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Games Crash When Changing Resolution: 4 Quick Ways to Fix It
Check solutions that did the trick for other users
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Windows, ideally, is an excellent platform for gaming with a range of compatible games. But many reported that their game crashes when changing the resolution, and the issue seems to have affected several popular titles.
In most cases, it’s an issue at the user’s end that triggers the error and can easily be fixed with a little effort. So, let’s find out why your favorite game crashes when changing resolution.
Why does my game crash when changing the resolution?
Based on our research and feedback from users, here are the primary reasons for the crash:
Here are a few games affected by the problem:
What can I do if a game crashes when changing the resolution?
Before trying the slightly complex solution, here are a few quick ones that might help:
If none of these work, the solutions listed next should.
1. Uninstall conflicting applications
If you cannot identify what’s causing the error,check the error logs in Windowsand find out the conflicting application.
Though unlikely, if the error logs aren’t very helpful, start by uninstalling non-critical third-party programs until the error is fixed.
2. Disable display scaling and run in compatibility mode
Once done, restart the computer for new settings to come into effect and check if the game still crashes when changing resolution. For most users, this did the trick.
3. Manually change the resolution file
Most games have a text file(.txt)where users can manually choose the resolution. Though it’s not recommended that you take this route, the method still comes in handy in situations like this.
The name and file location will be different for each game, so try locating it or check the official website for the file’s path.
Once you are in, there will be two lines that mention the resolution (will likely havexandymentioned). Change it to the desired value (within the monitor’s range), pressCtrl+Sto save the changes, and launch the game. Things should now work out.
4. Update the driver
Updating the driversis critical for the effective and error-less functioning of connected devices and eliminates several issues, including if a game crashes when changing the resolution. So, make sure you update all the available ones.
Although you can update the drivers manually, doing such is time-consuming and prone to errors which is why using a dedicated tool that will automatically take care of this is recommended.
Outbyte Driver Updater
These are all the ways you can fix things if a game crashes when changing the resolution. In case none work, the last option is to reinstall the game and the client, if there’s one.
Also, before you leave, check thebest settings to optimize gaming performanceand get the best experience.
Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.
Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.
Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.
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Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a tech enthusiast who tackles mobility, privacy, and networking in easy-to follow guides for everyone.