What to Do When a Game is Not Responding?
Are you frustrated when your favorite game suddenly stops responding? You’re not alone. Many gamers have experienced this issue, and it can be incredibly frustrating. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on what to do when a game is not responding.
What Causes a Game to Stop Responding?
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand what causes a game to stop responding. Some common reasons include:
- Corrupted game files: Corrupted files can cause the game to crash or stop responding.
- Outdated graphics drivers: Outdated graphics drivers can cause compatibility issues, leading to the game not responding.
- Overheating: High temperatures can cause the game to slow down or stop responding.
- Conflict with other programs: Running multiple programs simultaneously can cause conflicts, leading to the game not responding.
- System errors: System errors, such as Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), can cause the game to stop responding.
Step-by-Step Guide to Troubleshoot a Non-Responding Game
Don’t worry, we’ve got a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot the issue.
Step 1: Restart the Game
Restarting the game is often the simplest and most effective solution. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve the issue.
- Try restarting the game: Press the Windows key + E to open the File Explorer, navigate to the game’s installation directory, and restart the game by clicking on the executable file.
Step 2: Check for Corrupted Game Files
Corrupted game files can cause the game to stop responding. Here’s how to check and fix corrupted files:
- Use the game’s built-in file verification tool: Check if the game has a built-in file verification tool. This tool can scan the game files and repair any corrupted ones.
- Use a third-party file verification tool: If the game doesn’t have a built-in file verification tool, you can use a third-party tool like Steam’s File Checker or Microsoft’s System File Checker.
- Reinstall the game: If the corrupted files are severe, you may need to reinstall the game.
Step 3: Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated graphics drivers can cause compatibility issues, leading to the game not responding. Here’s how to update your graphics drivers:
- Check for updates: Go to the graphics card manufacturer’s website (e.g., NVIDIA or AMD) and check for updates.
- Update drivers: Download and install the latest drivers.
- Restart your computer: After updating the drivers, restart your computer and try running the game again.
Step 4: Check for System Errors
System errors, such as Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), can cause the game to stop responding. Here’s how to check and fix system errors:
- Check the event logs: Press the Windows key + R, type eventvwr, and press Enter. This will open the Event Viewer. Look for any error messages related to the game.
- Run a System File Checker (SFC) scan: Type sfc /scannow in the Command Prompt and press Enter. This will scan your system files and repair any corrupted ones.
- Run a DISM scan: Type dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth in the Command Prompt and press Enter. This will scan your system and fix any corrupted files.
Step 5: Close Other Programs
Running multiple programs simultaneously can cause conflicts, leading to the game not responding. Here’s how to close other programs:
- Close unnecessary programs: Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager. Go to the Processes tab and look for any unnecessary programs. Right-click on them and select End Task.
- Close resource-intensive programs: Go to the Performance tab and look for any resource-intensive programs. Right-click on them and select End Task.
Step 6: Restart Your Computer
Restarting your computer can sometimes resolve the issue. Here’s why:
- Clears temporary files: Restarting your computer clears temporary files and gives your system a fresh start.
- Resolves system errors: Restarting your computer can resolve system errors, such as BSOD.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when a game is not responding, it’s essential to follow a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot the issue. By restarting the game, checking for corrupted game files, updating graphics drivers, checking for system errors, closing other programs, and restarting your computer, you can resolve the issue and get back to gaming. Remember to always keep your system and graphics drivers up to date to prevent these issues from occurring in the first place.
Troubleshooting Checklist
Here’s a checklist to help you troubleshoot the issue:
| Step | Task |
|---|---|
| 1 | Restart the game |
| 2 | Check for corrupted game files |
| 3 | Update graphics drivers |
| 4 | Check for system errors |
| 5 | Close other programs |
| 6 | Restart your computer |
By following this checklist, you can quickly and easily troubleshoot the issue and get back to gaming. Happy gaming!