Resolve all Fallout 4 Errors on Windows 10 [Gamers Fix]

Here, we have no less than 11 fixes for various Fallout 4 issues

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Key notes

  • Fallout 4 was an amazing game when it was released on November 10, 2015, but some Windows 10 users report crashes and other issues.
  • Most problems point at the graphics card driver but in this guide, we will fix all problems.
  • Find below two methods on how to update your drivers, install the latest game updates, change video settings, and more.
How to fix Fallout 4 doesn’t work in Windows 10

Fallout 4 was one of the most anticipated games at its release, and although it’s an amazing game, some Windows 10 users are reporting issues with it, so let’s see if there’s a way to fix these issues.

Users report that Fallout 4 keeps crashing a few seconds after they start a game, and this can be extremely frustrating since they cannot play the game they just bought.

But don’t worry, there are a few solutions that might be helpful.

Can Windows 10 run Fallout 4?

Of course it can and Fallout 4 is a great game, but many users reported various issues with it.

Speaking of issues, these are some of the most common Fallout 4 problems on Windows 10:

  • Fallout 4 won’t start, launch in Windows 10 – Fix the problem by using one of our solutions.
  • Fallout 4 has stopped working in Windows 10 – It is a common problem with Fallout 4. Try running Fallout 4 in Compatibility mode.
  • Fallout 4 black screen issue in Windows 10 – The problem might be your graphics card. Use a dedicated graphics card to run the game.
  • Fallout 4 crash in Windows 10 – Caused by problematic drivers so update your drivers.
  • Fallout 4 not responding in Windows 10 – Make sure that other third-party applications aren’t interfering with your game.
  • Fallout 4 x3daudio1_7.dll is missing in Windows 10 – You probably don’t have the necessary components installed. Install DirectX and the required C++ Redistributables.

What are the Fallout 4 minimum requirements?

Here are the system requirements for Fallout 4 on PC as they were laid out by Bethesda:

MinimumRecommended
Operating systemWindows 7/8/10 (64-bit OS required)Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit OS required)
ProcessorIntel Core i5-2300 2.8GHz / AMD Phenom II X4 945 3.0GHz or equivalentIntel Core i7 4790 3.6GHz / AMD FX-9590 4.7GHz or equivalent
Memory8 GB8 GB
Drive space30 GB30 GB
VideoNVIDIA GTX 550 Ti 2GB / AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB or equivalent NVIDIA GTX 780 3GB / AMD Radeon R9 290X 4GB or equivalent

Of course, you will also require Internet access and at least a free Steam account to install the game.

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How do I get Fallout 4 to work on my PC?

1. Update your display drivers

Before we start, you’ll need to uninstall the display driver because if you try just to update it, you might not get the best results.

It’s risky to try and uninstall the driver manually and it’s also a tedious process. However, you have better options when it comes to driver updating tools.

Thus if you need to install just the display driver or all at once, it’s no problem for specialized driver software like Outbyte Driver Updater.

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Get this tool that finds missing and updates existing drivers leading to optimal gaming performance.

2. Download the latest Fallout 4 update

  1. Open Steam and find Fallout 4.
  2. Right-click it and choose Properties.
  3. Find the latest update to download and install.
  4. Run the game and see if the issue is resolved.

In order to boost your game performance and get rid of crashes, slowdowns, lags, low FPS, and other annoying issues, we recommend downloading Game Fire (free).

3. Run the game in compatibility mode

  1. Open Steam and find Fallout 4. Right-click it and choose Properties.
    Fallout 4 Windows 10 crash
  2. Go to Local Files and click on Verify Integrity of Game Cache.
    Fallout 4 Windows 10 won't start
  3. Go back to Local Files tab and click on Browse Local Files.
  4. Find Fallout4.exe and right-click it. Choose Properties from the list.
    Fallout 4 has stopped working Windows 10
  5. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  6. Select Run this software in compatibility mode for and select Windows 7 from the list. Also, make sure that you check Run as Administrator checkbox as well. Click Apply and OK to save the changes.
    Fallout 4 Windows 10 black screen
  7. Now repeat Step 5 for Fallout4Launcher.exe (it should be located in the same folder as Fallout4.exe).

4. Change the Fallout4Prefs.ini

  1. Open File Explorer and go to Users<username>DocumentsMy GamesFallout 4.
  2. Open the file called Fallout4Prefs.ini with Notepad.
  3. Find the following variables and change them to these values:
    • bMaximizeWindow=0
    • bBorderless=1
    • bFull Screen=0
    • iSize H=1080
    • iSize W=1920
  4. Make sure that iSize H and iSize W match the current screen resolution that you’re using.
  5. Save the changes and start the game.

If you don’t like Notepad, check out this list including the best note-taking apps for Windows 10.

5. Uninstall Raptr software

If you can’t run Fallout 4 on your Windows 10 PC, the problem might be the Raptr software.

According to users, this software can interfere with Fallout 4 and prevent you from running it. However, you can fix the issue simply by removing the problematic application.

There are many ways to do that, but the best way is to use specialized uninstaller software to remove it.

Many applications tend to leave files and registry entries even after you remove them, and sometimes these files can cause problems in the future.

Therefore, it is better to assure a deep uninstallation of unused or problematic apps by using the best uninstaller programs on the market now.

6. Change your video settings

According to users, you might be able to fix this problem simply by changing the resolution of the game.

To solve this issue, your in-game resolution should match the display resolution in Windows 10. After changing your resolution, check if the problem still persists.

Several users reported that switching to Windowed mode fixed the problem for them, so you might want to try that as well.

Surprisingly, few users reported that disabling the windowed mode fixes the issue for them, so be sure to try both settings.

If Windows 10 won’t let you adjust your screen resolution, follow our comprehensive guide to solve the problem in no time.

7. Repair the C++ Redistributables installation

  1. Navigate to the Fallout 4 installation directory. By default, it should be Steam\steamapps\common\Fallout 4.
  2. Navigate to the vcredist2012 directory.
  3. You should find two vcredist.exe files. Run both files and choose Repair from the menu.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen.

8. Check if your graphics card meets the hardware requirements

Fallout 4 is a demanding game, but before you can run it, you need to check if your PC meets the hardware requirements.

According to users, they were unable to run Fallout 4 because their graphics card didn’t support DirectX 11.

Fallout 4 requires DirectX 11 support, and if your graphics can’t work with this version, your only option is to upgrade your graphics card.

Before upgrading, be sure to check your graphics card configuration and be sure that it doesn’t support DirectX 11.

9. Change Switchable Graphics Application Settings

According to users, if you can run Fallout 4 on your Windows 10 PC, be sure to change the settings.

To do that, open the Catalyst Control Center or the Nvidia Control Panel, and locate Fallout 4 on the list. Now change the Graphics settings to High Performance.

After doing that, save changes and try to start the game again.

If you have problems with the graphics card software, we have a guide on what to do if you can’t open the NVIDIA Control Panel on Windows 10.

There’s a similar guide for AMD Catalyst Control Center, so be sure to check it out if you have the same issue.

10. Make sure that you’re using a 64-bit system

According to users, Fallout 4 doesn’t work on 32-bit systems, so if you’re using a 32-bit operating system, you won’t be able to run Fallout 4.

In order to install a 64-bit operating system on your PC, you need to have a 64-bit processor. It’s also worth mentioning that you can’t convert 32-bit into a 64-bit system.

If you’re using a 32-bit operating system, you’ll need to perform a clean install of a 64-bit system instead.

For those who own an SSD, we have a complete guide on how to install a fresh copy of Windows 10 on SSD.

Almost all newer computers support 64-bit operating systems, so you won’t have any issues installing and running a 64-bit operating system on your PC.

11. Check your antivirus

Sometimes, antivirus tools can interfere with your applications and cause various problems. If you’re unable to run Fallout 4 on your PC, you might want to check if your antivirus is the problem.

To fix this issue, it’s advised to disable your antivirus completely and try to run the game again. If the issue persists, you might want to uninstall your antivirus and switch to a different antivirus solution.

We strongly recommend switching to a more effective antivirus that doesn’t affect your games negatively.

Consequently, have strong security on your PC and grant robust gaming enhancing features by choosing from the best antivirus software for gaming.

How much is Fallout 4: Game of the Year?

The regular price for Fallout 4 G.O.T.Y. is $39.99 but right now, there is a 67% discount so if you hurry up, you can get it for only $13.19.

That’s about it. We hope these solutions helped you to solve the problem and that you’ll be able to normally play your new Fallout game on Windows 10.

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming session, try to boost it with Game Fire.

Also, if you have any suggestions or questions, just reach out in the comments section below.

More about the topics: Fallout 4, Game issues