The Elder Scrolls Online is an action-adventure exploration-style MMORPG game. It has been one of the most well-liked games ever since 2014. Create a world, engage in battles, craft creatively and explore this multi-award-winning online RPG. Despite the excellent work done by ZeniMax Online Studios and Bethesda Softworks, some PC players are still experiencing the Elder scrolls online crashing issues on PC.
This crashing issue on PC appears frequently and for no apparent reason. So, if you’re one of those unfortunate ones and experiencing this issue, follow the instructions in this troubleshooting guide to resolve it.
Why is The Elder Scrolls Online Crashing on PC?
We have mentioned some probable reasons that may contribute to the Elder scrolls online crashing issues on PC when opening/playing the game. The reason varies for every player, depending on several factors including the system requirements. However, this guide focuses on addressing most of the crashing issues on the game. Compatibility issues with PC specifications typically cause startup crashes.
System Requirements
● Minimum Requirements
| OS | Windows 7 64-bit |
| Processor | AMD 3620 or Intel Core i3 |
| Memory | 3 GB RAM |
| GPU | NVidia GeForce 460 or AMD Radeon 6850 |
| Free Disk Space | 85 GB |
| Network | Broadband Internet connection |
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Recommended Requirements
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 2300 or AMD FX4350 |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM |
| GPU | AMD Radeon 7850 or NVIDIA GTX 750 |
| Free Disk Space | 85 GB |
| Network | Broadband Internet connection |
Solutions for The Elder Scrolls Online Crashes on PC:
Sometimes, a simple workaround can resolve the crashing issue, even though it does not work for others. Therefore, don’t miss a single step. Follow every solution thoroughly to fix the issue.
1. Update the Game
Check for updates if your game hasn’t received an update for a while. The game developers occasionally identify a bug or errors that are the root causes of crashes and release updates to fix the issue. So follow the steps below and install the most recent update if available. Here are the steps for that:
- Open the Steam client and go to “Library”
- Locate and click on “The Elder Scrolls Online” from the left column
- It will automatically find and download the latest update
The update installation may take some time. Once completed, close the Steam client and restart your PC. Then, launch The Elder Scrolls Online and check if the issue has been fixed.
2. Verify Integrity of The Elder Scrolls Online Files
If there is an issue with the game files and they become corrupted or missing somehow, use this method to look for the problematic file quickly. It can fix the Elder scrolls online crashing PC issue:-
- First, launch Steam and navigate to “Library”
- Next, right-click on The Elder Scrolls Online from the list of games and select “Properties”
- Navigate to the “Local Files”
- Finally, choose “Verify Integrity of Game Files”
- Wait until the process is finished. Restart your computer when finished.
Launch the game and check if the crashing issue has been fixed.
3. Run The Elder Scrolls Online as an Administrator
Run the game’s exe file as an administrator to avoid issues with user account control and privileges. Additionally, you should also launch the Steam client on your PC as an administrator. Follow these directions to do this:-
- First, right-click on The Elder Scrolls Online exe shortcut file on your PC
- Now, select “Properties”
- Then, navigate to the “Compatibility” tab
- Check the box next to “Run this program as an administrator”
- Select “Apply” and then “OK”
4. Windows Update
PC users should always update Windows to the latest version available to reduce system glitches, compatibility issues and crashes. The most recent version includes new features, upgrades, security patches and more. Here are the steps for that:-
- First, click on Windows + I to open Windows Settings
- Next, go to “Update & Security” → Windows Update → Check for updates
- If a Windows update is available, Download it. Then install
- The update may take some time to complete. Once done, restart your PC and allow the update to install.
5. Graphics Drivers
You should always update your graphics drivers to ensure smooth operation of all the programs on your Windows system. For this:-
- First, right-click on the Start Menu and choose “Device Manager” from the list
- Then, double-click on “Display Adapters” to enlarge the list
- Next, right-click on your dedicated graphics card and choose “Update driver”
- Then, select “Automatically search for drivers”
- If an update is available, it will automatically download and install the most recent version
- After it’s done, restart your computer and check if that helps
Another option is to manually download and install the most recent graphics driver from the official website of the GPU company. Users of Nvidia graphics cards can update the GeForce Experience application through the Nvidia website. Users of AMD graphics cards can do the same by going to the AMD website.
6. Run the Game in DirectX 11
Try installing the most recent version of DirectX from the official Microsoft website on your PC to fix The Elder scrolls online crashing issue. Download and run the DirectX installer package. Remember that the Elder Scrolls Online game requires DirectX 11.
It is recommended to force-run the game in DirectX 11 mode using the command option. Try forcing The Elder Scrolls Online to run if your PC still uses an older DirectX version. Follow the steps for that:-
- Open the Steam client and navigate to “Library”
- Find The Elder Scrolls Online and right-click on it
- Select “Properties”
- Go to the left pane menu and choose “General”
- In the Launch Options section, enter -dx11.
- After that, launch the game. If prompted, select the Radio button next to The Elder Scrolls Online’s Play option.
7. Set High Performance in Power Options
If your Windows system currently runs in the Balanced mode in Power Options, switch to the High-Performance mode for better results. However, this method needs more power usage. Here is how to do it:
- First, click on the Start menu and type Control Panel
- Then, select the Control Panel from the search results
- Select “Power Options” and choose “Show additional details”
- After that, check on High Performance
This should resolve The Elder scrolls online crashing on PC issue. If not, follow the next procedures.
8. High Priority in Task Manager
Use Task Manager to allow Windows to give your game a higher priority so it can run properly. Follow the instructions:-
- First, Right-click on the Start Menu and choose “Task Manager”
- Navigate to the “Details” tab
- Right-click on the game “The Elder Scrolls Online”
- Choose “Set Priority” and select “High”
- Close the Task Manager window
- Finally, run the game and check if it crashes now on your PC
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Official Support
This crashing issue keeps happening if it’s not resolved, thankfully, Bethesda maintains The Elder Scroll Online Support page. There, you can learn more about the various bugs or frequent crashes and the fixes provided by the official team. Additionally, you can also follow the Bethesda Support Twitter account. It keeps you updated on any unplanned outages affecting all of the studio’s games.
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Disable Overlay Apps
Some well-known apps have their overlay, which runs in the background and hinders the launch or performance of games. To resolve this issue, turn them off by following the steps below:-
- Discord Overlay:-
- Open the Discord app
- At the bottom, select the gear icon
- Head to “Settings” and select “Overlay”
- Navigate to the Games section
- Choose The Elder Scrolls Online as your game
- Finally, disable the Enable in-game overlay toggle
- Xbox Game Bar:-
- Click on Windows + I and open the Windows Settings
- Select Gaming and choose the Game Bar
- Disable Record, screenshots and broadcast using the Game bar option
If the Game Bar option is not visible to you, try looking for it in the Windows Settings menu.
Closing Thoughts
The Elder scrolls online crashing on PC is a major issue. We have discussed some of the workable solutions for this issue in this guide. We also advise you to uninstall and reinstall the game if none of the fixes work. Your issue should be resolved by this point. All the best!
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.
