9 Fixes: Smite Not Launching/Not Responding on Steam

A simple app repair can fix this problem

Reading time icon 9 min. read


Readers help support Windows Report. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Tooltip Icon

Read the affiliate disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report effortlessly and without spending any money. Read more

Key notes

  • If Smite is not responding or crashing on launch, then let us help you take immediate action.
  • Firstly, ensure that you are using an antivirus that has zero impact on your gaming sessions.
  • You may want to start with an app repair on your control panel before trying other solutions.
Smite not responding issues

You have found this article because your Smite is not launching; we will offer the best solution and show you all you need to know.

Smite is becoming a popular MOBA game, and if you’re a fan, you should know that it has a fair share of issues.

However, there’s no need to worry because there is a way to fix all these Smite issues on Windows 10.

Users have reported that Smite is not launching on Steam, so let’s see how to solve those problems for good.

Why is Smite crashing?

While playing the game, there may be several factors that can trigger a crash. Of these, the most common culprits include:

  • Compatibility issues with your computer – Smite requires powerful hardware and is a somewhat demanding game. Therefore confirm that your machine is capable of handling the game.
  • Compatibility issues with your antivirus – Sometimes, the game’s activities are interfered with by third-party antivirus software and Windows Defender, which prevents the game from starting.
  • Smite server downtime – You will have general connectivity issues when the game servers are globally down.
  • Some missing or wrong files – Game files might sometimes disappear or get damaged during installation, which results in errors and problems when you launch the game and prevents it from opening.
  • Problems with graphic card driver – Manufacturers of graphics cards often update their drivers, making them compatible with the newest Triple-A games. 

Smite issues tend to repeat, and sometimes you won’t be able to play the game at all due to these issues. Speaking of Smite problems, here are some other common issues that users reported:

  • Smite unable to connect to server – This issue can occur due to your antivirus, and if you’re having any problems, we advise you to disable your antivirus and check if that helps.
  • Smite won’t launch, doesn’t open – If Smite won’t even start on your PC, it’s possible that you don’t have the necessary DLL files. To fix the problem, install the required Visual C++ redistributables and check if that solves the issue.
  • Smite crash – Smite crashes can sometimes occur due to certain updates. To fix the problem, simply find and remove these updates from your PC.
  • Smite bad or missing configuration – This problem can occur if your Smite installation is damaged. However, you can fix the issue simply by reinstalling Smite.

This is in no way an exhaustive list of potential triggers for crashes on Smite, but they are the common culprits in most cases, and we will explore the best resolutions.

Can I download Smite without Steam?

Yes, you can. The game is available for download on Steam but also for Xbox, PS, Nintendo, and the Epic Games store.

How do I fix Smite when it is not responding?

1. Allow an app through the firewall

  1. Click the Start menu, type Windows Security, then select the Windows Security app.
    smite not launching
  2. Click on Firewall & network protection.
  3. Select the option for Allow an app through the firewall.
  4. Search for and tick Smite under the Name column, then click the OK button.
    smite not launching

According to users, your antivirus software is the most common cause of Smite issues. Sometimes your antivirus might interfere with the game and prevent you from running it.

To fix the issue, ensure that the game is added to the exclusions list in your antivirus and firewall.

If that doesn’t work, you might have to disable certain antivirus features and check if that solves the problem. If that doesn’t work, your next step is to disable your antivirus altogether.

In some cases, you might even have to uninstall your antivirus. For example, users reported issues with Avast.

If you managed to fix the problem by removing your antivirus, you might switch to different antivirus software.

There are many great antivirus tools on the market. Still, if you want an antivirus solution that won’t interfere with your gaming passion, you should consider one suitable for this experience.

No matter what antivirus you choose from our list, it won’t interfere with your games and will protect against malware and other threats that may be present when playing Smite.

2. Update your graphic card driver

  1. Press the Windows and R at the same time to open the Run window.
  2. There, into the search space type the following: devmgmt.msc, and then click the OK button.
  3. Now, select Display adapters from the list, then right-click on the driver from the drop-down.
  4. Select the Update Driver option, then click Search automatically for drivers.

This can take up some time and might not work every time. For this, we have an alternative, a third-party software that specializes in driver updates which you can use.

Ensure your system performs smoothly and avoids all GPU driver errors by using a complete driver update assistant, namely Outbyte Driver Updater, that will do the job for you. Here's how to safely update your drivers:
  1. Download and install the Outbyte Driver Updater app.
  2. Launch the software and wait for the app to detect all incompatible drivers.
  3. Now, it will show you a list of all faulty drivers to select the ones to Update or Ignore.
    OutByte Driver Updater Scan
  4. Click on Update & Apply Selected to download and install the newest versions.
  5. Restart your PC to ensure the applied changes.
OutByte

OutByte

Keep your GPU in a flawless state without worrying about possible driver issues.
Free trial Download now
Disclaimer: You may need to upgrade the app from the free version to perform specific actions.

3. Reinstall Smite and Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package

  1. Visit the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package download website.
  2. Click on the download button.
    smite not launching
  3. Click the downloaded file to run it.
  4. Install Smite again.

According to users, sometimes this issue can occur if there’s a problem with Smite and Visual C++ installation. To fix it, try to reinstall Smite and Visual C++ components.

Some users suggest installing all versions, both x86 and x64, of Visual C++ Redistributable from 2010 to 2013.

Sometimes, you might not even have to download the Visual C++ Redistributables. Most games come with necessary redistributables, so you can easily install them.

To do that, go to Smite’s installation directory and navigate to BinariesRedist. Now run the setup files from that directory to install the necessary redistributables.

Before you start, be sure to remove Smite from your PC. You can do that right from the Settings app, but usually, the better option is to use an uninstaller software tool.

In case you’re unfamiliar, uninstaller software is a unique application that can remove all files and registry entries associated with the problematic application.

After thoroughly removing Smite from your PC, follow the steps above.

4. Make sure that Hi-Rez Studios Authenticate and Update Service is running

  1. Press Windows Key + R shortcut, type Services.msc, and press Enter, or click the OK button.
    Smite crash
  2. A list of services will appear. For example, locate Hi-Rez Studios Authenticate and Update Service.
  3. Right-click this service and choose Start.
  4. Try installing Smite again.

Users complain that they cannot install Smite on Windows 10, and if you’re having this issue, you might want to try enabling Hi-Rez Studios Authenticate and Update Service.

After starting this service, try to install the game again and check if the problem is resolved.

5. Install Smite through Steam

  1. Visit the Steam website, and log into your account.
  2. Search for Smite and click the Smite option.
    smite not launching
  3. Click on Play game or Add to Library. If you have Steam installed on your computer, you will get a prompt to open it on Steam.

If Smite crashes on launch, you can try downloading the game from Steam.

Users have confirmed that downloading the game from Steam has fixed this issue, so this solution might be worth trying.

6. Verify integrity of game files

  1. Launch Steam and navigate to the game Library.
    smite not launching
  2. Right-click on the game and select Properties.
  3. Click on LOCAL FILES, then select Verify integrity of games cache.
    smite not launching

7. Remove the updates for Microsoft Visual C++ x64 and x86

  1. Open the Settings app by using Windows Key + I shortcut.
  2. Now go to the Update & Security section.
    Smite crash
  3. Select View update history.
    Smite bad or missing configuration
  4. Select the Uninstall updates option.
    Smite unable to connect to server
  5. Locate the problematic update and double-click it to remove it.
    Smite doesn't open

This solution also applies to your case, so don’t hesitate to remove the updates for Microsoft Visual C++ x64 and x86.

This is quite simple, and you can do it by following the above steps. Once you remove the problematic updates, check if the problem is resolved.

If the issue doesn’t appear anymore, be sure to block Windows from installing automatic updates with the help of this dedicated guide to prevent this issue from reappearing.

8. Create a new user account

  1. Open the Settings app by using Windows Key + I shortcut.
  2. In the Settings app, navigate to the Accounts section.
    Smite unable to connect to server
  3. Select Family & other people from the left pane, then click Add someone else to this PC button in the right pane.
    Smite won't launch
  4. Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
    Smite crash
  5. Now, choose to Add a user without a Microsoft account.
    Smite bad or missing configuration
  6. Enter the desired username and click Next.
    Smite bad or missing configuration

Sometimes Smite issues can be caused by your user account, and several users reported that they fixed the problem simply by creating a new user account.

This is quite simple on Windows 10, and you can do it by following the above procedure.

Once you create a new account, switch to it, and check if the problem still appears. If not, you’ll have to move your files to the latest version and start using it instead of your old one.

9. Run the game on a single monitor

According to users, Smite issues such as crashes can occur if you’re using a dual-monitor setup.

Sometimes multiple monitors can cause this issue, and to fix it, it’s advised to disconnect the second monitor before starting Smite.

This is a workaround, but it should work according to users, so try it out.

10. Install the game on an SSD drive

The problem might be your hard drive if you’re having Smite issues, such as freezing. Also, HDDs are slower than SSDs.

If you’ve noticed increased challenging drive activity while trying to run Smite, the problem might be your hard drive.

According to users, they managed to fix this issue simply by installing their game on the SSD drive, so if you have an SSD drive, be sure to try this solution.

How do I repair Smite?

  1. Launch the Control Panel.
  2. Click on Uninstall a program.
    smite not launching
  3. Click on the Smite app, select Repair, then follow the instructions.

There you have it—a comprehensive guide on fixing launching issues on Smite. If you have read this far, we believe you now have the game running perfectly.

Please note that you can skip around solutions, and you should apply only what seems most appropriate to your case. These fixes should also work if Smite is not responding on Startup or not launching through Steam.

We hope that these solutions were helpful to you and that you’ve managed to fix any issues with Smite on Windows.

More about the topics: Game issues