How to Fix Most PC Game Errors and Improve Performance (10 Steps) 😺
Hello beautiful people! 👋 Yosh here. Games not starting, black screen, lag, or DLL errors? Here are 10 steps to fix the most common PC game issues and get better FPS. Nando hasn't knocked anything off the desk yet—good sign. 😺
1. Add Your Game to Antivirus Exclusions
Antivirus can block or quarantine game files and cause crashes or "game stopped working." In Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings → Add or remove exclusions → Add an exclusion → Folder, then select your game's install folder. Do this after installing the game so the real files are in place.
2. Allow the Game Through the Firewall
Open Windows Defender Firewall (search "firewall" in Windows). Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall → Change settings → Allow another app → Browse and select the game's .exe. Add it and enable both Private and Public. OK.
3. Run the Game as Administrator
Right‑click the game's .exe → Properties → Compatibility tab → check Run this program as an administrator → Apply. Or always right‑click the .exe → Run as administrator. This gives the game the permissions it may need.
4. Try Compatibility Mode
If the game still errors, in the same Compatibility tab check Run this program in compatibility mode for and choose Windows 8 or Windows 7. Apply and test. For missing DLL errors, search our blog for the specific DLL or check our Game Fixes.
5. Update Graphics Drivers (Device Manager)
Press Win + X → Device Manager. Expand Display adapters. Right‑click each adapter (integrated and dedicated) → Update driver → Search automatically for drivers. Install if updates are found.
6. Update Video Drivers (AMD or NVIDIA)
Install the latest drivers from your GPU maker so games run correctly and get the best performance.
- AMD: AMD Driver & Support – select your graphics product and download the recommended driver.
- NVIDIA: NVIDIA Driver Download – select your GeForce model and get the latest driver. Prefer the standard (non‑beta) version.
Use GeForce Experience (NVIDIA) or AMD Software to optimize game settings and keep drivers updated.
7. Install the Optimizer Pack (Visual C++ and Runtimes)
Many games need Visual C++ and other runtimes. Download the optimizer pack from the link below, run the installer as administrator, and follow the steps to install all components. This can fix "missing DLL" and compatibility errors.
Optimizer pack (runtimes): Download here.
8. Update DirectX
DirectX is required for most games. Download the DirectX installer from Microsoft and run it as administrator. Accept the terms and complete the setup. This installs or repairs the components Windows uses for games.
DirectX (Microsoft): Download here.
9. Set Game Priority to High (More FPS)
Open your game, then press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Go to the Details tab, find the game's .exe, right‑click it → Set priority → High. This tells Windows to give the game more CPU time. On laptops, avoid "Realtime" to prevent overheating.
10. Use Your Dedicated GPU (Not Integrated)
If you have both integrated and dedicated graphics, the game might be using the wrong one. Open NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Software → look for "Manage 3D settings" or "Graphics settings." Set High‑performance processor (or your dedicated GPU) for the game, or globally. Disable "auto" if it keeps picking the integrated GPU and you get low FPS.
Bonus: Keep Windows Updated
Windows Update often includes performance and compatibility fixes. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update and check for updates. For very low‑end PCs, Windows 10 or a clean install can help.
That's It 😺
So: exclusions and firewall, run as admin, compatibility, update drivers (Device Manager + AMD/NVIDIA), install the runtimes pack and DirectX, set game priority to High, and force the dedicated GPU. For more fixes, see our Game Fixes and PressCatToStart. Have an awesome day! MIAU. ✌
More PC game fixes: PressCatToStart – from Yosh 😼
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