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

If PEAK won’t launch, gets stuck on a loading screen, or shows a black screen on startup, you’re not alone. Many PC players face this issue due to graphics driver conflicts, missing game files, or fullscreen optimization problems.

This guide will walk you through step-by-step solutions to fix the black screen, infinite loading, or not launching errors for PEAK in 2025.

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⚙️ Common Reasons for Black Screen or Launch Issues

• Outdated GPU drivers (NVIDIA / AMD / Intel)
• Missing or corrupted game files
• DirectX / Visual C++ runtime errors
• Incompatible fullscreen settings
• Overlays or third-party background apps
• Insufficient permissions (Admin rights)
• Conflicts from Windows Game Mode or HDR

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🧩 Fix 1: Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated GPU drivers are one of the most common causes of black screens or launch failures.

Steps:

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

✅ Result: Fixes compatibility issues between PEAK and your graphics card.

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🧱 Fix 2: Verify Integrity of Game Files

Corrupted or missing files often cause the game to hang on the loading screen.

Steam:

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

Epic Games Launcher:

1. Go to Library
2. Click the three dots (…) beside PEAK
3. Choose Verify

✅ Result: Restores all missing or broken files automatically.

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🔲 Fix 3: Disable Fullscreen Optimizations

Windows fullscreen optimizations can interfere with Unreal or Unity-based games like PEAK.

Steps:

1. Go to your PEAK installation folder
2. Right-click PEAK.exe → Properties → Compatibility
3. Check Disable Fullscreen Optimizations
4. Click Apply → OK

✅ Result: Helps avoid black screen or freeze at startup.

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🧰 Fix 4: Run the Game as Administrator

Some system permissions prevent PEAK from accessing required files or GPU settings.

Steps:

1. Right-click PEAK.exe
2. Select Run as Administrator

Or set it permanently:

• Right-click PEAK.exe → Properties → Compatibility tab → Check “Run this program as an administrator” → Apply

✅ Result: Grants proper file access and fixes “not launching” errors.

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🧩 Fix 5: Install/Repair DirectX & Visual C++ Redistributables

Missing or outdated runtime libraries often lead to black screens or failure to load.

Steps:

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

✅ Result: Ensures all essential runtime components are correctly installed.

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🖥️ Fix 6: Switch to Windowed or Borderless Mode

Sometimes, PEAK may start but show a black screen because of resolution or fullscreen conflicts.

Steps:

1. While the game is running (black screen), press Alt + Enter to toggle Windowed Mode.
2. If it loads, go to Settings → Display and set to Borderless Windowed.

✅ Result: Helps the game render properly without display mode conflicts.

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🧹 Fix 7: Disable Overlays & Background Programs

Apps like Discord, Steam Overlay, MSI Afterburner, or OBS Studio can interfere with game rendering.

Steps:

1. Close unnecessary background apps via Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
2. Disable overlays:
   • Steam: Settings → In-Game → Uncheck “Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game”
   • Discord: Settings → Game Overlay → Turn Off

✅ Result: Prevents overlay-related crashes or freezes.

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🧠 Fix 8: Update Windows & Restart

An outdated Windows version or GPU driver can cause black screen problems.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I → Windows Update → Check for updates
2. Restart your PC after installing updates

✅ Result: Ensures compatibility with the latest DirectX and driver updates.

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🧱 Fix 9: Reinstall PEAK (Last Resort)

If nothing works, a clean reinstall can resolve any deep corruption.

Steps:

1. Uninstall PEAK via Steam/Epic Launcher
2. Delete leftover files in: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\PEAK
3. Reinstall the game (preferably on SSD)

✅ Result: Gives you a fresh, clean install free from old cache or corrupted files.

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💡 Additional Tips

• Disable HDR in Windows settings if your monitor doesn’t support it properly.
• Avoid alt-tabbing during startup.
• Disconnect extra displays or VR hardware temporarily.
• Make sure your antivirus/firewall isn’t blocking PEAK.

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❓ FAQs

Q1: PEAK opens but shows only a black screen. What should I do?
A: Try Alt + Enter to switch to windowed mode or disable fullscreen optimizations.

Q2: Why does PEAK stay stuck on the loading screen forever?
A: Likely due to missing or corrupted files—verify game integrity.

Q3: Do I need to reinstall DirectX manually?
A: Yes, reinstalling DirectX and Visual C++ can fix missing runtime files.

Q4: Should I reinstall the game?
A: Only after trying all the above fixes; it’s the last resort.

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🎯 Conclusion

The black screen or not launching issue in PEAK is usually caused by driver conflicts, corrupted files, or display setting mismatches.
By following these steps — especially updating your GPU drivers, verifying files, and disabling fullscreen optimizations — you can easily fix startup issues and enjoy smooth gameplay.

Once fixed, PEAK should launch normally without getting stuck on the loading screen.