6 Ways You Can Fix Civilization 7 Not Launching on a Windows PC

Civilization 7 is the latest addition to the acclaimed Civ game series, which many players have reported doesn’t start on their PCs. One Reddit post reported Civ 7 not starting like this: “I purchased Civ 7 the other day and have been having a blast playing it until it suddenly stopped working this afternoon. Every time I boot the game up, it loads a black screen and crashes.” This is how you can fix Civilization 7 not launching on a Windows PC.

Repair or Install Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Libraries

Players have confirmed on Reddit that installing (or repairing) Visual C++ runtime libraries can fix Civilization 7 not launching. This means the game sometimes fails to launch because it’s missing the required Visual Studio components. You can apply this potential fix by repairing or installing 2015-2022 Visual C++ runtime libraries like this:

1. Open this page on Microsoft’s website.
2. Click on the X64 and X86 download links on that page for the 2015-2022 Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable versions.
   
   

   The Visual C++ download page

3. Next, open whatever folder (directory) contains the downloaded Visual C++ files.
4. Double-click the VC_redist.x64.exe file that you downloaded.
5. Select the checkbox with the I agree label. 
6. Click the Install or Repair option in the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 window.
   
   

   The Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 installer

7. Repeat the previous two steps for the 32-bit VC_redist.x86.exe file.
8. Restart Windows to finish applying this potential resolution.

Delete Cache Files for Civilization 7

Deleting cache files is a widely confirmed way to fix Civilization 7 not launching. Players’ Reddit posts confirm they kicked-started Civ 7 by erasing LegalDocument.cache and LegalChoice.cache files. This is how you can erase those cache files:

1. Simultaneously press the Windows logo button and the E keyboard key to access File Explorer.
2. Next, open this folder path in File Explorer: C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Firaxis Games\Sid Meier’s Civilization VII.
3. Right-click the LegalChoice.cache file to select Delete.
4. Then, right-click on LegalDocument.cache and select Delete.

Update Your GPU’s Graphics Drivers

It has been confirmed (by players) that updating GPU graphics drivers can sometimes fix Civilization 7 not launching. For example, AMD rolled out a driver update in February that extended GPU support for Civilization 7 and other games, which some players installed to kick-start Civ 7. So, try updating your graphics driver, with a method in our guide for installing GPU drivers.

The NVIDIA driver download page

Add an Antivirus Exception for Civilization 7

Another confirmed way to fix Civilization 7 not launching is to add the game to antivirus exclusion lists. If there isn’t a third-party security app on your PC, add the game’s installation folder to Windows Security’s antivirus exclusion list. This HUAWEI page provides step-by-step instructions for how to add programs to the exclusion list on any Windows 11/10 PC.

The Add an exclusion button

If there’s a third-party antivirus package on your PC, add the Civilization 7 game folder to its exclusion list. All antivirus apps incorporate exception lists for adding legitimate software exclusions. Look through your antivirus software’s settings tabs to find options for adding exclusions.

Set a Vulkan Launch Parameter

The DirectX 12 API can cause Civilization 7 startup issues for PCs that aren’t well optimized for it. Setting the game to start with Vulkan can address this possible cause. This is how you can set the Vulkan launch parameter with Steam and Epic Games:

Steam

1. Open Steam and click Library inside its tab bar.
2. Right-click Civilization 7 and select Properties.
   
   

   The -vulkan launch parameter

3. Input -vulkan within Steam’s launch options box.

Epic Games

1. Start Epic Games to select Library within that software.
2. Click the three-dot menu button for Civilization 7.
3. Select Manage on the menu.
4. Type in the -vulkan launch parameter inside the Launch Options text box.

Verify the Civilization 7 Files

Finally, verify your Civilization 7 game if none of the potential fixes above work for you. Applying a verification scan might repair corrupted game files that are causing startup issues. These Steam help and Epic support pages have instructions for verifying games with those gaming clients.

The Verify integrity option in Steam

Other Possible Ways to Fix Civilization 7 Not Launching on a Windows PC

Although the troubleshooting methods discussed above are more widely confirmed to work, there might be other ways you can fix Civilization 7 not launching. Try applying these possible fixes if Civ 7 still doesn’t start:

• Select to clear the Direct X Shader Cache via Storage in Settings.
• Set your Civilization 7 game to run in compatibility mode for Windows 8 or 7.
• Turn off overlays in software like Steam, Discord, and GeForce Experience.
• Install Windows update patches by going through the steps on this Microsoft page.

Many players have been able to fix Civilization 7 not launching by applying the troubleshooting methods above. This doesn’t mean they will certainly work for everybody, but applying them will probably kick-start Civ 7 for most players. If the game still doesn’t start, try sending a help ticket by clicking Submit a request button on this Civilization page.