How to Fix Overwatch 2 Not Launching on Windows

Introduction

Overwatch 2, a popular shooter game, has gained significant attention since its launch. However, some users have been facing an issue where Overwatch 2 fails to launch on their Windows PC. This article aims to address this problem by providing various solutions to fix Overwatch 2 not launching on Windows.

Reasons for Overwatch 2 Not Launching

The error of Overwatch 2 not launching is primarily caused by system/program incompatibility. It is crucial to ensure that your PC meets the game’s minimum requirements before running it. The system requirements for running Overwatch 2 on Windows are as follows:

Minimum system requirements

  • OS: Windows 10 64-bit
  • CPU: Intel Core i3 or AMD Phenom X3 8650
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 600 Series, AMD Radeon HD 7000 Series1 compatible with 1GB VRAM
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Disk Space: 50GB available
  • Sound Card: DirectX compatible
  • Resolution: 1024 x 768 minimum display resolution

Recommended system requirements

  • OS: Windows 10 64-bit
  • CPU: Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 5
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 / 1650 or AMD R9 308 / AMD RX 6400
  • RAM: 8GB or more
  • Disk Space: 50GB available
  • Sound Card: DirectX compatible
  • Resolution: 1024 x 768 minimum display resolution

Failure to meet these requirements can result in game performance issues or the game not launching at all. However, incompatibility doesn’t always mean not meeting the system requirements. Other factors that can lead to Overwatch 2 not launching include:

  • A recently installed application is consuming excessive resources.
  • Outdated PC components.
  • Manipulated game files.
  • System restrictions on running applications.

Fixes for Overwatch 2 Not Launching

Fix 1 – Remove the Last Installed Application & Try Again

If you recently installed an application and started experiencing the Overwatch 2 not launching issue, it is recommended to uninstall the last installed software. Third-party applications downloaded from unreliable sources can cause compatibility errors.

To uninstall the application:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the run search box.
  2. In the run box, type control and hit enter to open the Control Panel.
  3. Navigate to Programs -> Uninstall Applications.
  4. You will see a list of installed applications. Sort the applications based on the time of installation.
  5. Select the application(s) installed around the time you started experiencing the Overwatch 2 not launching error.
  6. Click on the Uninstall button to remove the selected application(s).

Fix 2 – Check Whether You have Verified Game Files

In some cases, faulty game files or improperly installed game files can prevent Overwatch 2 from launching. To fix this, you can use the Battle.net client to scan and repair the game files.

Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Battle.net client, as Overwatch 2 is exclusive to it.
  2. Click on the Settings option button located next to the Play button.
  3. In the opened menu, click on Scan and Repair.

This will initiate a scan of the game files and repair any issues detected. Additionally, ensure that you have the latest version of DirectX installed on your computer, as it is required to play games.

Fix 3 – Update Outdated Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can cause various glitches, including Overwatch 2 not launching on your PC. It is crucial to keep your graphics drivers up to date to ensure smooth gameplay. One way to achieve this is by using a dedicated driver updater software like Advanced Driver Updater, which simplifies the process of updating drivers.

Here’s how Advanced Driver Updater works:

  1. Download and install Advanced Driver Updater on your PC.
  2. Launch the software and click on the Start Scan button.
  3. It will scan your system for outdated drivers and display a list of available updates.
  4. Click on the Update All button to update all drivers at once. Alternatively, you can click on the Update button next to each driver to update them individually.
  5. After updating the drivers, restart your PC to apply the changes.

By keeping your graphics drivers up to date, you are likely to resolve the Overwatch 2 not launching issue.

Error – Overwatch 2 Not Launching SORTED!

The aforementioned fixes should be sufficient to overcome the Overwatch 2 won’t launch and crashing at startup issue on your PC. However, if none of the fixes help, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the game. When reinstalling, make sure to grant all the necessary permissions required by the game.

Fixing the game is relatively straightforward if you know which steps to follow. Outdated graphics drivers are a common issue that needs to be addressed. By updating your drivers, you may be able to resolve the Overwatch 2 not launching issue without needing any further fixes.

Download Advanced Driver Updater today and experience the difference! We hope this article has successfully helped you fix the Overwatch 2 crashing on startup problem on your PC.