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Common PC Game Errors and Their Solutions: Complete Guide for Gamers
Playing PC games is an exciting experience — until unexpected errors crash your game, freeze your system, or ruin your progress. Whether you’re using a budget laptop or a high-end gaming rig, encountering issues like crashes, lags, or missing DLL files is common. Fortunately, most of these problems have simple solutions. This article explains the most common PC gaming errors and provides easy, step-by-step solutions to fix them.
1. Game Crashes or Closes Automatically
Common Causes:
- Outdated graphics card drivers
- Corrupt game files
- Overheating CPU or GPU
- Insufficient RAM or VRAM
- Background software conflict
Solutions:
- Update your GPU drivers – Use GeForce Experience for NVIDIA or Adrenalin for AMD.
- Verify integrity of game files – On Steam or Epic Games Launcher, right-click the game → Properties → Verify files.
- Check system temperature – Use HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to monitor temperatures.
- Close unnecessary background apps – Disable overlays like Discord, MSI Afterburner OSD, or NVIDIA ShadowPlay.
- Reinstall the game if nothing works.
2. Low FPS or Lagging During Gameplay
Common Causes:
- Outdated drivers
- Background apps consuming resources
- Poor game optimization
- Power-saving mode enabled
Solutions:
- Switch to high-performance mode in Control Panel → Power Options.
- Lower in-game graphics settings – reduce shadows, texture quality, and anti-aliasing.
- Use Windows Game Mode – Turn it on from Settings → Gaming → Game Mode.
- Clean your PC fans and vents – overheating can cause FPS drops.
- Upgrade hardware if your system doesn’t meet game requirements.
3. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) While Gaming
Common Causes:
- Overclocking instability
- Faulty RAM or GPU
- Corrupt drivers
- Power supply problems
Solutions:
- Stop overclocking CPU, GPU, or RAM.
- Run Windows Memory Diagnostic to check for faulty RAM.
- Update all drivers using Device Manager.
- Scan for malware – some malware can cause BSOD.
- Check PSU health – unstable power delivery can crash the system.
4. “DLL File Missing” or “MSVCP140.dll Not Found”
Common Causes:
- Missing Visual C++ Redistributables
- Incomplete game installation
Solutions:
- Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables (2010–2022) from the official Microsoft website.
- Reinstall DirectX – many games need it to function properly.
- Avoid downloading DLLs from random websites – it’s unsafe.
- Reinstall the game if the problem persists.
5. “Game Not Launching” or Stuck on Loading Screen
Common Causes:
- Outdated Windows version
- Antivirus or firewall blocking the game
- Damaged installation files
Solutions:
- Run the game as Administrator.
- Add the game to your antivirus exceptions list.
- Update Windows and GPU drivers.
- Check for missing dependencies like .NET Framework and DirectX.
- Reinstall or repair the game launcher (Steam, Epic, EA, etc.).
6. “DirectX Error” or “DirectX Function Error”
Common Causes:
- Outdated DirectX version
- Corrupt game configuration
- Incompatible GPU drivers
Solutions:
- Download the latest DirectX Runtime from Microsoft.
- Update or rollback your GPU drivers if the latest one causes issues.
- Delete game config files (often found in Documents or AppData folders).
- Reinstall the game with administrator privileges.
7. Screen Flickering or Black Screen
Common Causes:
- Display driver errors
- V-Sync or G-Sync conflicts
- Wrong refresh rate setting
Solutions:
- Press Alt + Enter to switch between fullscreen and windowed mode.
- Update display drivers and monitor firmware if available.
- Disable V-Sync or G-Sync from GPU settings.
- Adjust refresh rate in Display Settings → Advanced Display Settings.
8. No Sound or Audio Issues in Game
Common Causes:
- Incorrect audio output device
- Corrupt sound drivers
- Disabled sound enhancements
Solutions:
- Right-click the sound icon → Sound settings → Select correct output device.
- Reinstall audio drivers using Device Manager.
- Disable exclusive mode under sound device properties.
- Check game audio settings – make sure the volume is not muted.
9. “Steam Error: Missing File Privileges”
Common Causes:
- Steam lacking admin rights
- Antivirus blocking access
- Game files corrupted
Solutions:
- Run Steam as Administrator.
- Pause antivirus temporarily and retry.
- Change download region in Steam settings.
- Verify integrity of game files.
10. Network Lag or Connection Timeouts in Online Games
Common Causes:
- Weak Wi-Fi signal
- ISP routing issues
- Server overload
Solutions:
- Use wired Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi.
- Close background downloads or streaming apps.
- Change game server region to one closer to your location.
- Use a gaming VPN to bypass throttling or routing issues.
- Restart router or modem.
11. Stuttering or Frame Freezing
Common Causes:
- Game installed on a slow HDD
- Background updates
- VRAM overload
Solutions:
- Install games on SSD instead of HDD.
- Disable Windows automatic updates during gaming.
- Reduce texture resolution in-game to save VRAM.
- Enable V-Sync or adaptive sync if screen tearing occurs.
12. Controller Not Working
Common Causes:
- Outdated controller drivers
- Incorrect input mode (DirectInput vs XInput)
Solutions:
- Reinstall controller drivers from Device Manager.
- Use DS4Windows or x360ce for compatibility.
- Plug in controller before launching the game.
- Calibrate the controller in Windows settings.
13. “Out of Video Memory” or GPU Overload
Common Causes:
- Too high graphic settings
- VRAM limit exceeded
Solutions:
- Lower texture quality and resolution.
- Close other GPU-heavy programs.
- Upgrade to a GPU with more VRAM.
- Enable DLSS or FSR to improve performance.
14. “Disk Write Error” in Steam or Epic Games
Common Causes:
- Insufficient permissions
- Corrupt installation folder
- Antivirus interference
Solutions:
- Run Steam as Administrator.
- Check disk space and folder permissions.
- Disable antivirus temporarily.
- Move the game to another drive and reinstall.
15. “Low Memory” or “Out of RAM” Warning
Common Causes:
- Too many apps running in background
- Game requires more RAM than available
Solutions:
- Close background programs before launching games.
- Increase virtual memory (paging file) from System → Performance Settings.
- Add more physical RAM if possible.
16. Overheating During Long Gaming Sessions
Common Causes:
- Dust buildup
- Faulty cooling fans
- Poor ventilation
Solutions:
- Clean dust from vents and fans.
- Use a cooling pad for laptops.
- Reapply thermal paste on CPU/GPU every 2–3 years.
- Monitor temperatures with MSI Afterburner.
17. “Unsupported Graphics Card” or “GPU Not Detected”
Common Causes:
- Outdated GPU
- Driver corruption
- Faulty PCIe connection
Solutions:
- Reseat the GPU in its slot.
- Install the latest GPU drivers.
- Check BIOS for PCIe settings.
- If using a laptop, switch to the dedicated GPU manually.
18. Game Freezes at Startup Logo
Common Causes:
- Conflict with overlay software
- Missing DLL or dependencies
Solutions:
- Disable overlays (Discord, GeForce Experience, Steam overlay).
- Verify game files through launcher.
- Run in compatibility mode for older games.
- Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables.
19. “Insufficient Storage Space” Even When Disk Has Space
Common Causes:
- Temporary files or cache overflow
- Partition issues
Solutions:
- Run Disk Cleanup or use Storage Sense.
- Delete temporary files using
%temp%command in Run. - Check for hidden files or shadow copies.
- Defragment HDD (not SSD).
20. Game Runs But Textures Not Loading Properly
Common Causes:
- VRAM shortage
- Corrupted game assets
Solutions:
- Lower texture quality.
- Verify or reinstall the game.
- Update GPU drivers.
- Install the game on SSD for faster texture streaming.
21. “Access Denied” or “Administrator Privilege” Errors
Common Causes:
- Insufficient permissions
- UAC (User Account Control) restrictions
Solutions:
- Run game as Administrator.
- Install games outside Program Files folder.
- Disable UAC temporarily (not recommended permanently).
22. Games Not Detecting Dedicated GPU (on Laptops)
Common Causes:
- GPU switching disabled
- Power-saving settings
Solutions:
- Open NVIDIA Control Panel → Manage 3D Settings → Set preferred GPU.
- Switch to “High performance” mode in Windows.
- Update laptop BIOS and GPU drivers.
23. Game Freezes When Alt-Tabbing
Common Causes:
- Fullscreen mode bugs
- Driver conflicts
Solutions:
- Use borderless windowed mode.
- Update GPU drivers.
- Disable overlays.
24. Missing Textures or Invisible Characters
Common Causes:
- Missing files or outdated mods
Solutions:
- Verify game files.
- Remove outdated mods or shader packs.
- Reinstall game if issues persist.
25. “Application Has Stopped Responding”
Common Causes:
- System overload
- Background software interference
Solutions:
- Wait for a few minutes – sometimes it recovers.
- End task from Task Manager and relaunch.
- Update drivers and disable overlays.
- Reinstall if it’s a recurring problem.
Bonus Tips to Avoid PC Game Errors
- Always keep your drivers, DirectX, and Windows updated.
- Regularly clean temporary files and caches.
- Use original game files instead of cracked versions.
- Maintain good system cooling to prevent overheating.
- Keep your antivirus exceptions updated for game folders.
- Upgrade to SSD storage for faster and smoother performance.
Conclusion
PC gaming errors can be frustrating, but they’re usually easy to fix with the right knowledge. From simple driver updates to adjusting graphics settings, most problems can be solved without professional help. By following the solutions above, you can eliminate lags, crashes, and other errors — ensuring a smoother, uninterrupted gaming experience.
If you’re a passionate gamer, remember to keep your system optimized and updated. A well-maintained PC doesn’t just prevent errors; it maximizes your overall gaming performance and enjoyment.
FAQs
1. Why do my PC games crash suddenly on Windows?
Game crashes often occur due to outdated graphics drivers, overheating, corrupt files, or background software conflicts. Updating drivers and verifying game files usually fixes it.
2. What should I do if my game won’t launch at all?
Run the game as Administrator, disable antivirus temporarily, update Windows and GPU drivers, and check if required components like DirectX or Visual C++ are installed.
3. Why am I getting a “DLL file missing” error while opening a game?
This usually happens when Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables or DirectX files are missing. Reinstall the latest versions from Microsoft’s official website.
4. How do I fix low FPS or lag in games on Windows?
Enable high-performance mode, close background apps, lower graphics settings, update drivers, and ensure your system meets the game’s hardware requirements.
5. Why does my screen flicker or turn black during gameplay?
It could be due to display driver issues, V-Sync/G-Sync conflicts, or incorrect refresh rate settings. Updating drivers and disabling overlays can fix it.
6. What causes “DirectX Error” messages in games?
These errors appear if your DirectX installation is outdated or corrupted. Download the latest DirectX runtime and reinstall your GPU drivers.
7. My game says “MSVCP140.dll not found.” What does it mean?
It means the Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable package is missing. Install or repair all Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables from 2010–2022.
8. How can I fix audio not working in some games?
Check sound output device settings, reinstall audio drivers, disable exclusive mode in sound properties, and verify that in-game audio isn’t muted.
9. Why do I get the “Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)” while gaming?
BSOD can be caused by faulty RAM, unstable overclocking, corrupt drivers, or overheating. Run diagnostics and update or roll back your drivers.
10. What does “Steam Error: Missing File Privileges” mean?
It occurs when Steam lacks permissions to access the game folder. Run Steam as Administrator and verify the integrity of game files.
11. How do I fix “Disk Write Error” in Steam or Epic Games?
Run the launcher as Administrator, disable antivirus, clear the download cache, or reinstall the game to a different drive.
12. Why does my game freeze when switching windows (Alt + Tab)?
Fullscreen mode or overlay conflicts can cause this. Use borderless windowed mode and disable overlays like Discord or GeForce Experience.
13. Why is there lag or high ping in online games?
Unstable Wi-Fi, server distance, or background downloads can cause lag. Use Ethernet, select closer servers, and close unnecessary apps.
14. My controller isn’t working in Windows games. What should I do?
Reinstall controller drivers, plug it in before launching the game, and use tools like DS4Windows or x360ce for compatibility.
15. What does “Out of Video Memory” mean?
Your GPU’s VRAM is full. Lower texture quality, close background apps, and reduce screen resolution to fix it.
16. Why does my laptop use integrated graphics instead of my GPU for games?
Open your GPU control panel (NVIDIA or AMD) and set the game to use the dedicated GPU manually.
17. How do I fix stuttering or frame freezing in games?
Install the game on an SSD, disable Windows updates during gaming, update drivers, and reduce high-quality textures or shadows.
18. Why does my game show “Unsupported Graphics Card”?
It means your GPU doesn’t meet the minimum requirements or the driver is outdated. Update drivers or lower graphics settings.
19. Why are textures missing or loading late in my game?
This can happen due to insufficient VRAM or slow HDD performance. Install the game on an SSD and update your GPU drivers.
20. How do I stop overheating while gaming?
Clean your PC fans, use cooling pads, ensure proper ventilation, and monitor temperatures using tools like MSI Afterburner.
21. Why do I get “Access Denied” when installing or running a game?
Install the game outside “Program Files,” run it as Administrator, and check your antivirus settings for blocked folders.
22. What causes “Low Memory” or “Out of RAM” errors?
Running too many apps in the background or insufficient system RAM can trigger this. Close other apps or increase virtual memory.
23. Why does my game say “Unsupported Operating System”?
Older games may not run on new versions of Windows. Try running the game in compatibility mode or install older DirectX versions.
24. How can I fix “Game Not Responding” errors?
Wait for a few minutes, end the task in Task Manager, disable overlays, update your drivers, and check if your hardware meets the game’s needs.
25. How do I prevent most Windows gaming errors in the future?
Keep Windows, drivers, and DirectX up to date, clean temporary files regularly, use SSDs, and maintain good cooling and antivirus settings.
✅ Pro Tip: Always download updates and drivers from official sources only — this ensures stability and prevents malware or corrupted files.
