6 Ways to Fix Red Dead Redemption Not Launching on Windows PCs

Rockstar released Red Dead Redemption 1 for Windows PCs in 2024. Yet, some players have reported they can’t get the RDR1 game started on their PCs because of variable startup issues. Players have reported that Red Dead Redemption throws up variable error messages when they try to start it. For example, a player said this, “I haven’t been able to play RDR1 for over a week now because of this error. ‘Unable to launch game.‘” This is how you can fix Red Dead Redemption not launching on Windows PCs.

Set Red Dead Redemption to Run With Admin Rights

Setting RDR1 to start with admin rights has worked for some players who’ve needed to fix Red Dead Redemption not launching. Selecting Run as administrator will give Red Dead Redemption elevated privileges. These are steps for setting Red Dead Redemption to run with admin rights.

1. Open Steam’s Library tab and right-click Red Dead Redemption to select Manage > Browse Local Files. If you’re an Epic user, open the Library tab in the EG client and click the three-dot button for Red Dead Redemption to select Manage > Open Install Location.
2. Next, click the PlayRDR.exe file to select Properties.
3. Go to the Compatibility tab and select Run this program as administrator there.
4. Select Apply > OK to save the admin setting and exit the window.

Set Red Dead Redemption to Run in Compatibility Mode

Running RDR1 in compatibility mode is another way to fix Red Dead Redemption not launching, which players confirm can work. Compatibility mode emulates older Windows platforms for running games when enabled. You can run Red Dead Redemption in compatibility mode like this:

1. Go through steps one and two of the previous resolution to reach the Compatibility tab.
2. Click the checkbox for Run this program in compatibility mode to select that option.
3. Select Windows 7 in the drop-down menu for the compatibility mode option.
   
   

   The Compatibility tab

4. Then, press Apply and OK to finish.

Close MSI Afterburner

Players confirm MSI Afterburner can cause Red Dead Redemption startup crashes. So, closing MSI Afterburner might fix Red Dead Redemption not launching on your PC if you’ve installed that software. Try closing MSI Afterburner before starting RDR1 as follows:

1. First, check the system tray area of the Windows taskbar. Right-click any MSI Afterburner icon in the system tray area and select a context menu to close it from there.
2. Right-click the Start menu button and select a Task Manager option.
3. Next, right-click MSI Afterburner in the Processes tab and select End task.

The End task option

Verify the Red Dead Redemption Files

Corrupted RDR1 files can cause Red Dead Redemption to crash at launch. To remedy that possible cause, run a Steam or Epic Games verification scan for Red Dead Redemption. These Epic Games and Steam help pages include instructions for selecting their Verify integrity options.

The Verify integrity of game files option

Disable Background Apps by Clean Booting

MSI Afterburner is one app that can conflict with Red Dead Redemption, but there might be more. One way to prevent apps from conflicting with games is to apply the clean boot troubleshooting method, which disables third-party startup programs and services. This Microsoft help page has step-by-step instructions for applying the clean boot troubleshooting method.

The System Configuration tool

Disable Intel HD Graphics Cards

Another more widely confirmed way to fix Red Dead Redemption not launching is to disable Intel HD graphics cards. This potential fix is primarily applicable for PCs with two GPUs that include Intel HD graphics cards alongside dedicated AMD or NVIDIA alternatives. It’s a troubleshooting method especially recommended for fixing RDR1 Access Violation startup errors. You can disable Intel HD graphics cards like this:

1. To open Device Manager, right-click the button for the Start menu and select its shortcut from the menu that appears.
2. Next, expand the category for GPUs by double-clicking Display adapters.
3. Then, right-click Intel HD Graphics and select Disable device.
   
   

   The Device Manager window

4. Select Yes to give your confirmation.

Other Possible Ways to Fix Red Dead Redemption Not Launching

Try applying the possible fixes for Red Dead Redemption not starting above first. If RDR1 still doesn’t launch, these additional suggestions might be worth trying.

1. Update the graphics card driver for your PC as instructed in this KeenGamer post.
2. Turn off enabled overlays in software like Steam, GeForce Experience, and Discord.
3. Try setting alternative -dx11 or -dx12 launch options for Red Dead Redemption in Steam.
4. Add the PlayRDR.exe file for Red Dead Redemption to your firewall’s allowed list.
5. Add the Red Dead Redemption game to antivirus exclusion lists.

I hope one of those ways to fix Red Dead Redemption not launching kick-starts RDR1 on your PC. There are troubleshooting methods that users confirm can resolve variable RDR1 startup issues. You can also ask the game’s help service for other ways to fix RDR1 not starting by clicking Submit a Request on this Rockstar support page.

Best Guides for Red Dead Redemption

Next-Gen Upgrade: Why the PS5, Xbox Series X/S & Switch 2 Version Is Worth It

New Ports are a Shameless Cash Grab

Rockstar Insider Claims GTA IV remaster was scrapped

can soon be played on PC

PC Fans rally to bring Red Dead Redemption 2 to PC

2 scheduled for fall 2017 release

Take Two Registers Red Dead Online Websites

Rockstar continue to tease Read Dead Sequel with new image

A New Red Dead Redemption? Check it out!