Stardew Valley is a captivating farming game many players have fallen in love with. However, startup issues prevent some players from playing that game. One player reported this on Reddit: “I went to launch it (Stardew Valley) on my computer again yesterday, and after it installed the newest update, I can’t open the game. No error message. It just won’t open.” Sometimes error messages also pop up for players trying to start Stardew Valley. This is how you can fix Stardew Valley not launching on Windows PCs.
Run the Microsoft XNA Installer
Stardew Valley startup issues often occur because a required Microsoft XNA framework for the game is missing on players’ PCs. Fortunately, you can fix this by running the Microsoft XNA installer, which is usually included in the game’s Redist folder. This is how you can run the Microsoft XNA installer to fix Stardew Valley not launching.
- Press the Windows logo + E keyboard key combination to open Explorer and navigate to the Stardew.Valley game installation folder.
- Next, click the _Redist subfolder in the game’s installation directory to open it.
- Double-click the xnafx40_redist.msi file in that folder.
The xnafx40_redist.msi file
- Click Next > I accept the terms > Install within the XNA Installer window.
The Install button for the XNA framework
If you can’t find the XNA installer file in the folder, download it from Microsoft’s site. Click Download on this Microsoft XNA Framework page. Double-click the downloaded XNA installer file to open its window and select to install from there.
Install DirectX and Visual C++ Components From the Redist Folder
The _Redist folder also includes other package files for installing components required for the Stardew Valley. The dxwebsetup and vcredist_x86 files in that folder install DirectX components and Visual C++ runtime libraries. Double-click those files to run those installers and install any missing components or libraries.
The DirectX setup window
Erase the Startup_preferences File
Startup preferences saved in a startup_preferences file can sometimes cause Stardew Valley launch issues to arise. Players also confirm erasing that file can fix Stardew Valley not launching. These are the steps for erasing the startup_preferences file.
- Hold the Windows logo key and press X to access a menu that includes various shortcuts.
- Select Run to start that command accessory.
- Input %appdata% and press the Enter button.
- Click Roaming > StardewValley to access that folder.
The startup_preferences file
- Right-click the startup_preferences file and select Delete.
Clear Set Launch Options in Steam
Have you set any Steam launch options for Stardew Valley? If yes, clearing those launch settings could fix Stardew Valley not launching if you haven’t installed SMAPI for the game. This is how you can remove launch options for the game in Steam.
- Open Steam and select Library on that gaming client’s tab bar.
- Right-click Stardew Valley to select Properties.
- Delete startup parameter inside the Launch Options box.
The Launch Options box
- Restart Steam and try starting Stardew Valley again.
Select Compatibility on Steam’s Beta Participation Menu
Players confirm running SV in Steam’s beta compatibility mode can fix Stardew Valley not launching. Thus, it seems opting into this beta participation can address game compatibility issues. So, try selecting Compatibility on Steam’s Beta Participation menu like this.
- Click Library in your Steam software.
- Next, right-click the Stardew Valley game to activate its context menu and select Properties.
- Select the Betas tab.
The Beta Participation drop-down menu
- Click the Beta Participation drop-down menu.
- Select compatibility – For 32-bit systems on the drop-down menu.
Set Your PC to Clean Boot
Stardew Valley startup issues can sometimes occur because of conflicting background apps like MSI Afterburner. I recommended configuring a clean boot to disable third-party background apps and services from automatically starting with Windows. Check out this Microsoft webpage for step-by-step instructions for applying a clean boot. Restart Windows after setting the clean boot, and try starting Stardew Valley again.
The Services tab in MSConfig
Reinstall Stardew Valley
Reinstalling Stardew Valley will fully update the game and refresh its files. Try applying other potential resolutions here first, but reinstall the game if it still doesn’t start. You can reinstall Stardew Valley as follows.
- Launch your Steam client software to access its game Library tab.
- Click Stardew Valley with your right button and select Uninstall twice.
The Uninstall option in Steam
- Go back to the Library tab to select the uninstalled Stardew Valley game.
- Press the Install button for Stardew Valley.
The Install option
Other Possible Ways to Fix Stardew Valley Not Launching
If Stardew Valley still doesn’t launch after applying the possible solutions above, there are other ways you might be able to get it started. Try applying these troubleshooting methods:
- Set Stardew Valley to start with administrator rights.
- Run a Steam verification scan for Stardew Valley.
- Make sure you have speakers and all other sound devices required for Stardew Valley plugged in.
- Disable Windows Defender Firewall before playing Stardew Valley.
I don’t promise the potential resolutions in this guide will fix Stardew Valley not launching for everybody. However, those troubleshooting methods have worked for many players who’ve needed to fix that game not starting. So, try applying those possible solutions before contacting the Stardew Valley support service at su*****@***********ey.net.
