Overwatch Won’t Launch [FIXED]

Overwatch won’t launch on your computer? Don’t worry! Although this is an incredibly annoying issue, you’re definitely not the only person to experience it. And more importantly, you can fix this issue…

Try these fixes

The following are the fixes that have helped many Overwatch players resolve their not launching issues. You may not have to try them all; just work your way down the list until you find the one that works for you.

1. Run a scan and repair of Overwatch
2. Check for software conflicts
3. Update your device drivers
4. Reinstall your game

Fix 1: Run a scan and repair of Overwatch

This is the first thing you should try when Overwatch doesn’t launch. To run a scan and repair:

1. On the Battle.net app, click Overwatch.
2. Click Options.

   

3. Click Scan and Repair.

   

4. Click the Begin Scan button.
5. Wait for the process to be complete.

Now launch Overwatch and see if this worked for you. If not, you should try Fix 2, below.

Fix 2: Check for software conflicts

Perhaps Overwatch doesn’t launch because of interruption from other software on your computer. To troubleshoot this issue:

1. Press the Windows log key and R on your keyboard to invoke the Run dialog.
2. Type “msconfig” and press Enter on your keyboard.
3. Click the Services tab. Then check Hide all Microsoft services (FIRST) and click Disable all. After that, click OK.
   
4. Click the Startup tab, then click Open Task Manager.
5. Right click each enabled Startup item, then click Disable. After that, close Task Manager.
6. Click OK.
7. Click Restart.
   
8. Check to see if you can run Overwatch. If you can, proceed to the next step to find out the application or service that causes trouble. Otherwise skip all the steps below and try another fix.
9. Press the Windows log key and R on your keyboard. Then type “msconfig” and press Enter on your keyboard.
   
10. Click the Services tab. Check Hide all Microsoft services. Then enable any disabled service (by selecting its checkbox) and click OK.
11. Click Restart.
    
12. Launch your game. If it’s still running, repeat step 9 to 11 until you find out the service that causes the issue. If none of these services is the culprit, try the steps below.
    If there’s any service that brings up the issue, you should do some research on the Internet to see what program is this service related to. Then contact the vendor of this program or your system for advice, or use an alternative solution.
13. Press the Windows log key and R on your keyboard. Then type “msconfig” and press Enter on your keyboard.
    
14. Click the Startup tab, then click Open Task Manager.
15. Right click one (only) disabled Startup item, then click Enable. After that, close Task Manager.
16. Click OK and then click Restart.
    
17. Check to see if you can open your game. If you still can, repeat step 13 to 16 until you find out the startup item that causes the issue.
    If there’s any startup item that causes the Overwatch issue, you should see what program is this item related to. Then contact the vendor of this program or your system for advice, or use an alternative solution.

Fix 3: Update your device drivers

Your game may not be launching because you’re having a wrong device driver or it’s out of date. To fix this issue, you should update your device drivers.

If you don’t have the time, patience or skills to update your drivers manually, you can do it automatically with Driver Easy.

You don’t need to know exactly what system your computer is running, you don’t need to risk downloading and installing the wrong driver, and you don’t need to worry about making a mistake when installing. Driver Easy handles it all.

1. Download and install Driver Easy.
2. Run Driver Easy and click the Scan Now button. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.

   

3. Click the Update button next to your device to download the correct version of its driver, then you can manually install it. Or click the Update All button at the bottom right to automatically update all the drivers. (This requires the Pro version — you will be prompted to upgrade when you click Update All. You get full support and a 30-day money back guarantee.)

   

Fix 4: Reinstall your game

If none of the methods above worked for you, you should try uninstalling Overwatch and the Battle.net app and re-installing them. Then check to see if you can launch this game.

Hopefully, one of the fixes above helped you resolve your Overwatch issue. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave us a comment below.

• Overwatch
• Windows