Diving into the futuristic, dystopian world of Cyberpunk 2077 can be an exhilarating experience, but unexpected crashes and startup issues can quickly dampen the excitement. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore a variety of solutions to tackle random crashing and crashes on startup, ensuring a seamless gaming experience for avid Cyberpunk 2077 players. From updating drivers and tweaking settings, to investigating hardware compatibility and system requirements, we'll cover an array of methods to help you resolve these issues and immerse yourself in the captivating universe of Night City. So, whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to Cyberpunk 2077, let's embark on a journey to enhance stability and eliminate those pesky crashes once and for all.

Verify the Integrity of Cyberpunk 2077 Files

Ensuring the integrity of your Cyberpunk 2077 game files is a crucial step in resolving any potential issues that might be causing crashes. To verify the integrity of these files, begin by opening up your gaming platform of choice, be it Steam or Epic Games. Locate Cyberpunk 2077 in your library, then right-click on the game's title and select "Properties" from the context menu. Within the "Properties" window, find and navigate to the "Local Files" tab. Here, you'll see an option to "Verify Integrity of game files." By clicking on this option, the platform will thoroughly scan your game files, detecting and automatically repairing any discrepancies or corrupted files that could be causing crashes. This process might take some time, but it's a valuable step in ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted gaming experience.

Steam Verify Integrity.jpg — Steam Library > Cyberpunk 2077 > Properties

Allow Cyberpunk 2077 Through the Defender Firewall

Ensure your firewall is not blocking parts of the software. Search for Firewall in your taskbar search to open up your Firewall & Network Protection system settings window. Select Allow an app through firewall.

default+defive+2.png — Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app through Firewall

Select to Change settings, and then allow another app.

Select Browse, and your file explorer will open up. Navigate to the drive on which you saved the game on, select Cyberpunk2077 and open.

Minimizing overlays and terminating background tasks

To ensure optimal performance while playing Cyberpunk 2077, it's crucial to eliminate any distractions or potential performance hogs. Start by opening up your Task Manager and navigating to the Processes tab. From there, identify and end all processes that might display an in-game overlay, including popular applications like Discord, Steam, or your web browser. Additionally, it's essential to close any programs that could consume a significant amount of your system's RAM and VRAM, such as NVIDIA Shadowplay or video editing software.

Updating Graphics Drivers

Keeping your graphics drivers up to date is vital for maintaining the best possible gaming experience. Depending on the brand of your GPU, you'll want to open either the GeForce Experience application for NVIDIA users or the AMD driver suite for AMD users. Once inside the relevant application, follow the on-screen instructions to check for, download, and install the latest graphics driver. This simple step can make a significant difference in your game's performance and overall stability.

Keep Windows Up-to-Date

One often overlooked aspect of optimizing your gaming experience is ensuring that your operating system is up-to-date. To check for any available Windows updates, click the taskbar search icon and type "Update." Open the "Check for updates" settings window and scan for any new updates. If there's a new update available, proceed with the installation process. Once completed, make sure to restart your PC, allowing the changes to take effect. Keeping your Windows operating system updated can significantly enhance your computer's performance and stability, directly impacting your gaming experience in titles like Cyberpunk 2077.

Windows Update.jpg — Windows Settings > Windows Update

Disable Fullscreen Optimizations for Cyberpunk 2077

As the final step, navigate to your Cyberpunk 2077 folder, right-click the application and select Properties. Check the Disable fullscreen optimizations box and hit apply.