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Fixing 'Game Crashes When Switching to Fullscreen Mode'

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How to Fix 'Game Crashes When Switching to Fullscreen Mode'

Introduction

For many gamers, the transition into the immersive world of fullscreen gaming is seamless. However, some of us face an annoying hiccup – the game crashes when trying to switch to fullscreen mode. This issue can turn a pleasant gaming experience sour quickly, but fear not! There are several fixes to get you back in the game without the fear of crashes. In this article, we’ll guide you through simple and effective steps to solve this problem.

Check Your Graphics Drivers

The first and most common fix involves checking your graphics drivers. Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause games to crash when switching modes. Imagine these drivers as bridges between your game and your computer's hardware. If the bridge is weak (outdated), the connection fails, causing crashes.

Solution: Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest drivers for your specific model. Installing these updates can strengthen the bridge and eliminate crashes.

Adjust Display Settings

Sometimes, the issue lies within your display settings being incompatible with the game’s requirements.

Solution: Right-click on your desktop and select "Display settings." Ensure the resolution there matches the in-game resolution before you try switching to fullscreen mode. If the resolutions mismatch, adjust them to be the same. This alignment can often fix crashes.

Alter Game Settings

Another solution involves tweaking the in-game settings directly. Some games offer the option to change the window mode without starting the game fully.

Solution: Look for a settings or configuration file in the game's installation folder. Open this file with a text editor like Notepad, and search for terms like "windowed" or "fullscreen." Adjust these settings manually, save the file, and then try launching the game again.

Disable Game Mode and Full-Screen Optimizations

Windows 10 and 11 have features like Game Mode and full-screen optimizations that, ironically, sometimes disrupt rather than improve gaming experiences.

Solution: To disable these, right-click the game’s executable file, select "Properties," navigate to the "Compatibility" tab, and check the boxes for "Disable fullscreen optimizations" and "Run this program as an administrator." Also, consider turning off Game Mode by going into the Windows settings.

Update or Reinstall the Game

It’s possible the game itself has bugs causing it to crash. Developers often release updates to fix such issues.

Solution: Make sure your game is updated to the latest version. If it already is, or if updating doesn't help, try reinstalling the game. Sometimes, a fresh install is all it takes to resolve underlying problems.

Check for Overheating

Overheating can cause your PC to behave unpredictably, including causing games to crash.

Solution: Monitor your computer’s temperature using software tools available online. If you notice high temperatures, ensure your cooling system is working correctly. Cleaning out dust from vents and fans, or investing in additional cooling, might be necessary.

Lower In-Game Graphics Settings

High graphics settings can overload your hardware, leading to crashes, especially when switching to a more demanding fullscreen mode.

Solution: Start the game in windowed mode and lower the graphics settings before attempting to switch to fullscreen. Reducing the load can sometimes prevent crashes.

Check for Interfering Software

Other software running on your computer can interfere with your games. This includes screen recording, overlay software, or even antivirus programs.

Solution: Try closing other programs before launching your game. Additionally, make sure your antivirus isn’t mistakenly flagging your game as malicious. You might need to add your game to the antivirus's exclusions list.

Conclusion

Crashing games can be a source of frustration, but there’s often a relatively simple fix out there. By systematically going through these troubleshooting steps, you can identify and solve the issue causing your game to crash when switching to fullscreen mode. Happy gaming, and may your adventures be uninterrupted and full-screened!

Remember, patience and a step-by-step approach are key. If after trying these solutions you’re still facing issues, it might be time to reach out to the game’s support team or consult with a professional. Don’t let technical troubles keep you from enjoying your favorite games to their fullest!