7 Ways to Fix Steam Games Not Launching
Many players encounter problems with games not launching on the Steam platform. This article provides effective methods to help you resolve these issues and restore your gaming experience.
1. Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated or damaged graphics drivers can prevent games from launching, so it's important to update them regularly to ensure smooth gameplay and optimal performance. We recommend using Driver Sentry to automatically detect and update drivers, saving you time and reducing the risk of downloading incorrect drivers.
Click the download button to get the latest version of Driver Sentry. After installation, open the software and click "Scan".
Once the scan is complete, it will show which drivers are missing or need updates. Find the graphics driver in the results list and click the "Upgrade" button.
After the update, it's advisable to restart your computer to ensure the new drivers take effect.
2. Verify Game Files Integrity
Ensure you are logged into your Steam account.
On the main Steam interface, click the "Library" option to view your game list.
Locate the problematic game, right-click on its name, and select "Properties".
In the "Local Files" tab, click "Verify Integrity of Game Files". Steam will check the game files and fix any issues.
After verification, try restarting the game to see if the problem is resolved.
3. Disable Full-Screen Optimization
In your Steam library, right-click the game and select "Properties".
In the properties window, go to the "Local Files" tab.
Click the button to open the game's installation directory.
Right-click the game's executable file (usually a .exe file) and select "Properties".
In the properties window, switch to the "Compatibility" tab.
Check the box for "Disable full-screen optimizations".
Save the changes, close the window, and try launching the game again.
4. Run Steam as Administrator
Ensure Steam is completely closed.
Find the Steam shortcut on your desktop or in the Start menu, right-click it.
Click the "Compatibility" tab and select "Run this program as an administrator".
If prompted by the system, select "Yes".
Open Steam and try to launch the game to see if the issue is resolved.
5. Close Background Programs
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
In the "Processes" tab, check the currently running programs.
Find any programs consuming a lot of CPU or memory resources.
Select those programs and click "End Task" to close them.
Close any other unnecessary programs as needed to ensure your game has enough system resources.
6. Check for System Updates
Click the "Start" menu and select "Settings".
In the settings window, choose "Update & Security".
In the "Windows Update" section, click the "Check for updates" button.
If updates are available, follow the prompts to install them.
After updates are complete, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
7. Reinstall the Game
Right-click the problematic game.
In the pop-up menu, select "Uninstall".
Confirm the uninstallation and wait for it to complete.
Find the game in your Steam library and click "Install" to redownload and reinstall it.
Once installation is complete, try launching the game again to see if the issue is resolved.
By following these steps, you can effectively address game launch issues on Steam and enjoy a better gaming experience. If the problem persists, consider seeking help from Steam Support or the community.
See also:
How to Fix Wireless Mouse Connection Failure
How to Fix Blue Screen After Windows 11 Update
