Fix Fellowship Black Screen or Not Loading on PC (2025 Guide)

If Fellowship gets stuck on a black screen or fails to load on PC, you’re not the only one facing it. Many players report that the game launches but never displays visuals — only a black screen with or without audio.

This problem often occurs due to corrupted graphics drivers, DirectX issues, fullscreen mode bugs, or overlay conflicts. Don’t worry — this step-by-step guide will help you fix the black screen and loading issues in Fellowship so you can jump back into the game smoothly.

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⚙️ Common Causes of Black Screen or Loading Problems

Before you start fixing, here are the most common reasons why Fellowship may show a black screen or fail to load:

• Outdated or corrupted GPU drivers
• Game stuck in fullscreen or wrong resolution
• Conflicts with overlay tools (Steam, Discord, Xbox Game Bar)
• Damaged or missing game files
• DirectX or Visual C++ component issues
• Background apps or antivirus blocking the game
• Missing administrator permissions

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🛠️ Fix 1: Run Fellowship as Administrator

Running the game with elevated permissions can fix launch and screen issues caused by access restrictions.

Steps:

1. Right-click Fellowship.exe or the game shortcut.
2. Select Properties → Compatibility.
3. Check Run this program as an administrator.
4. Click Apply → OK, then relaunch the game.

✅ Result: Gives Fellowship full access to system files and fixes permission-related loading errors.

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🛠️ Fix 2: Update Graphics Drivers

An outdated or buggy GPU driver can easily cause a black screen during startup.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X → Choose Device Manager.
2. Expand Display adapters.
3. Right-click your GPU → Update driver → Search automatically for drivers.

Or, download directly from:

• NVIDIA
• AMD
• Intel

✅ Result: Ensures your GPU runs the latest optimizations for Fellowship.

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🛠️ Fix 3: Verify Integrity of Game Files (Steam)

Missing or corrupted game files are a leading cause of black screen issues.

Steps:

1. Open Steam → Go to Library.
2. Right-click Fellowship → Select Properties.
3. Go to Installed Files → Click Verify integrity of game files.

✅ Result: Restores any missing or damaged game data automatically.

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🛠️ Fix 4: Disable Fullscreen Optimizations

Fullscreen mode can sometimes conflict with Windows display scaling, leading to a black screen.

Steps:

1. Right-click Fellowship.exe → Select Properties.
2. Open the Compatibility tab.
3. Check Disable fullscreen optimizations.
4. Click Apply → OK.

✅ Result: Forces proper window rendering and prevents fullscreen conflicts.

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🛠️ Fix 5: Disable Overlay Applications

Overlays like Steam, Discord, or NVIDIA GeForce Experience may interfere with the game’s rendering.

Steps:

• Steam Overlay:
  Steam → Settings → In-Game → Turn off Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.
• Discord Overlay:
  Discord → Settings → Game Overlay → Toggle off Enable in-game overlay.
• NVIDIA Overlay:
  GeForce Experience → Settings → General → Disable In-Game Overlay.

✅ Result: Prevents overlay rendering conflicts and stabilizes startup visuals.

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🛠️ Fix 6: Switch to Windowed Mode at Launch

If the game gets stuck in fullscreen mode, forcing it into windowed mode can help.

Steps:

1. Open Steam Library.
2. Right-click Fellowship → Properties.
3. In the Launch Options box, type: -windowed -noborder
4. Launch the game.

✅ Result: Bypasses fullscreen rendering errors and displays the game properly.

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🛠️ Fix 7: Update DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables

Corrupted or missing runtime components can prevent the game from loading visuals.

Steps:

1. Download and install:
   • DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer
   • Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (x64 & x86)
2. Restart your PC.

✅ Result: Ensures all dependencies required by Fellowship are correctly installed.

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🛠️ Fix 8: Turn Off Windows Game Mode & DVR

Windows Game Mode or Game Bar can sometimes cause FPS drops or startup conflicts.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I → Open Gaming.
2. Select Game Mode → Turn it Off.
3. Then go to Captures → Turn off Record in the background while playing a game.

✅ Result: Reduces system interruptions and improves game stability.

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🛠️ Fix 9: Reinstall Fellowship (Last Resort)

If none of the above methods work, reinstalling can eliminate any remaining corrupted files.

Steps:

1. Uninstall Fellowship via Steam or Control Panel.
2. Restart your PC.
3. Reinstall it on a different drive (preferably SSD).

✅ Result: Provides a fresh, clean installation for optimal performance.

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💡 Additional Tips

• Check your DirectX version using dxdiag.
• Avoid using multiple displays during startup.
• Disconnect extra peripherals like controllers or webcams.
• Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall if blocking the game.
• Keep Windows updated for better compatibility.

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❓ FAQs

Q1: Why do I get a black screen right after launching Fellowship?
A: It’s usually caused by outdated GPU drivers, fullscreen conflicts, or damaged game files. Try running in windowed mode and updating drivers.

Q2: How do I fix Fellowship stuck on loading screen?
A: Verify game files, disable overlays, and update Visual C++ or DirectX.

Q3: Can antivirus cause black screen issues?
A: Yes, some antivirus software blocks the game’s rendering. Add the game folder to exceptions.

Q4: Will reinstalling Fellowship help?
A: Yes — a clean reinstall often fixes corrupted installations that cause black screens.

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🎯 Conclusion

If Fellowship shows a black screen or won’t load on PC, it’s usually related to driver issues, fullscreen conflicts, or damaged files.

By following these steps — from updating drivers and disabling overlays to verifying files and reinstalling dependencies — you’ll fix the issue and get back into the game quickly.

Once resolved, you’ll enjoy a smooth and stable Fellowship experience without black screens or long loading delays.