If you’re seeing a DirectX error or GPU crash when launching Football Manager 26, you’re not alone. Many players have reported issues such as:
- “Unable to initialize DirectX.”
- “Football Manager 26 has encountered a DirectX error.”
- “Graphics device lost or failed to respond.”
These errors usually occur due to corrupted DirectX files, outdated GPU drivers, or missing Visual C++ components. Fortunately, the problem can be fixed with a few simple steps.
This guide will walk you through tested solutions to fix DirectX and GPU errors in Football Manager 26 and get you back to managing your club smoothly.
⚙️ Common Causes of DirectX or GPU Errors
Before diving into fixes, let’s review the typical reasons behind this issue:
- Outdated or corrupted DirectX installation
- Missing Visual C++ Redistributables
- Outdated GPU drivers (NVIDIA / AMD / Intel)
- Running the game on an unsupported DirectX version
- Overclocked GPU or CPU causing instability
- Corrupted game files or missing components
🧩 Fix 1: Update or Reinstall DirectX
Outdated or missing DirectX files are the most common cause of this problem.
Steps:
- Visit the official Microsoft page: DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer.
- Download and install the setup.
- Restart your PC once installation completes.
✅ Result: Restores missing or corrupted DirectX files required by Football Manager 26.
💻 Fix 2: Update Your Graphics Drivers
A broken or outdated GPU driver can trigger DirectX or GPU-related crashes.
Steps:
- Press Windows + X → Device Manager → Display Adapters.
- Right-click your GPU → Update driver → Search automatically.
- For best results, manually install the latest driver from your manufacturer:
✅ Result: Ensures compatibility with Football Manager 26’s latest rendering updates.
⚙️ Fix 3: Install or Repair Visual C++ Redistributables
Football Manager 26 depends on Microsoft Visual C++ components for graphics rendering and runtime operations.
Steps:
- Download the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (2015–2022) from Microsoft’s official website.
- Install both x86 and x64 versions.
- Restart your PC after installation.
✅ Result: Replaces any missing or damaged runtime libraries required for the game.
🧱 Fix 4: Verify Game Files
If some of the game’s internal files are corrupted or missing, DirectX might fail to initialize.
Steps (Steam):
- Open Steam → Library.
- Right-click Football Manager 26 → Properties → Installed Files.
- Click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
Steps (Epic Games):
- Open Library → Football Manager 26.
- Click the three dots (…) → Manage → Verify.
✅ Result: Repairs corrupted files and restores proper DirectX configurations.
🧠 Fix 5: Run the Game in DirectX 11 Mode
If your system struggles with newer APIs, switching to DirectX 11 can fix crashes.
Steps (Steam):
- Right-click Football Manager 26 → Properties.
- In the Launch Options field, type:
-force-d3d11 - Close the window and start the game.
✅ Result: Forces the game to use DirectX 11, improving stability on older GPUs.
🔋 Fix 6: Disable GPU Overclocking
If your GPU or CPU is overclocked, it may cause instability and rendering errors.
Steps:
- Open your overclocking utility (MSI Afterburner, EVGA Precision, etc.).
- Reset all clock speeds and voltages to default.
- Restart your PC and relaunch the game.
✅ Result: Prevents GPU instability from triggering DirectX crashes.
🧰 Fix 7: Update Windows
An outdated Windows version may not include the latest DirectX runtime updates.
Steps:
- Press Windows + I → Settings → Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install all pending updates, then restart your PC.
✅ Result: Ensures your OS has the latest patches and DirectX components.
🧹 Fix 8: Reinstall Football Manager 26 (Last Resort)
If all else fails, the game’s internal DirectX components may be corrupted.
Steps:
- Uninstall Football Manager 26 from Steam or Epic.
- Delete leftover files from:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Football Manager 26 - Reinstall the game on an SSD for faster performance.
✅ Result: Replaces all damaged components and restores proper configuration.
💡 Additional Tips
- Ensure your GPU temperature stays below 85°C.
- Disable NVIDIA GeForce Overlay or AMD ReLive.
- Run the game and launcher as Administrator.
- Avoid third-party reshade or graphic mods — they can trigger GPU crashes.
❓ FAQs
Q1: Why do I get a DirectX error every time I start Football Manager 26?
A: The issue usually comes from corrupted DirectX or outdated GPU drivers. Reinstall both to fix it.
Q2: Can low VRAM cause DirectX errors?
A: Yes, especially if you’re running high-resolution textures on integrated GPUs. Lower graphics settings to help.
Q3: Does reinstalling DirectX overwrite old files?
A: Yes, it replaces missing or broken components with fresh copies from Microsoft.
Q4: Is Football Manager 26 compatible with DirectX 12?
A: Yes, but some systems may perform better under DirectX 11, depending on GPU support.
🎯 Conclusion
If you’re facing a DirectX or GPU error in Football Manager 26, it’s likely due to corrupted DirectX files, missing Visual C++ libraries, or outdated GPU drivers.
By following the fixes above — especially updating drivers, reinstalling DirectX, and verifying game files — you should be able to resolve the problem and get back to smooth, stable gameplay.
Once done, your matches and menus should load without any interruptions or crashes.
