Warframe is one of the most popular free-to-play action RPGs. However, some players report that they can’t play that game title due to startup issues. One such player reported this: “When I’m trying to launch it [Warframe] via Steam, nothing happens. The launcher won’t show up, and no error is being shown.” This is how you can fix Warframe not launching on Windows PCs.
Set a DirectX 11 Launch Option for Warframe
Setting a DirectX 11 launch option is a way to fix Warframe not launching that has worked for some players. Steam includes a launch option box in which you can enter variable command-line arguments for starting a game. You can set Warframe to utilize the DirectX 11 API as follows:
- Go into your Steam software and select Library.
- Right-click on the Warframe game to select its Properties context menu option.
- Enter -dx11 inside the launch options text box.
- Then, try starting Warframe with the -dx11 launch parameter set for it.
The -dx11 launch option
Set the Warframe Launcher, Game, and Steam to Run as Administrator
Players confirm that setting the launcher file and Steam to run with admin rights can fix Warframe not launching. I also recommend setting the game file to run with elevated privileges. This is how you can configure admin rights for those EXE files.
- Bring up your Steam software and open its Library tab.
- Right-click on the Warframe game in the sidebar to select Manage and Browse local files.
- Open the Tools subfolder in the Warframe directory.
- Right-click the Launcher.exe file to select Properties > Compatibility.
- Click Run this program as an administrator to select that checkbox.
- Then, select Apply > OK to save the settings selected.
- Repeat the previous three steps for the Warframe.exe (warframe.x64.exe) within the Steam/steamapps/common/Warframe folder.
- Then, set Steam to run with elevated privileges by right-clicking the desktop shortcut for that software and repeating steps four to six above.
The Run this program as an administrator option
Unplug Unneeded Game Controllers and Peripherals From PC
Some players have confirmed that unplugging superfluous controllers and peripheral devices can fix Warframe not launching. So, unplug any unneeded controllers, USB sticks, USB adapters, or joysticks from your PC. Then, try playing Warframe with only essential peripherals, such as a mouse and keyboard, connected to your PC.
Verify the Warframe Game Files
Steam has a Verify (repair) option you can select to troubleshoot games that don’t start. If Warframe has corrupted or missing files, selecting the Verify integrity option might work. This Steam page includes instructions for selecting that troubleshooting option.
The Verify integrity of game files option
Set a Clean Boot
Numerous software packages can potentially conflict with Warframe, such as Razer Cortex, MSI Afterburner, Discord, and NZXT CAM. Applying a clean boot will disable superfluous third-party programs and services from starting with Windows. So, set a clean boot in Windows, as covered on this Microsoft website page, and restart your PC. Then try starting Warframe after the clean restart.
The System Configuration tool for clean booting
Add Warframe to Antivirus Exception Lists
Adding Warframe’s game folder to antivirus exclusion lists will ensure security apps don’t block it from starting. You can add the Warframe game folder to Windows Security’s exceptions as instructed in the Exclusions section on this Microsoft page. If you have a third-party antivirus app, add the Warframe folder to its exclusion list.
The Add an exclusion option
Update the Graphics Driver
Finally, try installing the latest graphical driver for your GPU. Outmoded or faulty graphical drivers can cause Warframe to get stuck on loading. This Keengamer post tells you how players can install new graphics drivers in alternative ways.
The NVIDIA graphics driver page
Other Possible Ways to Fix Warframe Not Launching
If Warframe still doesn’t start, there are other potential resolutions you can try applying. These extra troubleshooting methods might also kick-start that game:
- Uninstall your Warframe game and reinstall it.
- Execute the sfc /scannow command as covered on this Microsoft help page.
- Download and install Visual C++ v14 libraries from this Microsoft page.
- Reinstall Windows 11 by going through the steps on this Microsoft support page. Then, you might also need to reinstall Steam and Warframe.
The potential resolutions covered here are among the best ways to fix Warframe not launching. So, try applying those troubleshooting methods before submitting a support ticket to the game’s help service. This Warframe page tells you how players can make a support request.
