Grand Theft Auto V is among the highest-rated Windows games. However, several users have experienced GTA V launch problems throughout the years. People open their computers, anxious to immerse in the world of GTA 5, only to experience GTA V not launching.
When attempting to launch GTA 5, some gamers report getting error warnings with numbers such as LS-0013, 107, or 0xc000007b. In some circumstances, Grand Theft Auto V does not even display an error message when it fails to launch. Players cannot play the game regardless of how it crashes at the start.
Part 1. Why is My GTA 5 Not Opening?
There are several reasons why GTA 5 might fail to launch.
⚠️ One common issue is antivirus or firewall interference. Essential game files like steam_api64.dll get quarantined, preventing the game from starting.
⚠️ In some cases, background processes such as the game or launcher running unnoticed can also block the game from launching correctly.
⚠️ Missing or corrupted files, often caused by installation errors or sudden interruptions, are another frequent cause.
⚠️ Internet or activation issues can also prevent the game from opening, as a weak or unstable connection may fail to complete activation checks required by platforms like Steam or Epic Games.
⚠️ Software conflicts between the game and its launcher or multiple instances of the launcher running can further exacerbate the problem.
⚠️ Additionally, hardware incompatibilities, such as insufficient RAM, an outdated graphics card, or a weak processor, can make the game unplayable.
⚠️ If the game or launcher is outdated, this can also cause issues since regular updates are needed to keep everything running smoothly.
Lastly, regional restrictions may prevent the game from launching, and in such cases, using a VPN may be necessary to bypass these limitations.
Part 2. How to Fix GTA 5 Not Launching
In this section, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to resolve the issue of GTA 5 not launching. Whether you’re facing problems with GTA V not launching on Steam, Epic Games, or due to system conflicts, these solutions will help you get the game running smoothly. We’ll cover all the essential steps you might need to fix the problem efficiently.
Fix 1. Run as Administrator
When GTA 5 is not launching, you can run as an administrator. This is because some game files on your system may be blocked and unable to operate correctly. Many customers have successfully resolved the GTA 5 not starting issue with the following steps.
- Close GTA 5, Steam, and the Rockstar Launcher.
- Right-click the game and choose Run as administrator.
- Launch Rockstar Launcher as an administrator.
- Restart GTA V in Steam to see whether the problem has been addressed.
Fix 2. Reinstall the Program
GTA 5 sometimes fails to launch because the app might be corrupted. In this case, remove the Social Club to resolve the issue.
- Type Control panel into the search bar and click to open.
- Select View as Category and then Uninstall a Program.
- Uninstall the Rockstar Games Launcher and Social Club App.
- Navigate to the folder and remove any leftover files or folders.
- C:\Users\USERNAMEDocuments\Rockstar Games.
- Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Rockstar Games.
- Download and install the Rockstar Games Launcher and Social Club App.
- Relaunch GTA V to see if the problem has been resolved.
Fix 3. Disable your antivirus software
Third-party antivirus apps, like Microsoft Defender, might cause GTA V starting difficulties. So, if you have a third-party security tool installed on your Windows laptop or desktop, temporarily disable the antivirus protection.
Before starting the game, quickly check whether this is the issue by briefly deactivating your antivirus software and firewall. If the game plays normally, you should add it to the whitelist.
1) Turn off your antivirus
- Locate the antivirus software’s icon (typically in the system tray).
- Right-click the anti-virus software icon.
- Choose the Disable or Turn Off option. Depending on the software, the option name may differ. Some antivirus software will ask you how long you want to deactivate it; pick Temporarily Disable or Until Restart.
2) Turn off the Windows Firewall
- To launch the Control Panel, press the Windows logo and R keys, type control, and hit Enter.
- In the Control Panel, select System and Security.
- Click on Windows Defender Firewall.
- Select Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off in the left menu.
- Under Private network settings and Public network settings, select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended).
- Lastly, press OK to save your changes.
Part 3. Bonus Tip: How to Record GTA 5 in High Quality
There’s an increasing demand to record both the screen and camera to generate compelling material such as instructional and gameplay videos. With AWZ Screen Recorder, you can seamlessly record GTA 5 alongside your camera feed, improving communication and making your videos more valuable. This versatile tool is available for free on PC and macOS.
Key Features of AWZ Screen Recorder
- Record screen and webcam at the same time.
- Adjust webcam position, display form, backdrop, etc.
- Enable a traceable keyboard and mouse for improved presentation.
- Video formats supported include MP4, WMV, AVI, MKV, MOV, FLV, and MPEG.
Steps to Record GTA 5
Record gameplay on PC using AWZ Screen Recorder by following these simple steps:
1. Download and open AWZ Screen Recorder and navigate to Settings to change the output location, format, quality, webcam position, etc.
2. From the home screen, you can choose the recording area and enable/disable system sounds and mic.
3. When you’re ready to start recording, click the REC. During the recording, you can make remarks and screenshots.
4. Press the Stop button to terminate the recording. After that, navigate to the Recording List to play, edit, compress, or share the video.
Learn more game recording software from this guide:
6 Best Game Recording Software for Windows and Mac in 2024
This article introduces the 6 best game recording software. Learn key info about them and choose your favorite to record gameplay easily on Windows or Mac.
READ MORE >Bottom Line
We hope these options help you resolve the issue of GTA 5 not launching. These fixes address most of the typical startup problems. If the problem persists after following the procedures outlined above, you can contact Rockstar Games customer service or seek assistance on associated gaming forums and communities.
If you want to enhance your gameplay recordings, check out this guide on how to record keyboard on PC. Have a fun time with smooth and exciting GTA 5 adventures!
