1. Steam is not running
The game will crash if steam is not running. Make sure steam is running before trying to start the game, or you will be greeted with a crash error.
2. Audit for Citrix Software
Software like Citrix Workspace or Receiver can sometimes conflict with game drivers.
- Check Installations: Navigate to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps and search for "Citrix."
- Action: If any Citrix-related programs are found, uninstall them. If the software is required for your professional work, try installing the version available on the Microsoft Store, as it is generally more compatible with modern drivers.
3. Clean Graphics Driver Reinstallation
A standard update might not clear corrupted driver files. A "Clean Install" is recommended.
- Preparation: Download the latest stable (non-beta) drivers from your GPU manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
- Removal Tool: Download the Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) from Guru3D.
- Process:
- Restart your computer in Safe Mode.
- Execute DDU, select your GPU type, and choose the option to "Clean and restart."
- Once the system reboots into normal Windows, run the driver installer you downloaded earlier. If prompted, select "Custom/Advanced" and check the box for a "Perform a clean installation."
4. Revert Hardware Overclocks
Unstable RAM or CPU speeds are a common cause of "Access Violation" errors.
- BIOS Adjustments: Enter your BIOS/UEFI menu during startup (typically via Del, F2, or F12).
- Memory Profiles: Disable XMP (Intel) or DOCP/EXPO (AMD). Set your RAM to its baseline JEDEC speed (e.g., 2133MHz or 2400MHz).
- Software Overclocks: Disable any performance boosts applied through apps like MSI Afterburner or manufacturer-specific tuning utilities.
5. Repair System Integrity (SFC & DISM)
Corrupted Windows system files can interfere with game engine operations.
- Launch the Command Prompt or Terminal as an Administrator.
Run the following command first to repair the system image:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /RestorehealthOnce finished, run the System File Checker:
sfc /scannow- Restart your PC after the verification is complete.
6. Adjust Virtual Memory & Steam Settings (Access Violation error)
If you are using Steam, first try restarting the Steam client and using the "Verify integrity of game files" option in the game's properties. If the issue persists, adjust your Paging File:
- Access Settings: Search for "View advanced system settings" in Windows.
- Performance: Under the Advanced tab, click Settings under the Performance section.
- Virtual Memory: In the new window, go to the Advanced tab and click Change.
- Configuration: * Ensure "Automatically manage paging file size for all drives" is enabled.
- If it was already enabled, try toggling it off and setting a Custom size (Initial: 1.5x your total RAM; Maximum: 3x your total RAM), clicking Set, and restarting. You can revert to "Automatic" later if this doesn't solve the issue.