Some players report that Forza Horizon 6 does not start on Windows PCs, including Steam launch failures. Use the fixes below to check the most common file, compatibility, permission, graphics, and background app causes.
1. Verify the Game Files
First, verify the Forza Horizon 6 game files in Steam. Right-click FH 6 in the Library tab, then select Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files. This checks the installation and repairs missing or corrupted files. If you need more details for applying this potential fix, check out this Steam page.
The Verify integrity of game files option
2. Run FH 6 in Compatibility Mode
Setting Forza Horizon 6 to run in compatibility mode can bypass potential conflicts with the current Windows OS environment. Compatibility mode configures the game to run as it would on a previous Windows platform. You can run FH 6 in compatibility mode like this:
- Go into File Explorer and open the Program Files (x86) > Steam > steamapps > common > Forza Horizon 6.
- Right-click the Forza orizon6 file and select Properties > Compatibility.
- Select Run this program in compatibility mode for Windows 8 from the drop-down menu.
The Run this program in compatibility setting
- Click Apply to save the options and select OK to exit.
3. Set the Game to Run With Admin Rights
Set FH 6 to launch with elevated permissions:
- Open File Explorer and go to Program Files (x86) > Steam > steamapps > common > Forza Horizon 6.
- Right-click the forzahorizon6 file and select Properties > Compatibility.
- Select Run this program as an administrator.
- Select Disable full-screen optimizations.
- Click Apply > OK.
4. Turn Off Smooth Motion
Disable Smooth Motion to rule out the NVIDIA frame generation setting as a launch conflict. Turn it off in the NVIDIA app, then start Forza Horizon 6 again. This is how you can turn off the Smooth Motion setting in the NVIDIA app:
- Right-click the NVIDIA system tray icon and select NVIDIA App.
- Click on the Global Settings tab.
- Turn off the Smooth Motion option.
The Smooth Motion option
5. Disable MSI Afterburner and RivaTuner
Close any third-party FPS counter before launching Forza Horizon 6. End tools such as FPS Counter, Fraps, and Overwolf FPS Monitor in Task Manager, then restart the game. You can disable MSI Afterburner and RivaTuner via Task Manager like this:
- Activate Task Manager with its Ctrl + Shift + Esc hotkey.
- Select Processes to view that tab.
- Right-click the MSI Afterburner and RivaTuner processes to select End task.
The End task option
6. Enable AES-NI
To enable AES-NI, you must restart your PC, enter the BIOS, and locate CPU configuration settings. Look for a setting with an AES-NI label, select Enable for it, and save selected options. Enabling AES-NI will turn on Advanced Encryption Standard New Instructions, which needs to be enabled for the game to start.
7. Disable Third-Party FPS Counters
If you utilize any kind of third-party FPS counter, try disabling it. For example, disable software like FPS Counter, Fraps, and Overwolf FPS Monitor via Task Manager as outlined in resolution five. If you have enabled the FPS Show performance monitor setting in Steam, try turning off that option as well.
The Show performance monitor setting
8. Other Potential Ways to Fix Forza Horizon 6 Not Launching
If Forza Horizon 6 still does not start after the main fixes, use these broader system and installation checks next:
- Add Forza Horizon 6 to the allowed lists for firewalls.
- Install the Gaming Services app via the Microsoft Store if it’s not installed.
- Reinstall your Forza Horizon 6 game.
- Install the latest driver for your graphics card with a method from this KG guide.
The potential resolutions can fix Forza Horizon 6 not launching for many players. However, that doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed to kick-start the game for everybody. You can ask for more potential fixes by submitting a support ticket to the Forza help service from this page.
