Settings menu.
• 2. In the General tab, turn off the “In-Game Overlay” feature.
• 3. Restart your computer afterward and relaunch your game to see if the issue has been resolved.

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

15. Verify Integrity of Game Files

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

• 1. Open Steam and navigate to your Library.
• 2. Locate The Forest in your list of installed games and right-click on it.
• 3. Select Properties from the context menu, then proceed to the Local Files tab.
• 4. Click on the option to Verify Integrity of Game Files.
• 5. Allow the verification process to complete, which may take some time.
• 6. After it finishes, restart your computer to finalize any changes.

This method will help ensure that your game files are intact and functioning properly.

16. Disable CPU or GPU Overclocking

It’s important to note that if you are experiencing frequent crashes or stuttering in your game, you should avoid enabling CPU or GPU overclocking on your computer.

While overclocking can significantly enhance gaming performance, it can also lead to compatibility issues or create bottlenecks that negatively affect your experience. For the best results, it’s advisable to revert to the default frequency settings.

17. Update The Forest

If you haven’t updated your copy of The Forest in some time, follow these steps to check for and install the latest patch, if one is available:

• 1. Launch the Steam client on your computer.
• 2. Navigate to your Library and select The Forest from the list on the left.
• 3. The client will automatically look for any available updates. If an update is found, click on the “Update” button to begin the installation.
• 4. The installation process may take a few moments. Once it’s complete, close the Steam client.
• 5. Finally, restart your PC to ensure all changes are applied, and then you can relaunch the game.

We hope this guide has been helpful! If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to leave a comment below.

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