[PC] How to Resolve Darktide Launcher Issues

If your PC does not meet the minimum requirements for Darktide, this can result in an unstable experience. Please ensure your PC meets the minimum requirements listed below: 

Requires a 64‑bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10 (64 bit) / Windows 11 (64 bit)
Processor: Intel i5‑6600 (3.30GHz) OR AMD Ryzen 5 2600 (3.4 GHz)
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 OR AMD Radeon RX 570
DirectX: Version 12
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Storage: 50 GB available space

If you aren’t sure whether a component meets the minimum requirements, you can use a comparison website such as UserBenchmark.

When the administrator rights are inconsistent between the Darktide.exe and Launcher.exe, this can result in problems launching.

You may have enabled administrator rights for one, but not the other, at some point.

We recommend removing administrator rights for both Darktide.exe and Launcher.exe by:

1. Navigate to Steam\steamapps\common\Warhammer 40,000 DARKTIDE\binaries
2. Right-click Darktide.exe
3. Select ‘Compatibility’
4. Untick the ‘Run this program as an administrator’ box
5. Save your changes
6. Attempt to launch Darktide as normal

NOTE: You may need to do the same for Launcher.exe, inSteam\steamapps\common\Warhammer 40,000 DARKTIDE\launcher

Step 1: Disable Steam Cloud Saving

If Steam Cloud saving is enabled for Darktide, this may automatically restore the AppData and consequently cause the issue to resurface. 

1. Navigate to your Steam library
2. Right-click Darktide
3. Select 'Properties'
4. On the 'General' tab, scroll down to  'Steam Cloud'
5. Disable 'Keep game saves in the Steam Cloud for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide'

Step 2: Delete AppData

NOTE: By deleting your AppData, operative loadouts and custom keybindings will be reset. You may wish to make a back-up of the directory in the event deleting your AppData does not work to resolve the issue. 

1. Press the Windows key + R
2. Enter %appdata% within the search input and select 'OK'
3. Navigate to: AppData\Roaming\Fatshark
4. Delete the entire 'Darktide' directory

Step 3: Verify Integrity of Game Files

You will then need to use the 'Verify Integrity of Game Files' option, which is accessible via the Steam client and will ensure the installation is complete.

1. Right-click Darktide in your Steam library sidebar
2. Select 'Properties'
3. Select the 'Local Files' tab
4. Select the 'Verify Integrity of Game Files' button
5. When complete, close and reopen Steam

NOTE: By deleting your AppData, operative loadouts and custom keybindings will be reset. You may wish to make a back-up of the directory in the event deleting your AppData does not work to resolve the issue. 

1. Press the Windows key + R
2. Enter %appdata% within the search input and select 'OK'
3. Navigate to: AppData\Roaming\Fatshark\MicrosoftStore
4. Delete the entire 'Darktide' directory

Then use the 'Verify and Repair' option via the Xbox App to ensure the installation is complete.

Please check if the Overwolf overlay is enabled on your PC, and disable it prior to starting Darktide.

NOTE: Overwolf are working with us to address the underlying issue. If your crashes no longer occur after disabling the Overwolf Overlay, please contact them via: https://overwolf.freshdesk.com/en/support/tickets/new 

1. Navigate to 'Settings' > 'System' > 'Display'
2. Select 'Graphics Settings'
3. Select the 'Browse' button and locate the Darktide executable (Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Warhammer 40,000 Darktide\binaries)
4. Select the 'Options' button
5. Choose 'High performance' and save your changes

Launcher issues can often be resolved by repairing your .NET Framework 4.7.2 installation:

1. Please download .NET Framework 4.7.2 from the Microsoft website linked below. The installer should then prompt you with an option to repair your installation. Be sure to restart your PC afterwards!: https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/download/dotnet-framework/net472 
2. If an error is displayed referencing that a later update is already installed, instead download and run the .NET Framework Repair Tool from the Microsoft website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-GB/download/details.aspx?id=30135 

Please ensure the appropriate exceptions are in place for Darktide in your Anti-Virus/Firewall software. 

• Darktide.exe in \Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Warhammer 40,000 DARKTIDE\binaries
• Launcher.exe in \Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Warhammer 40,000 DARKTIDE\launcher

Background applications — commonly overlays or hooks such as RivaTuner, ShadowPlay, Fraps, ReShade and AMD Chill — can interfere with Darktide.

A Selective Startup can help identify whether a background application is the cause of your crashes:
1. Press the Windows key, type msconfig, and select 'System Configuration'
2. On the 'General' tab, select 'Selective Startup'
3. Deselect 'Load startup Items'
4. Reboot your PC

If the crashes no longer occur after performing the Selective Startup, try re‑introducing your programs one‑by‑one to determine which is causing your crashes. 

1. Navigate to Steam\steamapps\common\Warhammer 40,000 DARKTIDE\launcher
2. Delete gpu_detection.dll
3. Launch Darktide via Steam as normal

1. Navigate to Steam\steamapps\common\Warhammer 40,000 DARKTIDE\launcher
2. Delete GPUDetection.exe
3. Launch Darktide via Steam as normal