Fix The Outer Worlds 2 Not Launching / Stuck on Launch Screen on PC (2025 Guide)

If The Outer Worlds 2 won’t launch or gets stuck on the loading screen, you’re not alone. Many PC players encounter this frustrating issue where the game either fails to open or freezes during startup.

These problems are often linked to outdated GPU drivers, corrupted files, or background programs interfering with the game. Compatibility issues with DirectX, Visual C++, or Windows settings can also prevent the game from starting.

This guide provides several tested solutions to help you fix the issue and get back into the action quickly.

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⚙️ Common Causes

Before troubleshooting, it’s useful to understand what typically causes launch failures in The Outer Worlds 2:

• Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers
• Corrupted or missing game installation files
• Background apps or overlays (Discord, Steam, Xbox Game Bar)
• Missing DirectX or Visual C++ Redistributables
• Antivirus or firewall blocking the executable
• Insufficient administrator permissions

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Fix 1: Run The Outer Worlds 2 as Administrator

Running the game with administrator privileges ensures it has access to required system files.

Steps:

1. Right-click The Outer Worlds 2 shortcut or .exe file.
2. Select Properties → Compatibility.
3. Check Run this program as an administrator.
4. Click Apply → OK, then relaunch the game.

✅ Result: Grants the game full permission to access files and system resources.

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Fix 2: Verify Game Files

Corrupted or missing files are one of the most common reasons for launch problems.

Steam:

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

Epic Games Launcher:

1. Go to Library → Click the three dots next to the game.
2. Choose Manage → Verify.

✅ Result: Replaces damaged or missing files automatically.

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Fix 3: Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated GPU drivers often cause launch or performance problems.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X → Device Manager → Display Adapters.
2. Right-click your GPU → Update Driver → Search automatically.
3. Or download directly from the manufacturer’s site:
   • NVIDIA
   • AMD
   • Intel

✅ Result: Ensures your system runs the latest optimizations for The Outer Worlds 2.

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Fix 4: Disable Background Overlays

Overlays like Discord, Steam, or GeForce Experience may conflict with the game’s startup.

Steps:

• Steam: Go to Settings → In-Game → Uncheck Enable Steam Overlay.
• Discord: User Settings → Game Overlay → Disable Enable in-game overlay.
• Xbox Game Bar: Windows Settings → Gaming → Xbox Game Bar → Toggle Off.

✅ Result: Prevents overlay-related crashes and improves performance.

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Fix 5: Disable Antivirus or Add Game to Exceptions

Antivirus or Windows Defender can mistakenly block the game’s executable.

Steps:

1. Open your antivirus software.
2. Add the game’s installation folder to the exceptions list.
3. For Windows Defender:
   • Go to Windows Security → Virus & Threat Protection → Manage Settings → Exclusions.
   • Add The Outer Worlds 2 installation folder.

✅ Result: Prevents false positives and launch interference.

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Fix 6: Reinstall or Repair DirectX and Visual C++

Missing or outdated components may stop the game from running correctly.

Steps:

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

✅ Result: Restores critical runtime libraries needed by the game.

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Fix 7: Clear Game Cache

A corrupted cache may cause launch or black screen issues.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R → type: %localappdata%\TheOuterWorlds2
2. Delete the Saved or ShaderCache folders.
3. Restart your PC.

✅ Result: Removes corrupted cache files that prevent the game from loading.

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Fix 8: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot helps isolate software conflicts that prevent games from starting.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R → msconfig → Enter.
2. In the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
3. Open Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable all startup apps.
4. Restart your PC and try launching the game.

✅ Result: Eliminates interference from third-party programs.

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Fix 9: Reinstall The Game (Last Resort)

If none of the above works, perform a full reinstall.

Steps:

1. Uninstall the game via Steam or Epic Games Launcher.
2. Delete remaining files from: C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\TheOuterWorlds2
3. Reinstall the game on an SSD for faster performance.

✅ Result: Ensures a clean installation free of corruption.

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💡 Additional Tips

• Ensure Windows is fully updated.
• Launch the game from its main .exe, not a shortcut.
• Disable fullscreen optimizations for smoother startup.
• Avoid multitasking during the first load.

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❓ FAQs

Q1: Why won’t The Outer Worlds 2 launch after installation?
A: Common reasons include outdated drivers, corrupted files, or blocked permissions.

Q2: Can antivirus software prevent the game from starting?
A: Yes. Whitelist the game folder or disable real-time protection temporarily.

Q3: Do I need to reinstall the game to fix this?
A: Only if all other fixes fail or verification finds persistent errors.

Q4: Will updating DirectX and Visual C++ help?
A: Yes, these libraries are crucial for Unreal Engine titles like The Outer Worlds 2.

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🎯 Conclusion

If The Outer Worlds 2 is not launching or gets stuck on the loading screen, it’s typically due to driver conflicts, missing files, or blocked permissions.
By verifying files, updating GPU drivers, disabling overlays, and repairing DirectX or Visual C++ components, you can easily fix the issue.

With these fixes, you’ll be able to explore the universe of The Outer Worlds 2 smoothly and without startup issues. 🚀