Borderlands 3 Crashing? Fixes That Actually Work

If Borderlands 3 is crashing on your PC, the fix is usually one of a few specific settings or driver issues, not a broken game file. This guide walks through the most common causes and the exact steps to stop the crashes, from verifying files to adjusting in-game options.

Why Borderlands 3 Crashes on PC

Borderlands 3 is a demanding game that pushes both CPU and GPU hard. Crashes can happen for many reasons, but the most frequent culprits are:

• Outdated or corrupted GPU drivers – especially if you recently updated Windows or the game.
• Overheating hardware – the game can trigger thermal shutdowns if your cooling isn’t sufficient.
• Conflicting background software – overlay apps like Discord, MSI Afterburner, or RGB software can interfere.
• Corrupted game files – a bad download or update can leave files that crash the game.
• In-game settings too high – certain options like “Volumetric Fog” are known to cause instability on some systems.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Before diving into deep troubleshooting, try these simple steps. They resolve a surprising number of crashes:

1. Restart your PC – clears temporary memory issues.
2. Update your GPU drivers – go to the NVIDIA or AMD website and download the latest driver for your card.
3. Disable overlays – turn off Discord overlay, GeForce Experience overlay, and any other in-game overlay.
4. Run the game as administrator – right-click the game shortcut and select “Run as administrator.”
5. Lower your graphics settings – set everything to “Medium” or “Low” and see if the crash stops.

Verify Game Files

Corrupted or missing game files are a common cause of crashes. Here’s how to check them on each launcher:

• Steam: Right-click Borderlands 3 in your library → Properties → Local Files → Verify Integrity of Game Files.
• Epic Games Store: Click the three dots next to the game → Verify.
• Xbox App / Game Pass: Go to Settings → Apps → Borderlands 3 → Advanced Options → Repair.

This process can take several minutes. After it finishes, launch the game again. If files were missing, the crash may be fixed.

Adjust In-Game Settings That Cause Crashes

Borderlands 3 has a few specific settings that are known to cause crashes on certain hardware. Try turning these down or off:

• Volumetric Fog – set to Low or Off.
• Screen Space Reflections – set to Medium.
• Texture Streaming – set to Ultra only if you have 8GB+ VRAM, otherwise use High.
• DX12 vs DX11 – the game runs better on DX11 for many players. Switch to DX11 in the video settings if you’re crashing on DX12.

You can also try Borderless Windowed mode instead of Fullscreen. Some players report fewer crashes in borderless mode.

Check for Overheating and Power Issues

If your PC crashes only when playing Borderlands 3, it might be overheating. Use a monitoring tool like MSI Afterburner or HWInfo to check your CPU and GPU temperatures while playing. If they exceed 90°C (194°F) for CPU or 85°C (185°F) for GPU, you may need to improve cooling.

Also, make sure your power supply is sufficient for your hardware. A failing or undersized PSU can cause random crashes under load. If you suspect this, test with a different PSU if possible, or consult a professional.

Disable Background Software and Services

Some background programs can conflict with Borderlands 3. Temporarily disable:

• Discord, NVIDIA GeForce Experience, AMD Radeon Software overlay
• MSI Afterburner, EVGA Precision, or other GPU overclocking tools
• RGB control software (e.g., iCUE, Synapse, Mystic Light)
• Any VPN or network optimization tools

You can also do a Clean Boot to see if a background service is the culprit. Type msconfig in the Start menu, go to Services, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” then click “Disable all.” Restart and try the game. If it works, re-enable services one by one to find the conflict.

When to Reinstall or Update Windows

If none of the above works, consider updating Windows. Outdated Windows versions can cause compatibility issues. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update and install all pending updates.

As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall Borderlands 3. Make sure to back up your save files first – they are usually in Documents/My Games/Borderlands 3. A fresh install can fix deep corruption that file verification misses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Borderlands 3 crash on startup?

Startup crashes are often due to outdated drivers or corrupted files. Update your GPU drivers, verify game files, and try running the game as administrator. Also, disable any overlay software that might inject into the game.

Does Borderlands 3 crash more on DX12 or DX11?

Many players report more crashes on DX12, especially on NVIDIA cards. Switching to DX11 in the game’s video settings often resolves stability issues. DX12 can offer better performance on some systems, but if it crashes, DX11 is the safer choice.

Will lowering graphics settings stop crashes?

Sometimes yes. Certain settings like Volumetric Fog and Screen Space Reflections are known to cause instability. Lowering them can reduce the load on your GPU and prevent crashes, especially if your hardware is near the minimum requirements.

Can overclocking cause Borderlands 3 to crash?

Yes, an unstable overclock can cause crashes in any demanding game. Try resetting your GPU or CPU to stock clocks and test. If the crashes stop, your overclock isn’t stable.

Why does Borderlands 3 crash only during cutscenes?

This is often related to video memory or shader compilation. Try lowering texture streaming quality and disabling any video recording software. Also, make sure your GPU drivers are up to date.

Is there a known fix for multiplayer crashes?

Multiplayer crashes can be caused by network issues or one player having a corrupted file. Ensure all players have the same game version and have verified files. Also, try hosting the game from the player with the most stable connection.

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