How to Run Games

Important: before you get any game, check that your computer meets its minimum requirements. Then follow these steps in order if a game will not start, crashes, or shows an error.

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1. Check the system requirements

Open the game page and compare the System Requirements box with your PC. You need a 64-bit version of Windows, enough RAM, a supported graphics card and enough free disk space. Keep about 10% extra space free for saves and updates.

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2. Use a download manager for big files

Large files downloaded straight through a browser can sometimes break halfway and end up corrupted. A download manager such as Free Download Manager (free, from its official site) can pause, resume and check big downloads. If you already have your files, that is fine; just use one for future downloads.

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3. Extract the files properly

Use an up-to-date version of 7-Zip or WinRAR. Create one folder for all your games, for example C:\Games, and extract each game into its own folder inside it. Keep the path short and without special characters, and never run a game from inside the archive.

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4. Install the runtimes from the _CommonRedist folder

Many games ship with a _CommonRedist (or Redist) folder. Right-click each installer in it and choose Run as administrator. Common ones are:

  • dxwebsetup.exe: DirectX runtime
  • oalinst.exe: OpenAL audio
  • vcredist x64 and x86: Microsoft Visual C++ runtimes (install both)
  • xnafx40_redist.msi: XNA Framework, used by some older games

If a game still says a file such as MSVCP140.dll or VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing, install the latest runtimes straight from Microsoft:

Restart your PC after installing them.

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5. Update your graphics driver

The best way is to download the newest driver from your graphics card maker: NVIDIA, AMD or Intel. You can also use Windows:

  1. Search for Device Manager in the Start menu and open it.
  2. Expand Display adapters.
  3. Right-click each item, choose Update driver, then Search automatically for drivers.

Windows will install a newer driver if one exists, or tell you that you already have the best one.

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6. Find the right .exe and run it as administrator

Right-click the game’s .exe file and choose Run as administrator. Some games keep the .exe in a subfolder such as Binaries\Win64. If you cannot find it, type .exe in the search box of the game folder. If there is more than one, try the one with the game’s name first.

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7. The game crashes or shows a black screen

Try these one at a time:

  • Close overlays and recording apps (Discord overlay, GeForce Experience, MSI Afterburner).
  • Lower the graphics settings or switch to windowed mode.
  • If you have two graphics cards, set the game to use the dedicated one in Windows Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
  • Make sure Windows is fully updated.
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8. Keep your PC safe

Keep Windows Security turned on and only open files you trust. If your antivirus warns about a file, do not ignore it: delete the file and get the game from its official store instead. Never enter passwords or payment details to “unlock” a game.

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Still not working?

Read the other answers on our FAQ page. If the problem continues, contact us with the game name, your Windows version and the exact error message.

Still need help? Contact us and tell us the game name and what went wrong.