To troubleshoot Garry's Mod crashing on startup, start by verifying game files through Steam, updating graphics drivers, disabling mods, running the game in compatibility mode, and checking system requirements. If the issue persists, consider reinstalling the game or seeking help from the game's support forums or community for additional solutions.
Check System Requirements
The first step in fixing Garry's Mod crashing on startup is to ensure that your computer meets the game's system requirements. Check the minimum and recommended system requirements provided by the game's developers. Make sure your computer has the necessary hardware specifications, such as CPU, RAM, GPU, and available storage space, to run the game smoothly. If your system falls short of the requirements, you may experience crashes and performance issues.
Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can often cause Garry's Mod to crash on startup. To address this, you should update your graphics drivers to the latest versions available. Visit the website of your GPU manufacturer – NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel – and download the appropriate drivers for your graphics card model. Install the updated drivers and restart your computer before launching the game again.
Verify Game Files
Corrupted or missing game files can also lead to Garry's Mod crashing on startup. Steam, the platform on which Garry's Mod is available, provides a feature to verify the integrity of game files. To do this, open your Steam library, right-click on Garry's Mod, select 'Properties,' go to the 'Local Files' tab, and click 'Verify Integrity of Game Files.' Steam will scan your game files and repair any issues it detects.
Disable Conflicting Programs
Certain background programs or applications running on your computer could be conflicting with Garry's Mod and causing it to crash on startup. To troubleshoot this, try disabling any unnecessary programs, especially those that may have overlays or game-enhancement features. Common culprits include antivirus software, recording tools, and performance monitoring utilities. Temporarily turn off or uninstall these programs before running Garry's Mod to see if the crashing issue persists.
Adjust Launch Options
Garry's Mod allows users to customize launch options through Steam. These launch options can sometimes resolve crashing problems by adjusting various settings. Right-click on Garry's Mod in your Steam library, select 'Properties,' and click on 'Set Launch Options.' You can add commands such as -autoconfig, -windowed, or -dxlevel
Clean Boot Your System
Performing a clean boot on your system can help identify if any third-party software is causing Garry's Mod to crash on startup. A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, ruling out any software conflicts. To do this, type 'msconfig' in the Windows search bar, go to the 'Services' tab, check 'Hide all Microsoft services,' click 'Disable all,' and go to the 'Startup' tab to disable startup items. Restart your computer and launch Garry's Mod to check if the crashing issue is resolved.
Check for Overheating
Overheating can also lead to Garry's Mod crashing on startup, especially if your computer's components are not properly cooled. Check the temperature of your CPU and GPU while running the game using monitoring software like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner. Ensure that your system's cooling system, including fans and heatsinks, are functioning correctly and not clogged with dust. Improving the cooling of your system can prevent overheating-related crashes.
Run as Administrator
Running Garry's Mod as an administrator can sometimes resolve crashing issues related to insufficient permissions or user account control restrictions. Right-click on the game's shortcut or executable file, select 'Run as administrator,' and confirm any user account control prompts. Launching the game with elevated privileges may help bypass certain restrictions that could be causing the crashes.
Reinstall Garry's Mod
If all else fails and Garry's Mod continues to crash on startup, you may need to consider reinstalling the game. Uninstall Garry's Mod from your Steam library, delete any remaining game files from your computer, and then reinstall the game from Steam. This process can refresh all game files and dependencies, potentially resolving any underlying issues that were causing the crashes.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can diagnose and fix the issue of Garry's Mod crashing on startup. Remember to test the game after each adjustment to determine if the problem has been resolved. If the crashing persists, you may want to reach out to the game's support team or seek further assistance from the gaming community for additional troubleshooting tips.