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To troubleshoot Cyberpunk 2077 crashes on PC, first record when the game fails, then check system requirements and Windows, verify the game files, update or roll back the graphics driver as appropriate, and test with overlays, background utilities, overclocks, and mods removed. For a crash before the game opens, also try launching the store app as administrator and reinstalling both Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages (x86 and x64). These are diagnostic steps, not guaranteed fixes; the cause depends on your PC and the crash.
Before changing anything, identify when the crash happens
Write down whether Cyberpunk 2077 closes before the main menu, while loading a save, or after you have started playing. Copy any error message exactly. Also note your launcher (Steam, GOG, or Epic Games Store), game version, whether Phantom Liberty is installed, and whether you use mods, trainers, or console commands. Change one variable at a time where practical so you can tell which test affected the result.
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CD PROJEKT RED’s crash guidance and launch troubleshooting are the basis for the steps below. Check the current support page for the latest game version rather than relying on an old version number.
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Confirm system requirements and Windows version
Compare your PC with the current Cyberpunk 2077 system requirements. A crash alone does not establish that a component is defective or that you need to replace hardware. If you use Windows 10 earlier than version 1909, CD PROJEKT RED says to update Windows.
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Verify the game files in your launcher
Use the launcher’s built-in file verification or repair option to check for missing or damaged installation files. In GOG GALAXY, open the game’s menu and select Manage installation > Verify/Repair. For Steam or Epic Games Store, use that platform’s game-file verification feature; the exact labels can vary with launcher updates.
If the game crashes before it launches
Run the launcher as administrator
Close the launcher, then reopen Steam, GOG GALAXY, or Epic Games Store with administrator privileges and try starting the game again. This is a troubleshooting test, not a setting you need to apply permanently.
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Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables
CD PROJEKT RED recommends reinstalling the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages for both x86 and x64 when troubleshooting launch failures. Use the official Microsoft installers, run each installer as administrator, and restart the PC before testing the game again.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsTest the game executable directly
If the launcher’s play button fails, try opening Cyberpunk2077.exe from the game’s binx64 folder. Record whether it opens or produces a different error. Include that result if you contact support; it can help distinguish a launcher-specific problem from a game startup failure.
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Refresh graphics drivers and isolate software conflicts
Update the graphics driver—or roll back if the timing points to it
Install the current graphics driver using the official instructions for your GPU manufacturer. CD PROJEKT RED recommends a clean driver installation. If the crashes began immediately after a driver update, try the previous driver version instead and report the issue. Driver releases change frequently, so use the manufacturer’s current download and guidance rather than an older version number.
Temporarily close overlays and background utilities
Disable overlay features or close overlay-enabled applications while testing. CD PROJEKT RED names Discord, Ubisoft Connect, and GOG GALAXY as examples. Also close unnecessary background applications, especially hardware-monitoring utilities, which can conflict with a game.
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- A Nintendo Switch Online membership may be required for online play. Please check the game detail page on Nintendo.com for membership requirements.
- 2025 CD PROJEKT S.A. All rights reserved. CD PROJEKT, the CD PROJEKT logo, the REDengine logo, Cyberpunk, Cyberpunk 2077, the Cyberpunk 2077 logo, Johnny Silverhand, the SAMURAI logo, Phantom Liberty and the Phantom Liberty logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of CD PROJEKT S.A. in the US and/or other countries. All other copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
If you temporarily disable antivirus or other anti-malware protection as part of diagnosis, restore it as soon as the test is finished. Do not leave security protection off as a crash workaround.
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Return CPU and GPU settings to stock
If you have overclocked or underclocked the processor or graphics card, restore its default settings and test again. CD PROJEKT RED warns that altered clock settings can cause crashes and may damage hardware. Do not increase clocks as a proposed fix.
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For a modded game, test without mods first
Disable all mods and try to launch the game in an unmodded state. If it starts successfully, re-enable mods in batches, testing between batches, to narrow down an incompatible mod or combination. Check that each mod supports the game version installed on your PC: a game update can make previously working mods incompatible. CD PROJEKT RED’s modding documentation recommends this isolation approach for startup crashes.
Send CD PROJEKT RED the crash details
If the steps above do not resolve the problem, collect the files and details that make the failure easier to investigate. CD PROJEKT RED’s support instructions request a crash stacktrace and DxDiag report.
- In File Explorer, enter
%localappdata%REDEngineReportQueuein the address bar. - Open the newest dated folder and attach
stacktrace.txtto your support request. - Run
DxDiag, select Save All Information, and attach the resulting report. - Include your launcher, game version, whether Phantom Liberty applies, mod status, the exact crash stage and error, and whether starting
Cyberpunk2077.exedirectly works.
CD PROJEKT RED asks players using older game versions to update before reporting. Follow the current support page’s version guidance when submitting your request.
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