Fix: The Last of Us Part II Crashing or Not Launching on PC

Crashing or launch issues in The Last of Us Part II usually occur due to memory mismanagement at the system level. When the game exceeds available RAM and virtual memory isn’t properly configured, it leads to instability or failure to launch.

This is especially common on systems that meet the game’s minimum requirements but haven’t optimized memory settings manually. 

The solutions below are structured to address each of these issues step by step, so it’s best to follow them in order.

1. Increase Windows Virtual Memory

Virtual memory acts as overflow storage when your physical RAM is fully consumed. In memory-heavy games like The Last of Us Part II, Windows may run out of usable RAM, leading to crashes or launch failures. Manually configuring virtual memory ensures the system has enough backup memory available, reducing the chances of instability during gameplay.

1. Press Win + S, type Advanced system settings, and press Enter.
2. Go to the Advanced tab, then click Settings under the Performance section.
3. In the new window, open 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. Set the Initial size (MB) and Maximum size (MB) based on your system’s RAM.

   Initial size: 1.5 × your RAM (e.g., for 16 GB RAM → 24576 MB) 
   Maximum size: 3 × your RAM (e.g., for 16 GB RAM → 49152 MB)

7. Click Set, then click OK to save changes.
8. Restart your computer and check if the problem is resolved.

2. Update GPU Drivers

If your GPU drivers are outdated, they may fail to support the game’s rendering requirements, causing crashes or graphical instability. Updating the drivers ensures compatibility with the latest game patches and system updates. This should be done before applying any advanced-level fixes, as driver conflicts are one of the most common and easily overlooked causes.

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display adapters section.
3. Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
4. Click Search automatically for drivers.
5. Let Windows search for and install the latest drivers.
6. If an update is installed, restart your computer to apply the changes.

3. Disable Antivirus Software

Antivirus software can sometimes misidentify high-memory applications like games as potential threats, especially during launch or heavy resource usage. This false detection may block essential game processes, leading to crashes or failure to start. Temporarily disabling your antivirus or Windows Defender helps rule out any interference during runtime.

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Click Privacy & Security on the left, then select Windows Security.
3. Select Virus & threat protection.
4. Under Virus & threat protection settings, click Manage settings.
5. Turn off Real-time protection.

4. Verify Game Files Integrity

Corrupted or missing game files are a common cause of crashes. Steam includes a built-in verification tool that scans the game’s installation for issues and automatically replaces any damaged or incomplete files.

1. Open Steam and navigate to Library.
2. Right-click on The Last of Us Part II and select Properties.
3. Go to the Installed Files tab and click Verify integrity of game files.
4. After the process completes, launch the game and check for improvements.

5. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables

Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables are essential for running games like The Last of Us Part II Remastered, as they provide runtime components required by the game engine. If these files are missing or corrupted, reinstalling them can resolve hidden compatibility issues that prevent the game from launching or running correctly.

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Select Apps, then click Installed apps.
3. Locate Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables, click the three dots next to each, and select Uninstall.
4. Go to the official Microsoft download page.
5. Download the version that matches your operating system (x64 for 64-bit, x86 for 32-bit).
6. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
7. After installation, restart your computer.

Now that you’ve gone through all the solutions, the issue should be resolved. If none of the above methods work, consider reinstalling The Last of Us Part II Remastered. A fresh installation can eliminate any deeply embedded or misconfigured files causing the issue.