Borderlands 4 crashing on startup is a common problem reported by many players since its release. On Steam or Epic Games Launcher, use the option to verify and repair corrupted game files.
⚠️ What’s Known / Likely Causes
From what people have found, the startup crashes are often caused by:
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Outdated GPU drivers or incompatible driver versions.
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CPU instability — especially with Intel 13th/14th Gen CPUs, due to microcode or BIOS issues.
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Crashes when enabling certain features like frame generation, or doing so before shaders are fully compiled.
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Corrupted or incomplete game files.
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Overlays (Steam/Discord/GeForce etc.) interfering.
Here are proven fixes that have worked for most users:
🛠️ Fixes/Workarounds to Try
1. Verify Game Files
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On Steam or Epic Games Launcher, use the option to verify and repair corrupted game files.
2. Update GPU Drivers
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Download and install the latest drivers from Nvidia, AMD, or Intel. Outdated drivers often cause crashes, especially with new features like frame generation.
3. Disable Steam Overlay
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Steam Overlay sometimes conflicts with the game. Disable it via Steam settings > In-game > uncheck “Enable the Steam Overlay” for Borderlands 4.
4. Enable Frame Generation Before Loading Game
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If using Nvidia/AMD frame generation, enable it from the main menu settings before starting a mission rather than in-game.
5. Wait for Shader Compilation to Complete
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On the first launch, shader compilation causes high CPU/GPU usage and crashes if interrupted. Wait until usage drops before starting gameplay.
6. Disable EXPO (Extreme Memory Profile) on RAM
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Some users fixed crashing by turning off EXPO in BIOS, trading a slight performance drop for stability.
7. Run as Administrator
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Right-click the Borderlands 4 executable and select “Run as Administrator.”
8. Delete Local App Data Folder
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Deleting the “Borderlands 4” folder inside Documents can eliminate corrupted user data.
9. Install Required Software
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Ensure Visual C++ Redistributable and DirectX are up to date.
10. Close Background Applications
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Shut down unnecessary apps (especially GPU/CPU intensive apps) running alongside the game.
11. Check Hardware Compatibility
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Make sure your PC meets minimum specs. Intel 13th/14th gen CPUs may have known issues affecting the game.
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Summary Table
Fix |
Description |
|---|---|
| Verify Game Files | Repair corrupted game files |
| GPU Drivers Update | Latest Nvidia, AMD, Intel drivers |
| Disable Steam Overlay | Prevent overlay conflicts |
| Enable Frame Gen in Main Menu | Avoid crashes when using frame generation |
| Wait for Shader Compilation | Complete before gameplay |
| Disable EXPO in BIOS | Improve RAM stability |
| Run as Administrator | Avoid permission issues |
| Delete Local Game Data Folder | Clear corrupted configs |
| Update Visual C++ & DirectX | Required runtime libraries |
| Close Background Apps | Free resources for the game |
These fixes have helped thousands regain stable gameplay and overcome launch crashes in Borderlands 4. If crashes persist, check official Gearbox forums and support for ongoing patches and updates.
