Since I got windows 11 my games crash when in load screens very often and when I click to kill the crashing application it freezes my whole computer so bad i have to hold the power button to shut down

Experiencing Frequent Game Crashes and System Freezes After Upgrading to Windows 11: A Troubleshooting Guide

Upgrading to a new operating system can often introduce unforeseen compatibility issues, especially with gaming hardware and software. Recently, many users have reported encountering persistent crashes and system freezes when running games on Windows 11, particularly during load screens. If you are facing similar issues, you’re not alone. Here, we explore common causes and potential solutions to resolve these challenges.

User Scenario

A gamer with a robust system setup—featuring a Radeon RX 6800XT graphics card, Intel i7 10700KF processor, and 16GB of RAM—upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Since the upgrade, they have experienced frequent crashes during game load screens. Notably, attempting to terminate a crashing application often results in the entire system freezing, requiring a forced shutdown via the power button. This problematic behavior affects both demanding titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 and less resource-intensive games such as RimWorld, a stark contrast to the smooth performance experienced under Windows 10.

Common Causes of Gaming Issues Post-Windows 11 Upgrade

1. Graphics Driver Incompatibilities: The transition to Windows 11 may expose or exacerbate issues with outdated or incompatible graphics drivers.
2. System Compatibility and Updates: Missing Windows updates or incompatible hardware drivers can cause instability.
3. Game Software Compatibility: Some titles may not yet be fully optimized or compatible with Windows 11.
4. Background Processes and System Settings: Conflicting background applications or system settings can interfere with game stability.

Recommended Troubleshooting Steps

1. Update Graphics Drivers
   Visit AMD’s official website or use their Radeon Software to download and install the latest drivers compatible with Windows 11 for your RX 6800XT. Ensuring you have the most recent driver can resolve many compatibility and stability issues.

2. Perform Windows System Updates
   Navigate to Settings > Windows Update and install all available updates. Microsoft frequently releases patches that improve compatibility and resolve known issues.

3. Verify Game Files and Compatibility Settings
   Use platform launchers (e.g., Steam) to verify game integrity. Additionally, try running games in compatibility mode or with administrator privileges to bypass potential permission issues.

4. Adjust Graphics and Power Settings

5. Set your graphics settings to a stable baseline, reducing workload during load screens.