Reasons Why Games Crash After Windows 11 Update

Among the many changes in Windows 11 are a modern design, enhanced speed, and improved gaming tools. Sometimes, gamers experience problems too. Following the installation of Windows 11, many people have been experiencing game crashes. The issue can be as simple as a stutter or as severe as a crash on every display.

Here, we discuss why games crash after the Windows 11 update, provide reliable information, and offer ways to fix this issue. We can also help you fix game crashes and Windows 11 problems so that they do not persist.

Why do games often fail or crash after the Windows 11 update?

Sometimes, after updating to Windows 11, your games will crash for various reasons. Here are the most common problems people encounter:

1. Drivers for Graphics That Are No Longer Current

A lot of game crashes happen when the GPU drivers are out of date. Updating drivers on your PC is necessary if you want your system to work correctly with Windows 11.

Recent findings by NVIDIA indicate that 35% of the crash reports in Windows 11 are due to obsolete drivers.

2. The game conflicts with the latest updates in security.

While VBS and Memory Integrity in Windows 11 help with security, they may sometimes make your games slower and cause them to crash.

According to a PC Gamer benchmark, graphics from VBS can reduce FPS by up to one quarter in some DirectX 11 games.

3. The configuration or game files are not matched

Once Windows is updated, the settings for some games could be altered or may not work. The issue could be caused by files in the registry, as well as saved data and outdated cache files that were created under an earlier version.

4. Runaway processes and other unnecessary software

Once in a while, Windows 11 starts Xbox Game Bar, Widgets, or other services that use more of your RAM and CPU. If there aren’t many resources on your PC, expect games to crash or freeze.

5. Lack of Designed for iPhone Technology

A few games made before Windows 11 were not built to work on it. Compatibility layers like DirectPlay or similar programs may not work well in later Microsoft updates.

Real-World Data: How Widespread Is the Issue?

Windows 11 game crashes and updates are not isolated. 

Steam’s April 2025 hardware survey showed that while 48.7% of gamers use Windows 11, only 83.4% reported stable gameplay, down from 90.2% before the 2024 update (23H2).

Solving Issues with Crashes in Windows 11

Now we will discuss solutions that can help you fix crashes in your games on Windows 11.

1. Keep the GPU Drivers updated

Whenever possible, get the new drivers directly from the manufacturer of your GPU.

• NVIDIA Drivers
• AMD Drivers
• Intel Graphics

An official Microsoft blog affirms that upgrading graphics drivers resolved over four out of every ten issues that caused Insiders to crash.

2. Put VBS and Memory Integrity on Disabled

You can stop VBS by taking the battery out of the TV.

• Press Windows Key + S, enter Core Isolation, and open it.
• Shut off Memory Integrity in the BIOS.
• Power off your PC and then turn it back on.
• You can use the Group Policy tool to disable VBS.
• By pressing the Windows and R keys together, enter the line gpedit.msc.
• On the menus, go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Guard.
• Uncheck “Turn On Virtualization-Based Security”.

Note that disabling VBS may decrease your system’s level of safety. Use it when you believe the info is true and wish to increase the game’s performance.

3. Try asking the PC to play the Game in Compatibility Mode

In the case of old games:

• Right-click the icon for the game.
• Go to Properties and then select Compatibility.
• Open this program in compatibility mode and pick Windows 10.
• You should also look for the option Run this program as administrator.

4. Repair the problem with the games

Even a powerful computer may crash if its games have been corrupted. This is how you can handle them:

For Steam:

• At the Library, right-click on the game > select Properties > go to Local Files > click Verify integrity of game files.

Epic Games: 

• Visit the Library and then press the 3 dots, select Manage, and check the Verify option.

On Xbox App / Game Pass: 

• You have the option to play with players from other countries.
• Revisit the Repair or Reset screen found in the Apps & Features of Windows Settings.

5. Quit apps that are not being used

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to get to Task Manager and finish these running tasks.

• Widgets
• Xbox Game Bar is a feature of the Xbox One.
• Microsoft Teams
• Cortana

If there is an issue with the game, use MSI Afterburner (if needed).

Solving Problems with Windows 11 Not Working

If there’s a problem after using these steps, you can use these tools to diagnose other glitches.

1. Reliability Monitor

• Press the Windows key and search for Reliability Monitor.
• An X or warning for game crashes should be looked for among the device’s logs.
• Select the button to review the logs and which modules were damaged.

2. Event Viewer

• From the Start menu, click on the Start button > Select Event Viewer.
• Click on Windows Logs -> Application
• Check the place where the log files are stored and try to find one with the name of the game or its corresponding .exe.
• They can be used to locate DLL files and drivers that may be the source of the conflict.

3. Use Windows in Safe Mode

You can check for interference by third-party apps:

• By pressing Win + R, you can access the msconfig application.
• Tick “Hide all Microsoft services” then click on Disable all.
• Turn off all the items listed in Task Manager when you’re in Startup.
• Power down your PC and then start it again.
• After that, open your game and see how it runs.

Preventing Future Game Crashes on Windows 11

Here’s how to avoid crashing problems after future updates:

Conclusion

A lot of people are facing issues with Windows 11 game crashes. While troubles can occur in several areas, such as drivers, background services, and security, the solutions are close at hand. Try one or more of these solutions to get Windows 11 games running properly again.

With each update, Windows 11 is expected to run more games with greater performance. At the same time, making sure you are aware, updated, and careful with new updates is the best way to avoid crashes while playing.