Are you dealing with EA SPORTS FC 26 crashing on your PC? Many players have reported that the game crashes randomly—sometimes at startup, during loading, or even mid-match. Nothing is more frustrating than preparing for a big game only to be kicked back to the desktop without warning.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most common reasons why EA SPORTS FC 26 crashes and provide step-by-step fixes to stabilize the game and keep you playing without interruptions.
Why EA SPORTS FC 26 Keeps Crashing
Crashes in FC 26 can be caused by multiple factors. Here are the most common reasons:
- Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers
- Damaged or missing game files
- Overlays or background apps interfering with the game
- Overheating issues on CPU or GPU
- DirectX 12 errors or missing Visual C++ runtimes
- Problems with the EA App or Steam launcher
- Low system resources (RAM or storage issues)
- Running the game on unsupported settings or hardware
How to Fix EA SPORTS FC 26 Crashing
Follow these fixes step by step until the crashes stop.
Method 1: Update Graphics Drivers
Crashing is often linked to outdated or unstable GPU drivers.
- Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
- Expand Display adapters.
- Right-click your GPU → Update driver.
- Or download the latest drivers from:
- NVIDIA: nvidia.com/drivers
- AMD: amd.com/drivers
- Intel: intel.com/download
Method 2: Verify Game Files
Corrupted files can cause mid-game crashes.
- On EA App: Go to My Collection → FC 26 → Manage → Repair.
- On Steam: Right-click the game → Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity.
Method 3: Disable Overlays and Background Apps
Overlays often conflict with games.
- Disable Discord Overlay, Xbox Game Bar, and GeForce Experience overlay.
- Close unnecessary apps in Task Manager.
- Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall if they’re blocking the game.
Method 4: Lower In-Game Graphics Settings
If your PC struggles to handle FC 26, crashes may happen during matches.
- Set Graphics Quality to Medium or Low.
- Turn off Ray Tracing and V-Sync.
- Use Windowed Mode instead of Fullscreen.
Method 5: Reinstall DirectX and Visual C++
- Download the latest DirectX End-User Runtime from Microsoft.
- Install Visual C++ Redistributables (x86 and x64).
Missing runtime files often cause crashes.
Method 6: Check for Overheating
High temperatures may force your system to crash the game.
- Use tools like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to check temps.
- Clean your fans and ensure good airflow.
- Limit overclocking if enabled.
Method 7: Reinstall the Game
If crashes persist, a clean reinstall is the ultimate fix:
- Uninstall FC 26 completely.
- Delete leftover files from installation folders.
- Restart your PC.
- Reinstall the game (preferably on an SSD).
Additional Tips
- Keep Windows updated.
- Ensure you have enough RAM and free disk space.
- Avoid running mods while troubleshooting.
- Update the EA App/Steam to the latest version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does EA SPORTS FC 26 crash on startup?
This usually happens due to missing files, outdated GPU drivers, or conflicts with background apps.
Can overheating cause FC 26 to crash?
Yes, overheating of your CPU or GPU can force the game to shut down.
Does reinstalling fix crashes?
Yes, if the game installation is corrupted, reinstalling often fixes repeated crashes.
Should I disable overclocking?
Yes, unstable overclocking can make FC 26 crash. Reset to default clock speeds and test again.
Conclusion
The EA SPORTS FC 26 crashing issue can be frustrating, but most of the time it’s caused by driver issues, corrupted files, or overheating problems. By updating your GPU drivers, repairing files, disabling overlays, and lowering graphics settings, you can stabilize the game and enjoy uninterrupted matches.
If nothing else works, a clean reinstall is usually the best solution. After applying these fixes, you should be able to play FC 26 smoothly without random crashes.
