How to Fix Crusader Kings 3 Crashing on Windows?

Crusader Kings 3 crashes are often linked to system resource conflicts and rendering instability rather than faults in the game itself. When physical RAM reaches its limit and the paging file (virtual memory) is not configured properly, Windows cannot supply the additional resources required, which forces the game to close unexpectedly.

Rendering conflicts can also contribute to instability. The default DirectX renderer may fail to work smoothly with certain GPU-driver combinations, especially under heavy load, which can cause crashes during game-play. On top of that, Windows full-screen optimizations often interfere with the way Crusader Kings 3 handles frame presentation, creating additional display-related problems. In some cases, third-party antivirus software may further disrupt the game by flagging essential files as suspicious, interrupting runtime operations and leading to unexpected shutdowns.

1. Increase Virtual Memory (Paging File)

Expanding the virtual memory is one of the most effective solutions when crashes are linked to limited RAM. Virtual memory allows Windows to use a portion of your storage drive as temporary memory, giving the game additional resources and improving stability.

1. Press Win + S, type Advanced system settings, and press Enter.

   

2. Go to the Advanced tab and click Settings under the Performance section.

   

3. In the new window, select the Advanced tab and click Change under Virtual Memory.

   

4. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
5. Select your system drive (usually C:), then choose Custom size.
6. Enter the Initial size (MB) and Maximum size (MB) based on your system’s RAM:

   Initial size: 1.5 × RAM (example: 16 GB RAM → 24576 MB)
   Maximum size: 3 × RAM (example: 16 GB RAM → 49152 MB)

7. Click Set, then OK to apply the changes.

   

8. Restart your PC and test the game again.

2. Switch Graphics Renderer to Vulkan

The Vulkan API is often more efficient and compatible with modern hardware than DirectX. Switching to Vulkan can reduce crashes, improve rendering stability, and lower driver overhead.

1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
2. Right-click on Crusader Kings 3 and select Properties.

   

3. In the General tab, find the Launch Options field.
4. Type the following command:

   -vulkan

   

5. Close the Properties window and launch the game to check if the crashes stop.

3. Disable Full-screen Optimizations

Windows full-screen optimizations can sometimes interfere with game performance, causing instability or crashes. Disabling this feature forces the game to run in a more stable exclusive full-screen mode.

1. Go to the Crusader Kings 3 installation folder.

   Default Steam Path:
   C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Crusader Kings III

2. Find CrusaderKingsIII.exe, right-click it, and select Properties.

   

3. Open the Compatibility tab.
4. Check the box for Disable fullscreen optimizations.
5. Click Apply, then OK.

   

6. Restart your PC and launch the game again.

4. Add CK3 to Antivirus Exceptions

Some antivirus programs mistakenly flag games as suspicious, blocking their files and processes. Adding Crusader Kings 3 to antivirus exceptions ensures the antivirus does not interfere with the game.

1. Open your antivirus or security application.
2. Go to the section labeled Exclusions, Exceptions, or Allowed Apps.

   

3. Select the option to Add a Folder or Add an Exception.

   

4. Browse to the Crusader Kings 3 installation folder.

   Default Steam Path:
   C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Crusader Kings III

5. Select the folder and confirm to add it as an exception.

   

6. Restart your PC.
7. Launch Crusader Kings 3 and verify if the problem is resolved.

If none of these solutions work, try verifying the integrity of the game files through Steam. This will replace any missing or corrupted files in the installation directory. As a last resort, reinstalling the game can eliminate persistent crashes by providing a completely fresh setup.