How To Fix Overwatch 2 Keeps Crashing [2023]

We explain how to solve the issue by turning off Windows Defender Firewall, disabling fullscreen optimization, repairing game files, and more!

If Overwatch 2 keeps crashing for you, you’re not alone. Plenty of other players face the same issue, which isn’t due to a single reason. However, a couple of methods can help you solve the issue in a matter of minutes. Let’s explore them one by one.

Key Takeaways
  • Overwatch 2 can keep crashing for several reasons, such as corrupt game files, incorrect video settings, and firewall restrictions.
  • The issue can occur when you launch the game or randomly occur during a match. 

  • You can fix Overwatch 2 crashing issues by applying the following fixes:
    • Turning off Windows Defender Firewall.
    • Disabling fullscreen optimization.
    • Disabling third-party peripheral applications.
    • Finding and removing Razer Chroma Sdk.Dll file.
    • Keeping Overwatch 2 graphics preference set to high.
    • Turning off Game Mode.
    • Repairing the game files.
    • Using a specific command.
    • Closing unnecessary applications in the Task Manager and setting the game’s priority to real-time.
    • Adjusting in-game settings

How To Fix Overwatch 2 Crashing Issue

Before you try troubleshooting the issue using the methods mentioned in this guide, we recommend restarting your PC and seeing if that fixes the issue. Sometimes, a bug or glitch causes Overwatch 2 crashing issue on the PC issue, which usually goes away after a quick restart. But if the problem still exists, waste no time moving on to the methods mentioned below.

Overwatch 2 Crashing
Overwatch 2 Crashing. Image Credits (eXputer) 

Turn Off Windows Defender Firewall

The Windows Defender Firewall is excellent for keeping your PC safe from threats. However, it can sometimes interfere with your applications and cause them to crash. Therefore, you must try disabling it to see if it prevents Overwatch 2 from crashing.

  1. Type ‘Windows Defender Firewall‘ in the search bar and open it.
  2. Next, click on ‘Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.’
    Turn Off Firewall
    Turn Off the Firewall. Image Credits (eXputer) 
  3. Check the circle next to ‘Turn off Windows Defender Firewall.’ Do this for both Private and Public network settings.
    Turn off Windows Defender Firewall
    Turn Off Windows Defender Firewall. Image Credits (eXputer) 
  4. Restart your PC.

It is important to remember that keeping the Windows Defender Firewall turned off for a long period of time can put your PC at great risk. Therefore, make sure to turn it on as soon as you are done playing the game. 

Disable Fullscreen Optimization

Fullscreen Optimization is meant to improve the game’s performance when running it in fullscreen mode. However, it can sometimes do more harm than good, which eventually leads to crashing the game. We managed to fix the issue by disabling the fullscreen optimization, and you can do it by following these steps:

  1. Go to your Desktop and right-click on Overwatch 2’s icon to open its file location.
  2. Now, right-click on Overwatch.exe and select ‘Properties.’
  3. Access the ‘Compatibility‘ tab and check the box next to ‘Disable fullscreen optimizations.’
    Disable Fullscreen Optimization
    Disable Fullscreen Optimization. Image Credits (eXputer) 
  4. Click on ‘Apply’ and ‘OK.’ 

The same method was also used to solve Cyberpunk 2077 crashing issues. 

Disable Third-Party Peripherals Applications

If you have third-party peripheral applications installed, like the Razer Synapse or Logitech Options, you will need to disable them while playing the game. To do this, you must follow these steps:

  1. Click on the arrow pointing above, which is located on the left side of the taskbar, to open the System Tray.
  2. Now, right-click on the icon of the applications and select ‘Exit.’ 
    Exit Razer Synapse
    Exit Razer Synapse. Image Credits (eXputer) 
  3. Once done, restart your PC and launch Overwatch 2 again.

Delete Razer Chroma Sdk.Dll File

If you have Razer Chroma installed, a file linked to it can cause Overwatch 2 to crash. To fix the issue, you need to delete it. Don’t worry; deleting it won’t prevent the game or Razer Chroma from functioning properly. 

  1. Go to File Explorer and open the drive on which you have Windows installed. In most cases, it is Local Disk C.
  2. Now, open the ‘Windows’ folder and go to ‘System 32.’ 
    System 32 Folder
    System 32 Folder. Image Credits (eXputer) 
  3. Next, type ‘rzchromasdk64.dll‘ in the search bar to locate it.
    System 32
    Search for the file. Image Credits (eXputer) 
  4. Right-click on the file and delete it.

Keep Overwatch 2 Graphics Preference Set To High 

You need to ensure that the graphics preference for the game is set to high. This can be done quickly from the system settings.

  1. Type ‘Graphics Settings‘ in the Windows Search Bar and open them.
  2. Next, search for Overwatch 2, click on its icon, and then select ‘Options.’
  3. Select ‘High Performance‘ and close the settings.
    High Performance
    High Performance. Image Credits (eXputer) 

Keep Windows Game Mode Off

The Windows Game Mode is an excellent feature designed by Microsoft meant to improve your gaming experience by turning things off in the background. However, if Overwatch 2 keeps crashing mid-game, chances are that it is because of the Game Mode. Therefore, turning it off would be better.

  1. Search for ‘Game Mode‘ and open ‘Game Mode Settings.’
  2. Then, click on the toggle button next to Game Mode to turn it off.
    Game Mode off
    Game Mode is off (Image Credits eXputer) 

Repair Game Files

If Overwatch 2 files have gone corrupt, the game will keep crashing no matter what you do. Thankfully, instead of reinstalling the game, you can use the repair feature in Battle.Net App. 

  1. Launch the Battle.Net App on your PC and log in to your account.
  2. Go to Overwatch 2 and click on the gear icon next to the Play button.
  3. Next, select ‘Scan and Repair‘ and then click on Begin Scan.
    Scan and Repair
    Scan and Repair. Image Credits (eXputer) 

The launcher will then add the missing game files and replace the corrupt ones. Remember that the files can take several minutes to repair, so stay patient. Once the scan is complete, an ‘Update’ button will appear instead of the Play button. Click on it to finish the process.

Use A Command 

This next method involves using a specific command in the Battle.Net App. Don’t worry; this won’t mess with any of the game’s settings.

  1. Open the Battle.Net App and click on the gear icon once again.
  2. Click on ‘Settings’ and then access ‘Game Settings.’
  3. Next, check the box next to ‘Additional command line arguments and then enter the following command in the box:
    –tank_WorkerThreadCount 2 -d3d11 -threads 2

    Addtional command line arguments
    Add command. Image Credits (eXputer) 
  4. Click on Done and launch Overwatch 2 again.

Close Applications Form The Task Bar

While playing the game, you must ensure that unnecessary applications are not running in the background. This can prevent the system from properly assigning resources to Overwatch 2 for it to work smoothly. We also recommend doing this in case you face Valorant error code 5

  1. Open the Task Manager.
  2. Go to the ‘Processes‘ tab.
  3. Find and close all unnecessary applications, such as Xbox Game Bar, Spotify, and more.
    Close Unnecessary Applications
    Close Unnecessary Applications. Image Credits (eXputer) 

Set Overwatch 2 Priority To Realtime In Task Manager

Task Manager allows you to set the priority of different applications. The higher the priority of the application, the more important it will be in the system’s eyes. 

  1. Open Task Manager and click on the arrow next to ‘Overwatch Application.’
  2. Then, right-click on Overwatch and select ‘Go to details.’
  3. Scroll down and right-click on ‘Overwatch.exe.’
  4. Hover the cursor over ‘Set priority‘ and select ‘Realtime.’
    Set Priority To Realtime
    Set Priority To Realtime. Image Credits (eXputer) 

Adjust In-Game Video Settings

Adjusting the in-game video settings can also help with solving the crash issues. For this, you must go to the Video settings in Overwatch 2 and disable ‘Dynamic Render Scale.’ Then, you must set the Display Mode to ‘Fullscreen‘ and keep Nvidia Reflex set to ‘Enabled.’

Video Settings
Video Settings. Image Credits (eXputer) 

Final Words

We understand that it can get pretty frustrating if Overwatch 2 keeps crashing. The issue can prevent you from enjoying the game, as it crashes after every few minutes. However, after following the methods in our guide, you can fix the issue quickly. You should also ensure that your graphics drivers are up to date, as outdated drivers can also cause crash issues. Of course, if nothing is working, try contacting Blizzard Support

FAQS

Why does Overwatch 2 keep crashing?

Overwatch 2 can crash due to corrupt game files, interference from the Windows Firewall, and incorrect video settings.

How to fix Overwatch 2 crashing issue?

To fix the issue, you must repair the game files, turn off Windows Defender Firewall, adjust in-game video settings, or set the game’s priority to real-time in Task Manager.

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Haider Khan


Haider Khan is our resident error guides writer who loves to tinker around with operating systems and game files to find practical solutions to video game issues. He then crafts easy-to-follow error fix guides based on his findings for his audience on eXputer. With years of experience writing for games, his knowledge about error fixes and research on errors is reflected in his guides. He’s also a Battlefield veteran who likes to rack up some Ws in his spare time. Experience: 3+ Years || Education: Bachelor's in Journalism || Successfully Troubleshot Over 200 Games || Mainly Covers Error Fix & Game Settings 

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