How to Fix Dota 2 Not Launching Issue on Windows 10?

If you love playing Dota 2 and are facing issues while playing like crashing, launching errors, stuttering and lag, then this guide will help you fix these issues with Dota 2. The most common of these is the Dota 2 not launching in Windows 10 error which has troubled gamers across the globe. Here is a list of troubleshooting to fix Dota 2 issues as recommended by experts on various gaming forums.

Different Methods on How To Fix Dota 2 Not Launching Issue on Windows 10?

Method 1: Check Game Files

Any game installed on your PC works flawlessly only if the files stored on your hard disk are in proper condition. Thus, if you are facing Dota 2 not launching in Windows 10 issues, then the first step you must follow is to verify the integrity of your game files. This can be done by using the following steps to fix any missing or corrupt files:

Step 1: Run the Steam Launcher.

Step 2: Now click on Library from the tab on the top.

Step 3: From the list of installed games displayed, choose Dota 2 and make a right-click.

Step 4: Choose Properties from the context menu.

Step 5: Now click on the Local Files tab and then click on Verify Integrity of Game Files option.

Step 6: Wait for the process to complete and relaunch your Steam launcher and check if the Dota 2 not launching issue has been resolved.

Method 2: Reinstall Game

Another step you can take is to reinstall the game. If the verification of game files does not work, then you can try to reinstall the game. Here are the steps to do that:

Step 1: Run Steam Launcher and click on Library.

Step 2: Locate Dota 2 and make a right-click followed by selecting Uninstall from the context menu.

Step 3: You will get a prompt where you will have to choose the Delete button.

Step 4: Next open the File Explorer on your computer by pressing Windows + E.

Step 5: Navigate to the following path or copy and paste the following path in the address bar of the File Explorer window and press Enter.

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common

Step 6: Locate the Dota 2 folder and press the Delete button on the button.

Step 7: Download and Install Dota 2 again from Steam and check if Dota 2 stuttering and not launching issues have been fixed.

Method 3: Disable Antivirus

Antivirus applications have now been updated to detect potential threats and other suspicious activities like resource-hogging etc. There is a possibility that the Antivirus you are using may block certain applications from launching or crashing in the middle of the game. To identify if the culprit is your Antivirus, try disabling it and then launch the game and check if the Dota 2 not launching issues have been fixed.

Method 4: Run Game as Administrator

Microsoft has inculcated an Administrator mode that helps users to run an app in an elevated mode, granting it all access to system resources and files. This helps to prevent crashing, stuttering, and other issues while playing a certain game. Here are the steps to Run Dota 2 as an Administrator and fix Dota 2 stuttering in Windows 10.

Step 1: Exit the Steam Launcher.

Step 2: Make a right-click on the Steam launcher icon and click on Properties from the context menu.

Step 3: Click on Compatibility Tab and check the box next to Run This Program As An Administrator.

Step 4: Click on Apply and then on OK.

Relaunch Steam and check if this Dota 2 lag fix has worked for you and the game can launch properly.

Method 5: Launch Game in Compatibility Mode

Dota 2 being an old game might have compatibility issues with certain updates in Windows 10 OS. The following steps will help you to run your game in compatibility mode:

Step 1: Exit Steam if running and right-click the icon to click on Properties.

Step 2: Now click on the Compatibility tab in the Properties window.

Step 3: Click the checkbox next to Run This Program In Compatibility Mode For and select Windows 7 from the dropdown list.

Step 4: Click on Apply and then on OK.

Step 5: Restart your PC and relaunch Dota 2 to check if all the issues have been fixed.

Method 6: Update Drivers

The final option remaining is a Dota 2 lag fix suggested by many experts is to update drivers. Drivers help establish a communication channel between the hardware and software. Hence it is important to keep your drivers updated at all times by using a driver updater application. The main driver, in this case, to be updated is the Graphics Driver which can be manually updated by downloading/installing drivers from the official graphic card website. Else you can opt for Advanced Driver Updater which will automatically scan, detect and update all the driver anomalies in your system. Here are the steps to use Advanced Driver Updater:

Step 1: Download and install Advanced Driver Updater from the link provided below:

Step 2: Launch the app and click on Start Scan Now Button.

Step 3: A list of driver issues will appear on your screen. Locate the Graphics driver first and click the Update Driver link next to it.

Step 4: Once the driver has been updated, restart your system and check if the DOTA 2 issue has been resolved.

The Final Word On How To Fix Dota 2 Not Launching Issue in Windows 10?

The Dota 2 not launching issue in windows 10 can be easily resolved by following the troubleshooting steps listed above. Many minor issues in your PC can be resolved just by updating all your drivers. This can be done by using the Advanced Driver Care which sorts all driver issues with a few mouse clicks. Once the drivers are updated to their latest versions, you can experience a smooth and flawless performance of your computer.