The main problem is usually bad or unstable RAM. Other causes include old graphics drivers, missing Visual C++ files, or broken save files. Below, I’ll walk you through the fixes that have worked for many other players—and hopefully, one of these will solve the problem on your end.
1. Delete App Data and Verify Game Files
Broken configuration files can stop the game from starting. Deleting the AppData folder resets your settings and cache. Checking the game files on Steam will fix missing or damaged files by downloading them again. This helps fix the game without reinstalling it.
After this, verify the game files by following these steps:
2. Turn off VSync and Lock FPS to 60
Big changes in frame rate can stress the game, especially in busy scenes. Turning off VSync and setting the frame rate to 60 helps your graphics card work steadily. This lowers the risk of crashes from too much strain or graphics driver problems.
3. Adjust Nvidia 3D Settings for Baldur’s Gate 3
Sometimes, the game lags or crashes because it’s not using the best graphics settings. By changing Baldur’s Gate 3 settings in the Nvidia Control Panel—like choosing the best graphics card, turning on Low Latency Mode, or setting up shader cache—you can make the game run more smoothly and prevent crashes.
Note: If BG3 isn’t listed, click Add, browse to the game folder, and select it.
4. Run the SFC Scan
Damaged system files can cause games to crash or not run properly, especially if important Windows parts are broken. Running an SFC scan checks for these damaged files and fixes them, which helps Baldur’s Gate 3 run smoothly without crashing.
5. Uncheck the Run as Administrator Option on BG3 Files
Running Baldur’s Gate 3 as an administrator can sometimes cause problems with other programs like Steam, Discord, or NVIDIA overlays. By turning off the “Run as administrator” option, the game uses normal permissions, which can help prevent crashes or issues with these background programs.
6. Change Baldur’s Gate 3 Launch Option
Using the wrong launch settings can make the game fail to start or crash. Changing launch options—like switching from Vulkan to DirectX 11—can help the game work better with your computer, especially if you have an older graphics card or issues with Vulkan.
If this doesn’t help, try this instead:
7. Disable Smart Access Memory (AMD) or Resizable Bar (Nvidia)
Smart Access Memory (AMD) and Resizable BAR (NVIDIA) can sometimes make games unstable if the game doesn’t fully support them. Turning these features off limits how much memory the CPU can use on the graphics card, which can help stop crashes caused by too much resource use or driver problems.
8. Disable XMP/EXPO
Turning on XMP (Intel) or EXPO (AMD) makes your RAM run faster, but this can cause problems in games like Baldur’s Gate 3 if the memory isn’t fully stable. Turning these settings off makes your RAM use its normal speed, which helps prevent crashes from memory errors. Note: XMP/EXPO option locations can vary. In “Easy Mode” BIOS, the location will differ depending on your motherboard brand. In “Advanced Mode” BIOS, it’s usually the same. You can press F1 in BIOS to see help options. XMP is for Intel platforms; EXPO is for AMD.
Note: These instructions are for ASUS motherboards. Other brands may use different names or locations for these settings.
