Fallout 4 Won't Launch | 7 Ways to Fix This Error (Updated for 2025)

The “Fallout 4 won’t launch” error is a common but frustrating issue for PC gamers. While the game provides an immersive post-apocalyptic world, technical hiccups can prevent you from enjoying it. Fortunately, most launch problems can be resolved with a few key troubleshooting steps, from simple reboots to advanced configuration tweaks.

The game boasts a robust consumer base and has won numerous awards, including the BAFTA Games Award for Best Game in 2016 and the Interactive Achievement Award for Role-Playing / Massively Multiplayer Game of the Year in 2015. To get back to enjoying the game, here is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to fix the “Fallout 4 Won’t Launch” error.

How To Fix Fallout 4 Won’t Launch

If Fallout 4 fails to launch, follow these troubleshooting methods, starting with the simplest and most effective.

1. Verify the Integrity of Game Files (Essential First Step)

Corrupted or missing game files are the most frequent cause of launch issues on PC platforms like Steam. This process scans your installation and replaces any damaged files.

Open the Steam client.
Go to your Library.
Right-click on Fallout 4 and select Properties.
Navigate to the Installed Files tab (or Local Files on older versions).
Click Verify integrity of game files…

2. Update Drivers and System Software

Outdated graphics drivers are a primary culprit for launch failures, especially if you have a new version of Windows.

Update Display Drivers: Visit your graphics card manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the newest drivers for your specific model. Consider using a tool like Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to perform a clean installation of the new drivers.
Update Windows OS: Ensure your Windows operating system is fully updated, as the game relies on core system components and libraries.
Install Prerequisites: Make sure you have the latest versions of essential prerequisite software, such as Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables and DirectX.

3. Check for Hardware-Specific Fixes (Weapon Debris)

Specific graphics cards, particularly modern NVIDIA cards like the GTX 1660 and newer, are known to crash the game at launch due to an in-game setting.

Turn off “Weapon Debris”: If you can get to the game’s launcher, go into Options and manually set the Weapon Debris setting to Off before launching. If you can’t access the launcher, you may need to edit the game’s configuration files directly.
Limit Monitor Refresh Rate: If you have a high refresh rate monitor (e.g., 120Hz, 144Hz, or 240Hz), temporarily limiting its refresh rate to 60Hz in your Windows Display Settings can resolve launch crashes related to display synchronization.

4. Manage Conflicting Software and Settings

Background applications, security software, and corrupted configuration files can prevent the game from starting.

Disable Security/Antivirus: Temporarily disable your antivirus, anti-malware, and firewall software to check for conflicts. If this resolves the issue, you must add the Fallout 4 game executable (e.g., Fallout4.exe) to your program’s exception or whitelist list. Also, ensure cloud storage services like OneDrive are not syncing or interfering with your Fallout 4 installation folder.
Disable Overlays: In-game overlays from applications like Steam or Discord often interfere with the launch process and can cause immediate crashes.
- Steam Overlay: In Steam, right-click Fallout 4, go to Properties and uncheck “Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.”
- Discord Overlay: In Discord User Settings, go to Game Overlay and toggle off Enable in-game overlay (as noted in troubleshooting guides like [03:04] from the video below).
Delete/Reset INI Configuration Files: The game stores settings in .ini files that can become corrupted, especially after installing mods. Deleting them forces the launcher to generate fresh copies with default settings.
1. Navigate to your Fallout 4 configuration folder: Documents\My Games\Fallout4.
2. Delete or rename the following files: Fallout4.ini, Fallout4Prefs.ini, and Fallout4Custom.ini.
3. Launch the game through the Steam launcher to re-generate the default files.

5. Use the No-Launcher or Taskbar Bypass Method

If the initial launcher (the window with “Play,” “Options,” etc.) is causing the problem, you can bypass it.

Bypass Launcher on Steam: The most reliable way is to right-click Fallout 4 in your Steam Library, go to Properties, and in the Launch Options field, type the command:
- ```
-NoLauncher
```
- This forces the game to launch the main executable directly.
Taskbar Trick: An older, but sometimes effective trick is to click on the launch option and then quickly click the game icon on your taskbar at the bottom of the screen.

6. Run in Compatibility Mode

Older applications sometimes require a specific operating system environment to launch correctly.

In Steam, find Fallout 4 in your Library.
Right-click and go to Properties, then Installed Files, and click Browse…
Find the main executable file (Fallout4.exe), right-click it, and select Properties.
Go to the Compatibility tab.
Check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select an older version of Windows, like Windows 7.
Also, check the box for Run this program as an administrator and click Apply, then OK.

7. Perform a Clean Boot

If none of the above work, a background program is likely interfering. A clean boot starts Windows with only the essential services and drivers, helping you isolate the culprit.

Type msconfig in the Windows search bar and open System Configuration.
Go to the Services tab.
Check Hide all Microsoft services (This is crucial).
Click Disable all.
Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
In the Task Manager, disable all startup programs one by one.
Restart your PC.
Try launching Fallout 4. If it works, a background program was the issue. Re-enable programs one by one to find the conflict.

FAQs

Why does Fallout 4 crash on launch?

Most crashes are due to outdated graphics drivers, conflicting security software (antivirus/firewall), or an incompatible graphics setting like the Weapon Debris option.

Why can’t I open Fallout 4 on PC?

Ensure your system meets the minimum requirements, especially the 64-bit OS requirement. The game will not run on 32-bit systems.

Why does Fallout 4 run so poorly on my PC?

If the game launches but performs poorly, minimize the number of background apps, check the Weapon Debris setting, and try to reduce graphic levels.

Can game crashes damage a PC?

While occasional game crashes are unlikely to cause permanent hardware damage, persistent and repeatable crashes can indicate a deeper stability issue (like overheating or faulty hardware) that should be addressed.

Fallout 4 Won’t Launch | 7 Ways to Fix This Error (Updated for 2025)

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