Are you facing DirectX errors, GPU crashes, or messages like “DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_REMOVED” or “DirectX function failed” while launching or playing Escape the Backrooms?
You’re not alone — this issue is one of the most common among PC players. These errors often occur because of outdated GPU drivers, missing DirectX components, corrupted game files, or incompatible graphics settings.
This guide covers all proven fixes to resolve Escape the Backrooms DirectX / GPU issues on Windows 10 and 11.
⚙️ Common Causes
- Outdated or corrupted GPU drivers
- Missing or damaged DirectX or Visual C++ files
- Outdated Windows build
- Overclocked GPU or CPU
- Incompatible in-game graphics settings
- GPU overheating or insufficient power
- Missing shader cache or corrupted files
🧰 Fix 1: Update Your GPU Drivers
Outdated or unstable drivers are the most frequent reason for DirectX or GPU-related crashes.
Steps:
- Press Windows + X → Device Manager → Display adapters.
- Right-click your GPU → Update driver → Search automatically for drivers.
- Or download the latest version directly from your GPU manufacturer:
- NVIDIA: nvidia.com/Download
- AMD: amd.com/en/support
- Intel: intel.com/download-center
✅ Result: Ensures compatibility with the latest DirectX 12 features and game patches.
🧰 Fix 2: Install the Latest DirectX Runtime
If your DirectX installation is incomplete or outdated, Escape the Backrooms may crash at launch.
Steps:
- Go to the official Microsoft page:
👉 DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer - Download and run the installer.
- Follow on-screen prompts and restart your PC.
✅ Result: Restores missing DirectX components and prevents initialization errors.
🧰 Fix 3: Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables
Corrupted or missing Visual C++ libraries can cause GPU initialization failures.
Steps:
- Download the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables (2015–2022) from:
👉 Microsoft Official Download Page - Install both x86 and x64 versions.
- Restart your PC.
✅ Result: Ensures all game dependencies load correctly during launch.
🧰 Fix 4: Verify Game Files (Steam)
Corrupted or missing game files can cause DirectX errors or crashes during startup.
Steps:
- Open Steam Library.
- Right-click Escape the Backrooms → Properties → Installed Files.
- Click Verify integrity of game files.
- Steam will automatically scan and repair missing or damaged files.
✅ Result: Fixes any corrupted game data related to rendering or DirectX initialization.
🧰 Fix 5: Disable GPU Overclocking (If Enabled)
Overclocked GPUs may cause unstable DirectX behavior or random GPU driver timeouts.
Steps:
- If you’re using MSI Afterburner or similar software, reset all GPU settings to default.
- Restart your PC.
- Test the game again.
✅ Result: Prevents GPU driver crashes and improves overall system stability.
🧰 Fix 6: Change DirectX Version (Force DirectX 11)
Some systems struggle with DirectX 12 mode, leading to rendering or GPU errors.
Steps:
- Open Steam Library → Right-click Escape the Backrooms → Properties.
- In Launch Options, type:
-dx11 - Close and relaunch the game.
✅ Result: Forces the game to run on DirectX 11, which is often more stable on older or mid-range GPUs.
🧰 Fix 7: Update Windows
Running an outdated version of Windows may cause DirectX or GPU compatibility issues.
Steps:
- Press Windows + I → Windows Update → Check for updates.
- Install all available updates and restart your PC.
✅ Result: Keeps your DirectX and driver subsystems up-to-date and fully compatible.
🧰 Fix 8: Reset Shader Cache & Temporary Files
Corrupted shader cache files can cause DirectX errors during rendering.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R, type:
%localappdata% - Locate the EscapeTheBackrooms folder → Delete the Saved folder.
- Also clear GPU shader cache:
- NVIDIA:
Control Panel → Manage 3D Settings → Shader Cache → Off, then back On. - AMD:
Radeon Settings → Settings → Graphics → Reset Shader Cache.
- NVIDIA:
✅ Result: Removes corrupted cache files that cause GPU or rendering issues.
🧰 Fix 9: Increase Virtual Memory (Pagefile)
Low virtual memory can cause DirectX to crash during high GPU load.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R, type
sysdm.cpl→ Enter. - Go to Advanced → Performance → Settings → Advanced → Virtual Memory.
- Uncheck Automatically manage, then set:
- Initial size: 4096 MB
- Maximum size: 8192 MB
- Click Set → OK → Restart.
✅ Result: Prevents memory-related DirectX and GPU crashes.
🧰 Fix 10: Reinstall GPU Drivers Using DDU (Clean Installation)
If standard driver updates don’t fix the issue, perform a clean reinstall.
Steps:
- Download Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) from the official site.
- Boot into Safe Mode and run DDU.
- Select your GPU brand → Click Clean and restart.
- Once restarted, reinstall the latest GPU drivers manually.
✅ Result: Removes all corrupted or conflicting GPU driver files completely.
💡 Additional Tips
- Avoid running background GPU-intensive apps (Chrome, OBS, Discord overlays).
- Check GPU temperature — keep it below 85°C.
- Use a high-quality power supply with sufficient wattage.
- Disable third-party monitoring tools like RivaTuner or Fraps.
❓ FAQs
Q1: Why does Escape the Backrooms crash with “DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_REMOVED”?
A: This usually means the GPU driver stopped responding — update or reinstall drivers to fix it.
Q2: Can forcing DirectX 11 fix GPU crashes?
A: Yes, many users report better stability using -dx11 launch option.
Q3: Should I reinstall the game?
A: Only if verifying files didn’t help — full reinstall can clear hidden corrupted assets.
Q4: Is this issue related to Unreal Engine?
A: Yes, the game runs on Unreal Engine, which is sensitive to GPU and DirectX mismatches.
🎯 Conclusion
If Escape the Backrooms throws DirectX or GPU errors, it’s usually due to outdated drivers, corrupted DirectX files, or unstable graphics configurations.
By following these steps — especially updating GPU drivers, reinstalling DirectX & Visual C++ libraries, and forcing DirectX 11 — you can fix crashes, GPU timeouts, and rendering issues easily.
Once fixed, you can enjoy a smooth, stable, and immersive horror experience without worrying about sudden GPU or DirectX crashes.
