If you’re a PC gamer, you’ve probably encountered a situation where a game you love to play suddenly stops working. Whether it’s due to a corrupted installation, outdated drivers, or compatibility issues, a broken game can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are several ways to repair a Windows game and get it back up and running. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to diagnose and fix common game issues.
Repairing a Game from the Settings App
One of the easiest ways to repair a game in Windows is through the Settings app. Follow these steps:
Open the Start menu and click on the Settings icon (gear shape)
Select “Apps” from the Settings menu
Click on “Apps & features” in the left-hand menu
Scroll through the list of installed apps and find the game you want to repair
Click on the three-dot menu next to the game and select “Advanced options”
If the “Repair” option is available, click it to attempt to fix any issues with the game
If the “Repair” option doesn’t fix the problem or isn’t available, try the “Reset” option instead
Keep in mind that resetting a game will delete all saved data and progress, so make sure to back up any important files before proceeding.
Repairing a Game from the Control Panel
If the game you’re trying to repair isn’t listed in the Settings app or you prefer the classic Control Panel interface, you can also attempt to repair the game from there:
Open the Start menu and search for “Control Panel”
Click on “Control Panel” in the search results
Select “Programs” and then “Programs and Features”
Find the game you want to repair in the list of installed programs
Right-click on the game and select “Repair” from the context menu
If “Repair” isn’t available, select “Change” instead and follow the on-screen instructions
Keep in mind that not all games will have a “Repair” option available, and the specific steps may vary depending on the game and how it was installed.
Troubleshooting Common Game Issues
In addition to repairing the game itself, there are several other steps you can take to troubleshoot common game issues:
Check for updates: Make sure your game is up to date by checking for any available patches or updates from the game’s developer or distributor.
Update drivers: Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can cause games to crash or perform poorly. Use your graphics card manufacturer’s software (e.g., Nvidia GeForce Experience or AMD Radeon Software) to check for and install the latest drivers.
Verify game files: Many game launchers, such as Steam, Origin, or Battle.net, have built-in tools to verify the integrity of game files. Use these tools to check for and repair any corrupted or missing files.
Run the game in compatibility mode: If a game is having trouble running on newer versions of Windows, try running it in compatibility mode. Right-click on the game’s shortcut or executable file and select “Properties”. Click on the “Compatibility” tab and check the “Run this program in compatibility mode for” box, then select the appropriate Windows version from the dropdown menu.
Disable antivirus software: In some cases, antivirus software can interfere with a game’s ability to run properly. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus software and see if that resolves the issue.
If none of the above steps resolve the problem, it may be necessary to uninstall and reinstall the game. Make sure to back up any important saved data before uninstalling, as the process may delete all game files and progress.
By following the steps outlined in this guide and troubleshooting common issues, you should be able to repair most broken Windows games and get back to enjoying your favorite titles. Remember to always keep your games and drivers up to date, and don’t hesitate to seek help from the game’s developer or community forums if you encounter a persistent issue.