Fix Football Manager 26 Crashing, Freezing & Stuttering on PC (2025 Guide)

If Football Manager 26 keeps crashing, freezing, or stuttering on your PC, you’re not alone. Many players have reported random game shutdowns, lag spikes, and low performance while managing their favorite clubs.

These issues often stem from outdated GPU drivers, corrupted game files, background apps consuming resources, or DirectX / Visual C++ conflicts. Thankfully, you can fix them easily using the solutions below.

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⚙️ Common Causes of Crashes and Freezes

Before diving into the fixes, it’s helpful to know what typically triggers instability in Football Manager 26:

• Outdated or faulty graphics drivers
• Corrupted or missing game files
• Overlays or recording tools interfering
• Insufficient system memory or storage
• Outdated DirectX or Visual C++ redistributables
• Overheating GPU or CPU
• Antivirus or Windows Defender blocking the game

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Fix 1: Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated GPU drivers are one of the most frequent reasons for crashes or graphical stuttering. Keeping them updated ensures compatibility with Football Manager 26.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X → Device Manager → Display Adapters.
2. Right-click your GPU → Update Driver → Search automatically.
3. Alternatively, download manually from:
   • NVIDIA Drivers
   • AMD Drivers
   • Intel Drivers

✅ Result: Updated GPU drivers improve rendering efficiency and reduce game instability.

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Fix 2: Verify the Integrity of Game Files

If files are corrupted or missing, crashes are inevitable. Verifying ensures everything is installed correctly.

Steam:

1. Open Steam → Library.
2. Right-click Football Manager 26 → Properties → Installed Files.
3. Click Verify Integrity of Game Files.

Epic Games:

1. Go to Library → Football Manager 26 → three dots (⋯).
2. Select Manage → Verify.

✅ Result: Restores damaged or missing files automatically.

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Fix 3: Disable Background Programs & Overlays

Overlays (Steam, Discord, GeForce Experience) and recording software can cause stuttering or freezing.

Steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Under Processes, end resource-heavy apps like:
   • Discord
   • OBS
   • GeForce Experience
   • MSI Afterburner
   • Overwolf
3. Disable overlays from their respective settings menus.

✅ Result: Frees up CPU/GPU resources and eliminates overlay conflicts.

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Fix 4: Adjust In-Game Graphics Settings

If your hardware is under heavy load, reducing graphics settings can stabilize frame rates and prevent overheating.

Recommended Settings:

• Resolution: 1080p
• Anti-Aliasing: FXAA or Off
• Shadows: Low
• V-Sync: Off
• Crowd Detail: Medium
• Texture Quality: Medium

✅ Result: Smooth gameplay with minimal frame drops or thermal throttling.

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Fix 5: Repair DirectX and Visual C++ Components

Corrupted runtime files can lead to both crashes and black screens.

Steps:

1. Download DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer.
2. Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables (2015–2022) for x86 and x64.
3. Restart your PC once complete.

✅ Result: Fixes library conflicts and improves game stability.

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Fix 6: Change Power Settings to High Performance

Low-power modes may throttle your GPU and CPU, resulting in lag and frame drops.

Steps:

• Windows:
  1. Open Control Panel → Power Options.
  2. Select High Performance.
• NVIDIA GPU:
  1. Open NVIDIA Control Panel → Manage 3D Settings.
  2. Set Power Management Mode → Prefer Maximum Performance.
• AMD GPU:
  1. Open Radeon Settings → Graphics → Power Efficiency → Disable.

✅ Result: Keeps hardware running at full potential during gameplay.

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Fix 7: Disable Fullscreen Optimizations

Windows’ fullscreen optimization can cause input lag or stutter.

Steps:

1. Navigate to your Football Manager 26 installation folder.
2. Right-click FootballManager26.exe → Properties → Compatibility.
3. Check Disable fullscreen optimizations.
4. Click Apply → OK.

✅ Result: Reduces lag and screen-switch delays.

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Fix 8: Reinstall the Game (Last Resort)

If none of the above fixes work, reinstalling might be your best option.

Steps:

1. Uninstall via Steam / Epic Games / Xbox App.
2. Delete remaining files from: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Football Manager 26
3. Reinstall on an SSD for faster load times.

✅ Result: Eliminates deep-level corruption and restores a clean version.

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💡 Additional Tips

• Keep GPU temperature below 85°C.
• Disable Game Mode or Xbox Game Bar if experiencing FPS drops.
• Update Windows and drivers regularly.
• Close browser tabs and background downloads while playing.

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❓ FAQs

Q1: Why does Football Manager 26 crash after loading?
A: Usually due to corrupted game files or outdated graphics drivers.

Q2: Can antivirus software cause freezing or lag?
A: Yes, some antivirus programs interfere with the game — add an exclusion for the installation folder.

Q3: How do I fix stuttering during matches?
A: Lower graphics settings and disable overlays.

Q4: Should I reinstall DirectX?
A: Reinstalling DirectX and Visual C++ redistributables often resolves startup and performance issues.

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🎯 Conclusion

In summary, Football Manager 26 crashing or freezing is often caused by outdated drivers, corrupted files, or background interference. By updating your GPU, verifying files, and adjusting performance settings, you can restore smooth gameplay and enjoy stable, lag-free matches.

Once these optimizations are applied, your game should run fluidly — letting you focus on managing your team to victory without interruptions.