How To Fix Death Stranding Not Launching In Windows 10?

One of the most awaited games on Windows 10 PC is the Death Stranding which had launched on PS4 on 8^th November 2019. It is designed by the legendary game designer, Hideo Kojima of Metal Gear Solid fame. Since Death Stranding PS4 was finally launched For Windows 10 PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, PC games have been rushing to play this fantastic game, but most of them are facing the Death Stranding not launching issue. This guide will help to resolve the issue:

Steps On How To Fix Death Stranding Not Launching In Windows 10?

After the positive reviews on Steam, there are almost 40,000 gamers who have been playing Death Stranding Regularly, and this number can increase after some of the major issues are fixed. One of the most critical issues is that of Death Stranding not launching in the computer which can be resolved by one of the following methods described below. You need not follow all of them and try to check launching the game after each method.

Method 1: Download And Install Visual C++ files

There are certain system files required to run Death Stranding which can be download from the Microsoft official link provided below. These files can provide the necessary support to run Death Stranding on your PC.

Visual Studio 2015, 2017 and 2019

Method 2: Verify Game Files Of Death Stranding On Steam

Death Stranding has a lot of files installed on your computer, and if the files are not correctly installed, then this can cause various issues with launching and running the game on your system. To verify the game files and check if they are properly installed, follow these steps:

Step 1: Make a right-click on Death Stranding game name in your Steam library.

Step 2: Now, choose the Properties option and locate the Local Files tab.

Step 3: Once you are in the Local File Tab, click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.

Method 3: Remove The Cache Files

Every game stores certain files on the local disk which includes cache files and temporary files. It is important to delete these unwanted files not only to free hard disk space but also to ensure that the game is running smoothly. These cache files are frequently written each time you play the game and depending on the sectors of your hard drive, and the time you have been using it, these files can get corrupted due to being rewritten every day. Some of the issues with Death Stranding can be resolved by deleting the cache files by following these steps:

Step 1: Exit the game and the Steam application.

Step 2: Press two keys: Windows Key + R to launch the Run dialog box and type %ProgramData% and hit Enter.

Step 3: A box will launch up with many folders where you have to select and then open the Death Stranding folder.

Step 4:  Remove all files and folders apart from the LocalContent folder.

Step 5: Now, Hold the Windows Key + R keys again, type %AppData% and Hit Enter.

Step 6: Remove the complete Death Stranding folder.

Step 7: Next, search for the AppData in the address bar on the top and click once.

Step 8: A few folders in one parent folder will be listed where you have to choose Local and open it.

Step 9: Remove the complete Death Stranding folder from here.

Step 10: Reboot the PC and try to launch the Death Stranding game.

Method 4: Execute Death Stranding In Admin Mode

The Administrator Mode allows programs to run with full privileges and permissions. The app run in Admin mode also has access to all system files and can use any resources in the computer. To launch Death Stranding in admin mode and fix the issue, follow these steps:

Step 1: Make a right-click on the icon of the game and select “Run as Administrator.”

Step 2: Click on “Yes” on prompt notifications that appear.

Step 3: Now check if you can launch Death Stranding on your PC.

Method 5: Update Drivers

One of the most important fixes to resolve most of the issues with Death Stranding on your PC is to update all drivers, especially the ones with Graphics Processing Unit or GPU for short. Drivers are small programs that help establish communication between the software like your Game and Hardware like your Graphics card. To update your drivers, you can follow any one of the three options:

Option 1: Visit The OEM Website.

Generally, your computer might have one of the three graphic cards installed. If you have a fourth one, then you can visit the official website for that card. The most commonly used are Intel, AMD and NVIDIA. Click on the link below to visit the official website and enter your graphic card model number to download the latest driver.

Intel

AMD

NVIDIA

Option 2: Try Using The Device Manager.

The second option to update drivers is to use the in-built Windows tool known as Device Manager. There is one limitation with Device Manager as it does not check for updated drivers on OEM websites and limits its search to Microsoft Servers. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Press and hold Windows + R to launch the Run window and then type “devmgmt.msc” in the text space and hit Enter.

Step 2: In the Device Manager window, select on Display Adapters.

Step 3: Right-Click on the Graphics card installed on your system, select “Update Driver.”

The Device Manager will help to locate the latest driver from the Microsoft Servers, and if you find that the there are no updates, then you can use the third option which is very easy and convenient as compared to others.

Option 3: Install Driver Updater Software

The easiest way to update your drivers is to install a Driver Updater Software which will scan and fix all your drivers within two clicks. The first click would be required to initiate a scan and the second to fix driver issues like updating outdated drivers, fixing corrupted drivers and installing missing drivers. There are no limitations in using such applications. Although there are many in the market today, I suggest using Smart Driver Care, which is a perfect tool for updating drivers and applications as well to the latest version.

Using this application does not require the user from visiting any website, performing any troubleshooting or installation steps and even there is no need to know the model number and version of the hardware installed in your system. The steps to use Smart Driver Care are:

Step 1. Download the SDC by clicking on the link below:

Step 2. Install the app by launching the downloaded file and following the on-screen instructions.

Step 3. Register the application using the product key received in your email after purchase.

Step 4. Click on the Start Scan Now Button

Step 5. A list of issues will be displayed, and you will have to click on the Update Now button.

Method 6: Update Your Windows 10 Operating System

Updating Windows operating system is a common troubleshooting step for most issues. This helps to ensure the smooth functioning of your system with enhanced performance. Here are the steps to update Windows 10:

Step 1: Press and hold the Windows + I to launch the Windows Settings and select Update and Security.

Step 2: Press on the Button labelled as “Check for Updates,” and Windows 10 will automatically download any new updates and install them.

Reboot the system and open the Death Stranding Game to observe if the issue exists.

Method 7: Add An Exception In Your Antivirus

Sometimes the Antivirus installed in your system does not recognize between potentially harmful software and normal application and tries to block those apps like games which consume heavy resources. The only solution is to add an exception in your Antivirus which will leave the Death Stranding and its processes, Services and Folders out of the Antivirus’ reach.

For Example, I have used my Antivirus to add an exception of the Notepad++ on my computer, as shown above. Different Antivirus programs provide this very option but have a different way of adding an exception. Once the game has been added, it will not pose any challenge and will function properly.

The Final Word On How To Fix Death Stranding Not Launching In Windows 10?

The above methods will fix the issue of Death Stranding not Launching on Windows 10 PC. If you are still facing problems, then you can visit the official 505 Games forums, and post your issue. Also do write to us if your issue is fixed and also tell us which resolution worked for you.

Follow us on social media – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. For any queries or suggestions, please let us know in the comments section below. We would love to get back to you with a solution. We post regularly on the tips and tricks along with solutions to common issues related to technology.