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FIX: Can’t change graphics settings in Age of Empires 4
6 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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The Age of Empires franchise, one of the most highly rated strategy games, is here with Age of Empires 4. And this one certainly does offer a lot, both in terms of content and graphics. However, certain users have reported that they can’t change graphics settings in Age of Empires 4.
In this case, whenever they try to make changes to the graphics settings, the screen either went black or the game crashed.
While some had issues with the system’s graphics settings or driver issues, others found compatibility or the app setting itself to be the culprit.
In a bid to bring forth the best solutions, we went through a lot of forums where users have posted about this and other similar issues.
And, in the following sections, we have listed the most effective solutions in case you are unable to change the graphics settings in Age of Empires 4.
What are the minimum system requirements for Age of Empires 4?
Ever since the release of Age of Empires 4, fans have been nothing but thrilled and eager to check if their PC can run the game. You can find that out from our guide that details the system requirements for Age of Empires 4.
Also, it’s recommended that your computer at least meets the minimum requirements, if not the recommended one. This will ensure that you don’t run into errors while playing the game, similar to the one we discussed here.
What can I do if I can’t change the graphics settings in Age of Empires 4?
1. Restart the PC
If it’s a bug that’s preventing you from changing the graphics settings in Age of Empires 4, a simple restart would fix the issue. When you reboot the system, the OS is reloaded and any temporary bugs are eliminated, thereby solving the problem.
2. Edit Age of Empires 4 game files
Apart from the resolution settings we set here, you can check for the other available options in the dropdown menu for the same, and use them as well. Just replace the resolution value in the above line and the graphics settings in Age of Empires 4 would be changed.
3. Change Age of Empires 4 compatibility mode
If the last fix didn’t work, you can try changing the compatibility mode in the XML file and see if it helps. Most users who couldn’t change graphics settings in Age of Empires 4 found this method helpful.
4. Update Windows 11
If you are running an older version of Windows, chances are that it’s causing the problem when changing the graphics settings in Age of Empires 4. With each update, certain enhancements along with patches are released, and these could help fix the issue.
Another important feature for the effective functioning of Age of Empires 4 and other high-end games, is that you must have thelatest version of DirectXinstalled.
And the best part, you will receive updates for it via Windows Update only. So go ahead and check if there’s a newer version available and download it.
5. Update graphics drivers
In case you are running an outdated version of the graphics driver, it’s likely to cause a bunch of issues. These may range from problems while playing games to executing tasks on Windows.
If Windows is unable to find a better version on the system, you can tryother ways to update the driver. After you have the latest driver installed, check if you can change the graphics settings in Age of Empires 4.
It’s also recommended to scan your PC with reputable third-party driver updater software. A third-party driver updater such asOutbyte Driver Updateris ideal in that regard.
6. Disable/uninstall conflicting apps
Certain apps are known to cause trouble with the functioning and while changing the graphics settings of Age of Empires 4. These could be third-party antiviruses or other similar apps.
An easy way to identify the app that’s causing the trouble is to recollect when you first encountered the error, and make a list of apps that were installed around the same time.
When you have a list ready, uninstall them one at a time and check if the problem is resolved and you can change the graphics settings.
Once you find out anduninstalled the appbehind the issue, reinstall the others that were removed before it.
These are all the ways you can fix what’s preventing you from changing the graphics settings in Age of Empires 4. And, once the problem is resolved, you can choose the desired resolution and other settings for the finest gaming experience.
Tell us about your experience of the game and the fix that worked for you in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Age of empires,windows games
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
