How To Fix Overwatch 2 Keeps Crashing [2024]

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. Overwatch 2 can keep crashing for several reasons, such as corrupt game files, incorrect video settings, and firewall restrictions.

However, a couple of methods, such as turning off Windows Defender, disabling third-party apps, and many more fixes, can help you solve the issue in minutes. Let’s explore them one by one.

The error message displays the text “Your rendering device has been lost! Application closing!“.
overwatch 2 crashing - “your rendering device has been lost! application closing!” I play the game and within 5 minutes the screen freezes, turns black, and I get this popup where the
Overwatch 2 error (image by eXputer)
Key Takeaways

Here are a few fixes you can take a look at to keep Overwatch 2 from crashing:

  1. Allow OW2 Through Windows Defender Firewall.
  2. Disabling fullscreen optimization.
  3. Disabling third-party Peripheral Applications.
  4. Finding and removing Razer Chroma Sdk.Dll file.
  5. Keeping Overwatch 2 graphics preference set to high.
  6. Turning off Game Mode.
  7. Use The Battle.Net Special Command.
  8. Set Overwatch 2 Priority To Realtime.

Allow Overwatch 2 Through The 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.

The firewall might mistakenly block legitimate connections a game needs to communicate with its servers. This can lead to connection issues and reduced functionality of your game Overwatch 2.

So, I suggest simply allowing Overwatch 2 through the firewall to lift any restrictions. In addition to the firewall, you should also try whitelisting the game’s installation folder in Windows Defender for safe measures.

Disable Fullscreen Optimization

Fullscreen Optimization is meant to improve the game’s performance in fullscreen mode. However, it can sometimes do more harm than good, as some users report experiencing increased input lag with FSO enabled, especially in fast-paced games such as Overwatch.

This can feel like a disconnect between your inputs and the on-screen action. Which eventually leads to crashing the game. I managed to fix the issue by disabling the fullscreen optimization. The same method was also used to solve other gamers’ issues. 

Disable Third-Party Peripheral Applications

Suppose you have third-party peripheral applications installed, like the Razer Synapse or Logitech Options. In that case, you must disable them while playing the game, as they will interfere with your gaming interface. Not all games are compatible with third-party software like Synapse. 

Sometimes, using third-party peripherals might cause glitches or crashes in certain games. Synapse and other background programs can use up system resources, which can cause some games to perform a little bit worse or have a minor drop in frame rate.

To do this, you must disable these applications and use your device’s onboard memory for configurations. You can launch them back up once you’re done with the game session.

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. 

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Go to File Explorer > Open the Windows drive (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 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 it is because of the Game Mode, as the game mode protects the game from properly running.

Game Mode prioritizes CPU and GPU resources for games, which can sometimes conflict with background tasks or other programs, leading to errors, crashes, or performance issues.

So, I suggest turning it off to see if that solves the issue:

  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) 

Use The Battle.Net Special Command

This next method involves using a specific command in the Battle.Net App. This command can help refresh the game’s servers and prevent further crashing. Don’t worry; this won’t affect the game’s settings.

Here’s what you need to do:

  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.

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 and the better it will run. It will also stop crashing.

This is how you set the priority to Realtime:

  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) 

Final Thoughts

The Overwatch 2 crashing issue has been quite widespread as far as I’ve observed and experienced it. There are tons of reports on internet forums, including Blizzard, Steam, Microsoft, LinusTechTips, and AMD.

Blizzard Customer Support has acknowledged this issue in Overwatch 2 and put out this Twitter post directing players toward official support articles containing helpful fixes. 

There are separate support articles for Overwatch 2 lockups and crashing, as well as startup issues. Two separate articles indicate how bad the issue is. 

A user on Twitter directly asked Blizzard if the crash was fixed, and they replied that their still in the process of fixing it. So, 

So, all signs indicate that the crash is still an active issue among the Overwatch 2 community. However, judging by the responses of Blizzard CS, I’m fairly hopeful they’ll be pushing an official update soon to fix it.

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 do you fix the 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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Ayyoun is a Senior Writer & Editor for Error Fixes, and Game Settings guides on eXputer. He’s been passionate about games and technology since he got his hands on the PlayStation 1. He has a software engineering background and loves to play games from a technical perspective. He has a knack for uncovering solutions for the latest games and presenting them in easy-to-follow guides for his audience. You can keep up with his gaming activity on his Steam profile.

Experience: 7+ years || Worked For VeryAli Gaming and IGN || Education: B.S Software Engineering, Editing Mastery from Udemy.

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