Summary: Learn why Fallout 4 crashes on startup and how to fix it with 10 proven solutions that restore stability and get you back in the game.

Nothing’s more frustrating than launching Fallout 4 only to have it crash before the game even starts. Whether you’re dealing with mod conflicts, missing files, or hardware compatibility issues, startup crashes are a common problem for PC players.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll explain why Fallout 4 crashes on startup, walk you through the 10 best solutions to fix it, and offer tips to prevent future issues.

Plus, discover how to enhance your post-fix gameplay experience with tools like Xmod for smoother performance and better customization.

Now, let’s get started.

Table of contents

1. Why Is Fallout 4 Crashing on Startup
2. How to Fix Fallout 4 Crashing PC: Best 10 Solutions
3. How to Enhance Fallout 4 Gaming with Xmod?
4. Conclusion

Why Is Fallout 4 Crashing on Startup?

Fallout 4 crashing on startup is a common issue that many players experience, often leading to frustration. Whether you’re returning to the game with a high-end setup or launching it for the first time, sudden crashes can disrupt your experience. Many users report similar problems on gaming forums and Reddit, where crashes occur without error messages or clear explanations.

To troubleshoot this issue, it’s essential to understand the possible causes and solutions.

Common Causes of Fallout 4 Crashing on Startup

1. System Requirements Not Met If your PC doesn’t meet Fallout 4’s minimum system requirements, the game may struggle to run properly, leading to crashes.
2. Outdated Graphics Drivers Running outdated GPU drivers can create compatibility issues with Fallout 4, resulting in crashes. Keeping your drivers up to date is essential for smooth gameplay.
3. Improper Video Resolution or Settings Selecting an incompatible video resolution or tweaking graphics settings beyond your system’s capabilities can cause Fallout 4 to crash immediately upon launch.
4. Corrupted Game Files Damaged or missing game files can lead to startup crashes. Verifying the integrity of your game files through Steam can help resolve this issue.
5. Mod Conflicts Mods can enhance the game, but incompatible or outdated mods often cause crashes. If you recently installed a mod, it might be responsible for the startup issue.
6. Interference from Antivirus Software Some antivirus programs mistakenly flag Fallout 4 files as threats, causing them to be blocked or deleted, leading to crashes. Temporarily disabling your antivirus while launching the game may help.
7. Issues with the Current Fallout 4 Version Sometimes, a bug in the latest update of Fallout 4 can cause startup crashes. Checking for patches or rolling back to a previous version might resolve the issue.

By identifying the root cause, you can take appropriate steps to fix Fallout 4 crashing on startup and get back to enjoying the game.

Now that we’ve explored the common causes of Fallout 4 crashing on startup, let’s look at some of the best solutions to fix the issue and get you back into the game smoothly. Here are 10 effective methods to troubleshoot and resolve Fallout 4’s startup crashes on PC.

How to Fix Fallout 4 Crashing PC: Best 10 Solutions

If Fallout 4 keeps crashing on startup, don’t worry. This guide covers the best solutions to fix the issue and get you back into the game. Before proceeding, make sure to back up your save data to avoid any potential loss.

1. Check System Requirements

First, ensure your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Fallout 4. Running the game on low-end hardware is a common cause of crashes.

• OS: Windows 7/8/10/11 (64-bit)
• Processor: Intel Core i5-2300 2.8 GHz / AMD Phenom II X4 945 3.0 GHz
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 550 Ti 2GB / AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB
• Storage: 30 GB available space

If your PC does not meet these requirements, consider upgrading your hardware or using a cloud gaming service.

2. Run Fallout 4 in Compatibility Mode

Since Fallout 4 was released in 2015, compatibility issues may arise on newer systems. Try running the game in compatibility mode:

1. Navigate to the Fallout 4 installation folder (default: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Fallout 4).
2. Right-click on Fallout4.exe and select Properties.
3. Under the Compatibility tab, check Run this program in compatibility mode and select Windows 8.
4. Check Run this program as an administrator.
5. Click Apply and OK.

3. Disable All Mods

Mods can sometimes cause conflicts, leading to crashes. To check if mods are the issue:

1. Disable all mods using your mod manager.
2. Launch Fallout 4 without mods.
3. If the game runs fine, re-enable mods one by one to identify the problematic one.

4. Disable Weapon Debris and Godrays

Certain graphical settings can cause instability, particularly on newer systems. To disable them:

1. Open Fallout 4 Launcher via Steam.
2. Click OPTIONS > Advanced.
3. Set Godrays Quality and Weapon Debris to Off.
4. Click OK and start the game.

If crashes persist, try switching to Borderless Windowed Mode in the same settings.

5. Verify Game Files on Steam

Corrupted game files can lead to crashes. Steam provides a built-in tool to check for missing or corrupted files:

1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
2. Right-click Fallout 4 and select Properties.
3. Under the Installed Files tab, click Verify integrity of game files.
4. Wait for Steam to scan and fix any issues, then relaunch the game.

6. Restore Fallout 4 .INI Files

Restoring the .INI configuration files can fix issues related to corrupted settings:

1. Navigate to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\My Games\Fallout4.
2. Locate and delete the following files:
   1. Fallout4.ini
   2. Fallout4Custom.ini
   3. Fallout4Prefs.ini
3. Restart Fallout 4—Steam will generate fresh configuration files.

7. Check If Your SSD Is Corrupted

If Fallout 4 crashes after moving to an SSD, check the drive for errors:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter.
3. Restart your PC and try launching Fallout 4 again.

Alternatively, move the game back to an HDD and check if the issue persists.

8. Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated drivers can cause startup crashes. Update your GPU drivers manually:

• Download the latest drivers from NVIDIA’s website.

• Get the latest version from AMD’s support page.

Alternatively, use Windows Update:

1. Open Settings (Win + I) > Windows Update.
2. Click Advanced Options > Optional Updates.
3. Install any available driver updates.

9. Change DNS Settings (If Game is Online-Related)

If Fallout 4 crashes due to connectivity issues, changing DNS may help:

1. Open Network & Internet Settings.
2. Select your active internet connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
3. Click Edit under DNS Server Assignment.
4. Select Manual and toggle IPv4 On.
5. Enter one of these DNS options:
   1. Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Primary), 8.8.4.4 (Secondary)
   2. Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 (Primary), 1.0.0.1 (Secondary)
6. Click Save and restart your PC.

10. Reinstall Fallout 4

If none of the solutions work, reinstalling the game may resolve any deeply rooted issues.

1. Open Steam and go to Library.
2. Right-click Fallout 4 > Manage > Uninstall.
3. After the game is removed, click Install to reinstall a fresh copy.

Following these steps should help resolve Fallout 4 crashing on startup. 

How to Enhance Fallout 4 Gaming with Xmod?

If you’re looking to take your Fallout 4 experience to the next level, Xmod offers a powerful way to enhance gameplay with cheats, trainers, and other customization options. Whether you’re aiming to unlock new abilities, modify game mechanics, or simply make the game more immersive, Xmod provides an easy and user-friendly way to upgrade your adventure in the Wasteland.

1.Download Xmod

Visit the official Xmod website or a trusted source to download the application.

Install it on your PC following the on-screen instructions.

2.Launch Xmod and Search for Fallout 4

Open the Xmod app and search for “Fallout 4” in the game library.

Select the game to access available mods and enhancement options.

3.Customize Your Gaming Experience

Browse through the list of mods, cheats, and trainers available within Xmod.

Enable the ones you want to use, such as god mode, infinite resources, or visual improvements.

4.Launch Fallout 4 from Xmod

Start the game directly from the Xmod interface to ensure all modifications load properly.

Conclusion

Fallout 4 is an incredible RPG with limitless customization options, but technical issues like crashes on startup can hinder the experience. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, players can resolve these crashes and enjoy seamless gameplay. Additionally, integrating Xmod can further enhance the game with cheats, mods, and performance tweaks, ensuring a truly personalized Wasteland adventure. Whether you’re fixing startup issues or customizing your playthrough, these solutions will help you get the most out of Fallout 4.