If you're having issues with Baldur's Gate 3 not launching on your Windows PC. This article will guide you through several different troubleshooting solutions that will get Baldur’s Gate 3 to launch on your device. Keep in mind, your device will at least need to meet minimum hardware requirements. No amount of troubleshooting will solve hardware limitations.

Related: How to fix Baldurs Gate 3 crashing on Windows 11.

Baldur's Gate 3 is undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated game launches, but technical glitches are hindering the experience for some users. While the issues are usually due to hardware not meeting the minimum requirements there are some other issues that may need to be addressed as well. So work your way through each of the six sections and you should be able to address the issue and ensure that Baldur's Gate 3 launches without any problems on your Windows 11 computer.

1. Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU)

When dealing with graphical issues, don't resort to a standard driver uninstall and reinstall process. Instead, utilize Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU), a reliable tool for resolving graphical problems with both NVIDIA and AMD products.

  • Download DDU: Obtain the Display Driver Uninstaller software from a reputable source.
  • Prepare Drivers: Before using DDU, ensure you've downloaded the latest graphics drivers from your computer or graphics card manufacturer's website. NVIDIA users can find the drivers in their catalogue here. For AMD users, the catalogue is accessible here.
  • Disconnect Internet: Disable your internet connection.
  • Run DDU: Execute DDU and remember to select the option to remove GeForce Experience (GFE) if prompted. This step is crucial.

Baldur's Gate 3 Won't Launch: Troubleshooting Solutions

  • Restart: After completing the process, restart your system.
  • Install Drivers: Install the driver software and reestablish your internet connection. This prevents Windows from installing generic drivers automatically.
  • Reinstall GeForce Experience: Reinstall GeForce Experience and proceed to update your graphics drivers as needed. Repeat the process if the crashing issue persists.

2. Disable or Adjust Overclock Settings

If your system is overclocked, this might be causing the issue. Follow these steps to address potential overclock-related crashes:

  • Disable Overclock: Turn off any GPU, CPU, or RAM overclocking.
  • Test Game Launch: Launch Baldur's Gate 3 and see if the issue persists.
  • Reevaluate Overclocking: If disabling overclocking resolves the problem, reconsider your overclock settings. Gradually reintroduce overclocking, starting with GPU, then CPU, and finally RAM. Monitor for stability and crashes at each stage.

3. Adjust In-Game Graphics Settings

Sometimes, graphics settings can impact game stability. Follow these steps to optimize in-game graphics settings:

  • Lower Graphics Settings: Start the game with the lowest graphics settings possible, maintaining your desired resolution.
  • Incrementally Adjust Settings: Gradually increase graphical settings while launching the game each time. Find the optimal balance between graphics quality and stability.

4. Incompatible Mods

Mods can enhance gameplay, but they can also be a source of conflicts leading to crashes. Follow these steps to address mod-related launch issues:

  • Disable Mods: If you're using mods, disable them temporarily.
  • Launch the Game: Try launching Baldur's Gate 3 without any mods enabled.
  • Enable Mods One by One: If the game launches successfully without mods, enable your mods one by one. Launch the game after enabling each mod to identify the one causing conflicts.
  • Check for Mod Updates: Ensure your mods are up to date and compatible with the game's current version.

5. Verify Baldur's Gate 3 Game Files

Ensure the game files are intact by using Steam's Verify Game Files tool. This process scans for missing, extra, or corrupted content causing launch issues.

  • Open Steam: Launch the Steam client.
  • Navigate to Library: Switch to the Library tab.
  • Right-Click Game: Locate Baldur's Gate 3, right-click it, and select Properties.
  • Choose Local Files: Go to the Local Files tab and click "Verify integrity of game files".
  • Wait for Completion: Allow some time for the verification process to finish, especially for larger games.
  • Updated and Optimized: Once verified, you should be able to update and play the game without encountering issues.

Baldur's Gate 3 Won't Launch: Troubleshooting Solution

6. Wait for Updates and Optimizations

It's not uncommon for games to launch with technical issues. If all else fails, consider waiting for official updates and patches to address the problems:

  • Exercise Patience: Recognize that many games release with initial bugs and issues.
  • Wait for Patches: Monitor for game updates and patches that address the crashing issue.
  • Consider Delaying Play: If the issues persist, wait a few months for the game to be stabilized before playing. This can save you from potential frustrations and provide a smoother experience.