Fix The Last Caretaker Not Launching / Stuck on Loading on PC (2025 Guide)

If The Last Caretaker refuses to launch or gets stuck on the loading screen, you’re not alone. Many players have reported that the game won’t start after clicking Play — either showing a black screen, freezing at startup, or not responding at all.

These issues are usually caused by corrupted game files, outdated GPU drivers, DirectX or Visual C++ issues, or interference from antivirus or overlays.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through several tested solutions to help you fix The Last Caretaker not launching or stuck on loading screen problem on PC.

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⚙️ Common Causes

Before applying the fixes, it’s helpful to understand what typically prevents the game from launching:

• Corrupted or missing game files
• Outdated graphics drivers
• Antivirus or firewall blocking the game
• Damaged DirectX or Visual C++ redistributables
• Missing administrator privileges
• Background programs or overlays interfering

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Fix 1: Run The Last Caretaker as Administrator

Running the game with elevated permissions ensures it can access necessary system files and directories.

Steps:

1. Right-click The Last Caretaker.exe or its shortcut.
2. Select Properties → Compatibility.
3. Check Run this program as an administrator.
4. Click Apply → OK and relaunch the game.

✅ Result: Grants proper permissions and can resolve startup or black screen issues.

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Fix 2: Verify Integrity of Game Files

If the game’s data is corrupted or incomplete, it won’t launch properly. Verifying integrity can automatically repair damaged or missing files.

For Steam Users:

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

For Epic Games Users:

1. Open Library → The Last Caretaker.
2. Click the three dots (…) → Manage → Verify Files.

✅ Result: Restores missing or corrupted files, allowing the game to start correctly.

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Fix 3: Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated or faulty GPU drivers often cause launch failures or black screens. Updating ensures full compatibility with the latest game version.

Steps:

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

✅ Result: Ensures your GPU is optimized for modern DirectX features and prevents crashes.

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Fix 4: Disable Antivirus or Add the Game to Exceptions

Sometimes antivirus or firewall software mistakenly blocks game executables.

Steps:

1. Open your antivirus or Windows Security settings.
2. Go to Virus & threat protection → Manage settings → Add or remove exclusions.
3. Add your game’s folder: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\The Last Caretaker
4. Restart your PC and try again.

✅ Result: Prevents antivirus from blocking the game’s files or processes.

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Fix 5: Reinstall / Repair DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables

Broken or missing runtime libraries can cause The Last Caretaker to fail during initialization.

Steps:

1. Download and install the latest DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer from Microsoft.
2. Download and install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables (2015–2022) — both x86 and x64.
3. Restart your PC afterward.

✅ Result: Restores required runtime libraries for the game to launch properly.

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Fix 6: Disable Overlays and Background Programs

Apps like Discord, Steam Overlay, GeForce Experience, or MSI Afterburner can conflict with the game at launch.

Steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Under Processes, end unnecessary background apps.
3. Disable overlays:
   • Steam: Settings → In-Game → Uncheck Enable the Steam Overlay.
   • Discord: User Settings → Game Overlay → Turn off Enable in-game overlay.

✅ Result: Frees system resources and avoids conflicts during game startup.

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Fix 7: Update Windows

Keeping your operating system updated ensures compatibility with the latest game and driver updates.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I → Settings → Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Install all pending updates and restart your PC.

✅ Result: Fixes outdated components that could prevent the game from launching.

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Fix 8: Reinstall The Last Caretaker (Last Resort)

If none of the fixes above work, a clean reinstall might be necessary.

Steps:

1. Uninstall The Last Caretaker via Steam or Control Panel.
2. Delete leftover folders from: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\The Last Caretaker
3. Reinstall the game — preferably on an SSD.

✅ Result: Removes corrupted installation data and ensures a clean, stable setup.

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💡 Additional Tips

• Restart your PC before launching the game.
• Use a wired Ethernet connection for online stability.
• Avoid launching the game from an external drive.
• Ensure GPU temperature stays below 85°C.
• Run Steam or Epic as Administrator.

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❓ FAQs

Q1: Why does The Last Caretaker not launch after clicking Play?
A: It’s usually due to corrupted files, missing permissions, or blocked executables.

Q2: Can antivirus cause launch problems?
A: Yes — antivirus software may falsely block the game. Add it to the exclusion list.

Q3: Do I need to reinstall DirectX manually?
A: Yes, if your system’s runtime libraries are missing or damaged.

Q4: Should I reinstall the game?
A: Only as a last resort if verifying files and updating drivers don’t work.

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🎯 Conclusion

If The Last Caretaker won’t launch or is stuck on the loading screen, the problem likely comes from missing files, outdated drivers, or blocked permissions.

By verifying game files, updating your GPU, repairing DirectX components, and disabling conflicting software, you can usually fix the problem quickly.

Once these steps are done, The Last Caretaker should launch smoothly and let you return to its eerie, immersive world without interruptions.