If Civ 7 won’t launch, verify files, update graphics drivers, and run the DirectX 12 exe to start Civilization VII without a crash.
You click Play and nothing happens, or the splash screen blinks and drops you back to desktop. This guide gives you fast steps that solve the most common launch hangs for Civilization VII on Windows. Start at the top, work down, and you’ll narrow the cause in minutes.
Civ 7 Won’t Launch: Fast Fix Checklist
Most launch blocks fall into a short list: missing files, mixed DirectX, old drivers, overlays, or a permission snag. Use this table to match the symptom with a fix.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Steam says “Running,” then stops | Corrupt or missing files | Run Steam “Verify integrity of game files” |
| Black screen, audio stops | GPU driver crash | Clean-install the latest GPU driver |
| Crash after anti-cheat splash | Blocked by security tool | Add Civ 7 folder to AV allow-list |
| Instant crash on Play | Wrong exe or flags | Run Civilization7_DX12.exe directly |
| “DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_REMOVED” | Driver timeout | Set a lower graphics preset on first boot |
| Loads to logo then quits | Overlay conflict | Disable GeForce/AMD/Discord overlays |
| Hangs after mod screen | Broken mod cache | Clear mods and cache, relaunch vanilla |
Start With The Proven Basics
Power Cycle And Update
Reboot the PC, then restart Steam. Windows keeps handles open after long sessions; a simple restart clears that. Next, install pending Windows updates and GPU drivers from Nvidia, AMD, or Intel. Pick “clean install” so older profiles don’t linger.
Verify Game Files In Steam
File drift happens after patches, driver crashes, or a shaky download. In Steam, open Properties → Installed Files → Verify. Steam scans hashes and redownloads anything off. This fix cures many “Running then nothing” cases.
Launch The DirectX 12 Executable
Open the install folder from Steam’s Installed Files → Browse and run Civilization7_DX12.exe. DX12 is the game’s baseline path on most rigs. If you set command line flags in Steam, clear them for this test.
Rule Out Conflicts
Turn Off Overlays And Recorders
Overlays hook the GPU swap chain and can break first launch. Turn off GeForce Experience in-game overlay, Radeon overlay, Xbox Game Bar, Discord overlay, MSI Afterburner OSD, and similar tools. Keep capture apps closed for the first boot.
Run As Admin And Allow Through Security Apps
Right-click the exe and pick Run as administrator. If that works, add the Civ 7 folder to your antivirus allow-list and Windows Controlled Folder Access. Real-time scanners can sandbox new exe builds until you whitelist them.
Clean Start: Drivers, Cache, And Mods
Do A Clean Driver Install
Install the newest driver with the clean option. That resets caches and odd flags. Drop any GPU overclock while testing.
Clear The Game Cache
Delete the Civ 7 cache and logs in Documents, then relaunch. The game rebuilds them and skips bad entries.
Remove Mods For The First Boot
Move workshop and manual mods out. Launch clean once to build a fresh config, then add mods back in batches.
Match Your PC To The Game
Check System Specs
Civ 7 targets 64-bit Windows with DX12. If you sit under the minimum CPU, RAM, or GPU tier, the game can stall before the menu. If your storage is near full, clear space so shader caches and saves can write.
Pick Safe First-Run Settings
Use 1080p windowed, low preset, and V-Sync on for the first boot. After the menu appears, raise settings step by step.
Make Steam Help You
Repair The Install
Run a verify pass after a crash or patch. Steam fetches only what’s missing.
Test Without The Launcher
Bypass any launcher by running the exe from the folder. Add a desktop shortcut for quicker tests.
Turn Off Beta Branches
Opt out of test branches in Properties → Betas. Preview builds can mis-match drivers.
Fix PC Settings That Block Launch
These Windows switches and app flags stop a lot of games from opening. Set them like this while you troubleshoot.
| Setting | Where To Change | Set This |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled Folder Access | Windows Security → Ransomware protection | Allow the Civ 7 exe and Steam |
| Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling | Settings → System → Display → Graphics | Off for testing |
| Resizable BAR / SAM | Motherboard BIOS or GPU tool | Off for testing |
| Game Mode | Settings → Gaming | On |
| Overlay toggles | GeForce/Adrenalin/Discord | Off |
| Windowed Optimizations | Exe → Properties → Compatibility | Disable for the test |
DirectX Paths, Codecs, And Runtimes
Stick To DX12
Civ 7 is built for DX12. Don’t force DX11 with wrappers. Keep capture tools off until the menu appears.
Repair Visual C++ And .NET
Open Apps → Installed Apps and repair Visual C++. Install pending .NET updates. Bad runtimes can block many games.
When You See A Specific Error
“Access Denied” Or “Write Failed”
Install to a normal folder. Add Steam and Civ 7 to allow-lists. Leave room for temp files.
“DXGI Device Removed”
Drop clocks to stock, turn on V-Sync, and use a lower preset. If it still trips, clean-install the GPU driver.
“Missing DLL”
Verify files, then repair Visual C++. Skip random DLL sites; use official installers.
Extra Steps That Clear Stubborn Cases
Create A Fresh Windows User Profile
A new local account gives you a clean sandbox. Install Steam, log in, and try a stock launch there.
Clean Boot The System
Use msconfig, hide Microsoft services, disable the rest, and restart. If the game boots, re-enable groups to find the blocker.
Reinstall DirectX Components
Run the DirectX web installer to refresh legacy bits that some middleware still calls.
When The Fix Relates To The Game Itself
Patch Notes And Known Issues
Check patch notes and known issues. If a crash matches a listed bug, wait for the hotfix or switch branches when posted.
Send Useful Crash Data
Include steps to reproduce, a zip with dxdiag and msinfo32, and the game’s logs. Add a save that triggers the crash.
Two Links That Help Most Players
Use the official guides while you work through this checklist. The steps match the fixes above and give platform-specific menus:
- Civilization VII troubleshooting from 2K Support.
- Steam verify integrity of game files with full steps.
Troubleshooting Flow To Save Time
Five Steps That Solve Most Cases
- Reboot Windows and update your GPU driver with a clean install.
- Disable overlays and run
Civilization7_DX12.exeas admin once. - Verify files in Steam and retest with stock settings.
- Clear the cache, remove mods, and test a plain launch.
- Clean boot the PC to catch a service conflict.
When To Reinstall
Reinstall only after a clean boot and a full verify still fail. Pick a fresh folder or drive.
Extra PC Checks That People Miss
Free Space And Path Length
Leave at least 15–20 GB free on the drive that holds Windows and the game. Keep the install path short, like C:\Games\Civ7.
Time, Region, And Offline Mode
Set the correct date and time in Windows. Turn off VPNs while testing. If Steam sits in Offline Mode, switch to Online once so the launcher can fetch first-run files.
Controller And Input Quirks
Unplug non-standard controllers and flight gear during the first launch. In Steam, set the game to use the default controller layout.
Final Notes
After the menu appears, raise settings slowly, bring overlays back one by one, and add mods in small sets so you can spot any return of the crash.