Many Little Nightmares III players encounter a DirectX or GPU error when launching or playing the game on PC. These errors usually appear as pop-ups like:
“DirectX function failed,”
“GPU not supported,” or
“Failed to initialize graphics device.”
Such issues can prevent the game from running or cause sudden crashes mid-game. Don’t worry — in this guide, you’ll find step-by-step solutions to fix DirectX and GPU-related problems on both Windows 10 and 11.
Common Causes of DirectX / GPU Error
Before we dive into fixes, here’s what typically causes this issue:
- Outdated or corrupted GPU drivers
- Incompatible DirectX version or missing runtime files
- Corrupted game installation
- Overclocked GPU or overheating
- Unsupported graphics hardware
- Windows updates interfering with DirectX
🛠️ Fix 1: Update Your Graphics Drivers
Outdated or unstable GPU drivers are the most common reason for DirectX crashes.
Steps:
- Identify your GPU brand (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
- Visit the official website to download the latest drivers:
- Install the latest version and restart your PC.
✅ Updating the driver ensures your GPU supports the newest DirectX features required by Little Nightmares III.
🛠️ Fix 2: Install or Repair DirectX
Sometimes, missing or corrupted DirectX files can cause crashes during launch.
Steps:
- Download the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer from Microsoft’s official site.
- Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions.
- Restart your PC once installation completes.
✅ This refreshes all necessary DirectX files and resolves compatibility issues.
🛠️ Fix 3: Verify Game Files
If your installation is missing or corrupted, verifying integrity can help.
Steps (Steam):
- Open Steam Library → right-click Little Nightmares III → Properties.
- Go to Installed Files → click Verify integrity of game files.
- Wait for Steam to replace any broken or missing files.
✅ This ensures the game’s DirectX configuration is restored correctly.
🛠️ Fix 4: Disable GPU Overclocking
While overclocking boosts performance, it can trigger DirectX errors in some games.
Steps:
- Open your GPU tuning software (MSI Afterburner, EVGA Precision X1, etc.).
- Reset the core clock, memory clock, and voltage to default.
- Apply changes and restart your system.
✅ Running your GPU at factory settings improves stability during gameplay.
🛠️ Fix 5: Update Windows
Windows updates often include patches for DirectX and display drivers.
Steps:
- Press Windows + I → Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Download and install all pending updates.
- Restart your PC after installation.
✅ Keeping your system up-to-date ensures full DirectX and GPU compatibility.
🛠️ Fix 6: Install Visual C++ Redistributables
Some GPU or DirectX errors occur due to missing Visual C++ runtime libraries.
Steps:
- Go to Microsoft’s official Visual C++ Redistributable page.
- Download both x64 and x86 versions.
- Install them, then restart your computer.
✅ This resolves many DLL and runtime-related GPU crash errors.
🛠️ Fix 7: Adjust Graphics Settings
Overly demanding settings may exceed your GPU’s capability.
Steps:
- Launch Little Nightmares III.
- Go to Settings → Graphics.
- Reduce or disable the following options:
- Shadows: Low
- Texture Quality: Medium
- Ray Tracing: Off
- Anti-Aliasing: FXAA or Off
- Restart the game.
✅ Lower settings reduce GPU load and minimize DirectX crashes.
🛠️ Fix 8: Disable Fullscreen Optimizations
Windows fullscreen optimization sometimes conflicts with DirectX titles.
Steps:
- Navigate to the game installation folder.
- Right-click LittleNightmares3.exe → Properties.
- Go to Compatibility → check Disable fullscreen optimizations.
- Click Apply → OK.
✅ This improves compatibility and prevents frame drops or black screens.
🛠️ Fix 9: Reinstall GPU Drivers (Clean Installation)
If the problem persists, perform a clean reinstall of your graphics driver.
Steps:
- Download Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU).
- Boot into Safe Mode and run DDU to remove all GPU drivers.
- Reboot and reinstall the latest drivers from your GPU manufacturer.
✅ This removes any corrupted driver remnants that may cause GPU or DirectX conflicts.
🛠️ Fix 10: Reinstall the Game
If none of the above methods work, your installation might be completely corrupted.
Steps:
- Uninstall Little Nightmares III.
- Delete leftover files from:
C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\LittleNightmares3 - Reinstall the game on an SSD for better loading and stability.
✅ A clean reinstall ensures a fresh start with all proper DirectX components.
Bonus Tip: Update GPU Control Panel Settings
- NVIDIA: Set Power Management Mode → Prefer Maximum Performance.
- AMD: Turn off Radeon Chill and enable Radeon Boost.
- Intel: Use Performance Mode if available.
✅ These tweaks can eliminate frame drops and help the GPU run efficiently.
FAQs
Q1: Why does Little Nightmares III show a DirectX error on launch?
A1: This usually occurs due to outdated drivers, missing DirectX components, or corrupted game files.
Q2: Can overheating cause GPU errors?
A2: Yes, high temperatures can trigger GPU driver resets or DirectX crashes.
Q3: Should I reinstall Windows to fix it?
A3: Not necessary — try updating Windows, DirectX, and GPU drivers first.
Q4: Does installing the game on SSD help?
A4: Yes, it reduces loading issues and improves performance stability.
Conclusion
The DirectX / GPU error in Little Nightmares III is often caused by outdated drivers, missing runtime files, or corrupted installations. By updating your drivers, reinstalling DirectX, verifying game files, and ensuring your system is fully updated, you can easily resolve this issue.
After applying these fixes, you should be able to enjoy smooth, uninterrupted gameplay without crashes or GPU errors.
🎮 Dive back into the mysterious world of Little Nightmares III — now running flawlessly on your PC!
