How to fix SILENT HILL 2 REMAKE freeze and crash on startup on PC?

Games are fun—until they crash. Silent Hill 2 can freeze, crash to desktop (CTD), or even refuse to start on your PC. It’s frustrating, right? But there’s a way out. Let me walk you through a few simple fixes that might just get you back in the game.

Here’s what to try:

Solution 1: Restart Your Computer

I know, it sounds basic. But don’t skip this step. A quick restart can reset everything and maybe save you hours of troubleshooting.

Solution 2: Change the DirectX Version

You can switch between DirectX 11 and 12 in the game settings. Here’s how:

1. Open Steam.
2. Right-click on Silent Hill 2 in your Library.
3. Choose “Properties.”
4. In the launch options box, type -dx11 or -dx12. Try running the game. Still not working? Move on.

Solution 3: Run the Game as Administrator

1. Go to the game’s installation folder through Steam.
2. Find the Silent Hill 2 .exe file.
3. Right-click, choose “Properties.”
4. Check the box to “Run this program as an administrator.” Sometimes this fixes permission issues.

Solution 4: Change Compatibility Settings

If you’re on Windows 10 or 11, you can set the game to run in compatibility mode for Windows 7 or 8:

1. Right-click on the .exe file.
2. Go to “Properties,” then the “Compatibility” tab.
3. Check “Run this program in compatibility mode” and select Windows 7 or 8.
4. Apply changes and try again.

Solution 5: Disable Full-Screen Optimization

Still not working? Disable full-screen optimization:

1. In the same “Properties” menu of the game file, check “Disable full-screen optimization.”
2. Apply and try launching the game.

Solution 6: Verify Game Files in Steam

Corrupted files can cause crashes. Here’s how to check:

1. Go to Steam, right-click on the game.
2. Select “Properties.”
3. Under “Installed Files,” click “Verify integrity of game files.”

Solution 7: Allow the Game in Your Antivirus

Your antivirus might be blocking the game:

1. Open your antivirus software (like Avast, Norton, etc.).
2. Add Silent Hill 2’s .exe file to the allowed list.

If you’re using Windows Defender:

1. Open “Windows Security” from your settings.
2. Go to “Virus & Threat Protection,” then “Manage ransomware protection.”
3. Add the game under “Allow an app through controlled folder access.”

Solution 8: Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated drivers can be a big culprit. Here’s how to update:

• For NVDIA users, go to the Nvidia website, find your GPU, and download the latest driver.
• For AMD users, do the same on the AMD website.

Make sure to check “Perform a clean installation” when prompted.

Solution 9: Run on Dedicated Graphics

If your system has multiple graphics cards, make sure the game uses the dedicated GPU:

1. In Windows, search for “Graphics settings.”
2. Add the Silent Hill 2 .exe file, then set it to “High Performance.”

Solution 10: Update Windows

Sometimes it’s the system itself causing trouble. Update your operating system to the latest version through Windows Update.

Feeling better about your game now?

If none of these steps worked, try uninstalling and reinstalling the game. Aim to install it on your C: drive or a different SSD if possible. One of these fixes should work eventually.

Crashes happen. But with a bit of patience, you’ll get it fixed.