How to Fix Fallout 3 Crashing on Windows 11/10?

Fallout 3 is a very popular game that is being played by millions of gamers across the globe. However, we have seen an increase in people complaining on tech forums about the rise of Fallout 3 crashing issues on Windows PC. This is s temporary problem and can be fixed with easy and quick methods. Today, we compile all the best methods to fix this issue in no time.

Why Does The Fallout 3 Crashing on Windows Issue Occur?

Fallout 3 is an action game that includes a role-playing character. If you are facing issues like crashes or freezes, then it could be due to the following reasons.

• There are issues with the Configuration file.
• The game files are missing or corrupted.
• Overlays are enabled.
• Game settings need to be changed.
• Graphics drivers are outdated or missing.

Method 1 : Multicore Fix Configuration File

The first method to fix Fallout 3 crashing on Windows is to fix the configuration file. Here are the steps.

1. Navigate to the folder – Documents\My Games\Fallout32.
2. Locate and open Fallout.ini with Notepad.
3. Find the line – bUseThreadedAI=0
4. Change it to – bUseThreadedAI=1
5. Below that line, add – iNumHWThreads=2
6. Save and close the file.

Method 2 : Compatibility Mode

Some apps and games work better in compatibility mode with admin rights. Here are the steps.

1. Go to the Fallout 3 installation folder – 

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Fallout 3 goty

2. Right-click Fallout3.exe → Properties.
3. Open the Compatibility tab.
4. Place a check mark in the check boxes before the following options.

Run this program in compatibility mode
Run this program as an administrator

5. Click Apply → OK.

Method 3 : Verify Game Files

All game files are stored on your PC, and in case they get corrupted, the game will crash on your PC. Here are the steps to verify game files on Steam. 

1. Open Steam Library → right-click Fallout 3 → Properties.
2. Go to Installed Files → click Verify integrity of game files.

Method 4 : Delete .ini files

If the system file of the game has been corrupted or has misconfigured settings, then experts recommend that you delete all .ini files from the Fallout 3 folder in your Documents folder. The game will regenerate them when you start it again. 

Method 5 : Alter Graphics settings

Some experts suggest that a change in the graphics settings can help to fix Fallout 3 crashing issues. Here is what you need to do.

1. Press Win + I to open the Settings box.

2. Click on the Display tab in the left panel.

3. On the right side, scroll down to Related Settings and click on Graphics.

4. Click on Add App and add Fallout3.exe and FalloutLauncher.exe.
5. Set them to “High performance”.

Method 6 : Disable Overlays

Experts state that overlays from Steam, Discord, GeForce Experience, or MSI Afterburner can cause crashes. Here is how to disable the Steam Overlay.

1. Go to the Steam app and click on Library.
2. Right-click Fallout 3 and click on Properties
3. Uncheck Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.
4. Turn off overlays in Discord, Nvidia, or other tools.

Method 7 : Windowed Mode

You can try to run the game in Windowed mode to avoid crashes. Here is what you need to do.

1. Launch the Steam app.
2. Start the game and then click on Options in the game.
3. Locate Mode and check the box before the Windowed option.

4. Restart the game.

Read Also : How to Fix Computer Suddenly Restarts While Playing Games (not Overheating)

Method 8 : Set CPU Affinity

Sometimes, Fallout 3 crashes due to multicore threading.

1. Launch Fallout 3.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → open Task Manager.
3. Go to Details → right-click Fallout3.exe → Set affinity.
4. Uncheck all but CPU 0 and CPU 1.

5. Save and return to the game.

Method 9 : Update Graphics Card

The Graphics card plays an important role while playing games. It requires updated drivers to communicate with your Windows PC. Here are 3 ways to update the graphics card.

a.) Use Device Manager

Drivers can be updated using the Device Manager utility found on all Windows PC. However, this tool does not scan third-party websites and sources for updated drivers. The main source for updated drivers using this tool is Microsoft Servers. Here are the steps to use this tool.

1. Press Win + X to open Power menu.
2. Click on Device Manager.

3. Click on Display Adapters to display the graphics card on your computer.
4. Right-click on the graphics card and select the Update Drivers option.
5. Choose the “Search Automatically for drivers” option and follow the onscreen steps.

b.) Update Drivers Using OEM Websites

The next method to update the driver is to download and install the updated drivers from the hardware manufacturer’s website. Navigate to the official website, enter the model number, and look for the updated drivers related to your graphics card. Download and install the drivers on your PC and reboot the PC.

Update Drivers Using Advanced Driver Updater :

Follow these step by step process –

Method 10 : Install Games for Windows Live (GFWL)

Fallout 3 requires some legacy GFWL components to run properly.

1. Navigate to the official website of Microsoft.
2. Download the Games for Windows Live setup.
3. Install it and let it update.
4. Launch Fallout 3 again.

Method 11 : Limit FPS to Prevent Physics Glitches

Fallout 3’s physics engine breaks above 60 FPS, leading to crashes and instability.

Option 1 (via GPU Control Panel):

Set Fallout3.exe FPS limit to 60 FPS in NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Settings.

Option 2 (via INI):

1. In Fallout.ini, find this line.

iPresentInterval=1

2. If missing, add it under [Display].

This enables V-Sync and caps FPS to your monitor’s refresh rate.

Method 12 : Install Fallout 3 Script Extender (FOSE)

The FOSE tool helps modern systems handle Fallout 3’s engine properly and is required for many stability mods.

1. Download FOSE: http://fose.silverlock.org/
2. Extract it into the Fallout 3 installation folder (where Fallout3.exe is).
3. Always launch the game using fose_loader.exe.

Method 13 : Use the “Fallout 3 Updated Unofficial Patch”

This fan patch fixes hundreds of bugs, missing scripts, and crashes.

1. Download: https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/23581
2. Install with a mod manager (e.g., Vortex or Mod Organizer 2).
3. Launch the game via FOSE.

Method 14 : Reinstall the Game

The final method to follow, only when the remaining methods do not work, is to uninstall the game and reinstall it. After you have uninstalled the game completely, reinstall the game from the official website.

Conclusion – Are You Able To Fix Fallout 3 Crashing On Windows 11/10?

The above methods have been tried and tested to ensure that they work and fix the Fallout issues on Windows 11/10. We hope these methods resolve the issue and allow you to enjoy your game. Do write to us in the comments section below about your experience in fixing this issue.

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