Fixed – Fallout 4 Crashing on Startup Windows 11

If Fallout 4 is crashing on startup, here’s a step-by-step troubleshooting guide that resolves the most common causes—whether you’re on Windows 11, Steam, Xbox, or another platform.

🖥️ Fallout 4 Crashing on Startup — Windows 11 Fixes

✅ 1. Run as Administrator + Compatibility Mode

• Go to:
  C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Fallout 4\Fallout4.exe

• Right-click > Properties > Compatibility tab:

  • ✅ Check Run this program as administrator

  • ✅ Check Run in compatibility mode → Choose Windows 8

  • Apply & close

✅ 2. Disable Fullscreen Optimizations (Win11-Specific)

• Same Fallout4.exe > Compatibility tab

• ✅ Check Disable fullscreen optimizations

• Click Change high DPI settings → Check Override high DPI scaling (set to “Application”)

✅ 3. Verify Game Files in Steam

• Steam Library > Right-click Fallout 4 > Properties

• Go to Installed Files tab → Click Verify integrity of game files

✅ 4. Update DirectX and Visual C++ Runtimes

• Download and install:

  • DirectX End-User Runtime

  • Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributables

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✅ 5. Reset INI Configs

• Go to:
  C:\Users\<YourName>\Documents\My Games\Fallout4\

• Delete (or move to backup):

  • Fallout4.ini

  • Fallout4Prefs.ini

• Relaunch the game → it will generate fresh settings.

✅ 6. Force Borderless Windowed Mode (Prevents Resolution Crashes)

Edit the new Fallout4Prefs.ini:

✅ 7. Turn Off Steam Overlay

• Steam > Library > Fallout 4 > Properties

• Under General, uncheck Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game

✅ 8. Temporarily Disable Mods

• If you use Vortex, MO2, or manual installs:

  • Disable all mods (especially HUD, lighting, or startup tweaks)

  • Try launching with only the base game to isolate the issue.

✅ 9. Graphics Drivers

• Make sure your NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel GPU drivers are up to date:

  • NVIDIA

  • AMD

  • Intel

🧪 Bonus Fix (F4SE/ENB users)

If you use F4SE or ENB/ReShade, mismatches with Fallout 4’s game version or Windows 11 graphics stack can crash on launch. Try:

• Updating F4SE to latest version

• Temporarily removing d3d11.dll, dxgi.dll, or ENB injector files from the main game folder

🛠️ Top Fixes for Fallout 4 Crashing on Startup (PC – Steam, Epic, etc.)

✅ 1. Run as Administrator

• Right-click Fallout4.exe > Properties > Compatibility tab

• Check “Run this program as an administrator”

• Apply and restart the game.

✅ 2. Disable Mods (Temporarily)

• Mods (especially from Nexus or Vortex) can cause startup crashes.

• Rename or move the Data folder or use Vortex/MO2 to disable all mods, then try launching.

✅ 3. Verify Game Files (Steam/Epic)

• Steam:

  • Right-click Fallout 4 > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files

• Fixes corrupted/missing files that often trigger crashes.

✅ 4. Delete or Reset Fallout4Prefs.ini and Fallout4.ini

• Navigate to:
  Documents\My Games\Fallout4\

• Backup and delete:

  • Fallout4.ini

  • Fallout4Prefs.ini

• Launch the game to regenerate fresh config files.

✅ 5. Install/Update Visual C++ Redistributables

• Fallout 4 needs Visual C++ 2012, 2013, and 2015–2022

• Get the latest versions from the Microsoft website

✅ 6. Update Graphics Drivers

• Ensure NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel drivers are fully updated.

• Use official tools like:

  • NVIDIA GeForce Experience

  • AMD Adrenalin

  • Intel Driver & Support Assistant

✅ 7. Disable Steam Overlay

• Steam > Fallout 4 > Properties > General

• Uncheck Enable Steam Overlay while in-game

✅ 8. Force Windowed Mode

If crashes happen during launch due to resolution issues:

1. Open Fallout4Prefs.ini

2. Set:

   bFull Screen=0
bBorderless=1
iSize H=1080
iSize W=1920


✅ 9. Install Unofficial Fallout 4 Patch (UF4P)

• This mod fixes hundreds of game-breaking bugs.

• Get it via Nexus Mods

• Requires a clean install with no conflicting mods.

✅ 10. Clean Reinstall

• If all else fails:

  • Backup saves from: Documents\My Games\Fallout4\Saves

  • Uninstall Fallout 4

  • Delete leftover folders in:

    • Steam\steamapps\common\Fallout 4\

    • Documents\My Games\Fallout4\

  • Reinstall fresh

🕹️ For Xbox or PlayStation

• Clear cache (power cycle the console)

• Reinstall the game

• Disable all mods via the in-game Mods menu

📌 Final Tips

• If you’re using F4SE (Fallout 4 Script Extender), make sure it matches your current Fallout 4 version.

• Mods that alter HUD, UI, or weather (like ENBs or ReShades) are common crash triggers—test with them disabled.

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