How to Fix Counter Strike 2 Keep Crashing on Windows?

Experiencing crashes while playing Counter-Strike 2 can be frustrating, but several methods can help. This guide lists steps you can take to fix this issue on a Windows PC.

Solution 1: Verify Game Files on Steam

1. Open Steam.
2. Right-click on Counter-Strike 2 > Properties > Local Files.
3. Select Verify Integrity of Game Files. This checks for missing or corrupted files and repairs them automatically.

Solution 2: Update Graphics Drivers

For NVIDIA users: Open GeForce Experience, go to the Drivers tab, and select Check for Updates.

For AMD users: Open AMD Radeon Software and look for driver updates.

Install any updates available, then restart your system.

Solution 3: Lower In-Game Graphics Settings

1. Launch Counter-Strike 2.
2. Go to Settings > Video Settings.
3. Lower settings for Shadows, Texture Quality, and Anti-Aliasing. Disable V-Sync and reduce Resolution if necessary.
4. Apply changes and restart the game.

Solution 4: Adjust Steam Launch Options

1. Open Steam, right-click on Counter-Strike 2, and go to Properties.
2. Under Launch Options, enter a performance optimization code:

   -novid -high -threads 4

3. Click OK to save.

Solution 5: Close Background Applications

Right-click the Taskbar, open Task Manager, and close non-essential apps, especially those consuming high memory like MSI Afterburner or any streaming/recording software. This frees up resources for the game, reducing crash likelihood.

Solution 6: Check for Windows Updates

1. Go to Search and type Check for Updates.
2. Open Windows Update and select Check for Updates.
3. Install any pending updates to ensure your system is running the latest security and performance patches.

Solution 7: Increase Virtual Memory (Paging File)

1. In the Search menu, type Advanced System Settings and open it.
2. Under Performance, select Settings > Advanced > Virtual Memory > Change.
3. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size. Select your game drive, choose Custom Size, and enter values based on your RAM (e.g., for 16GB RAM, set 4096 MB initial and 8192 MB maximum).
   • Initial Size:
     32 GB RAM: 16384
     16 GB RAM: 8192
     8 GB RAM: 4096
     4 GB RAM: 2048
   • Maximum Size:
     32 GB RAM: 32768
     16 GB RAM: 16384
     8 GB RAM: 8192
     4 GB RAM: 4096
4. Click Set and restart your computer for changes to take effect.

Solution 8: Set High-Performance Mode for Counter-Strike 2

1. In Search, type Graphics Settings and open it.
2. Select Browse and navigate to Counter-Strike 2 in the Program Files > Steam folder.
3. Add CS2.exe and set it to High Performance.
4. Click Save.

After each step, test if Counter-Strike 2 still crashes. Following these steps should stabilize your gameplay and prevent future crashes.