You’re excited to play Dune: Awakening. You fire it up. Then… boom! Crash. Or worse, the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). Don’t panic. You’re not alone! Many players run into these hiccups. The good news? We’re here to fix it together, step by step. No tech wizardry required!
Step 1: Check If Your PC Meets the System Requirements
This sounds basic, but it’s super important. If your computer isn’t strong enough, it’ll wave the white flag before the game even starts!
- OS: Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit only)
- Processor: Quad-core Intel or AMD, 3.0 GHz or faster
- RAM: At least 16 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD RX 580 (or better)
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: At least 60 GB of free space
If you’re short on any of these, it might be time for a hardware upgrade or settings tweak.
Step 2: Keep Your Drivers Updated
Drivers are like translators that help your PC understand games. Outdated ones can cause crashes or BSODs.
- Open your GPU software: NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Adrenalin.
- Check for updates and install them.
- Restart your computer.
Still not sure? Visit the official NVIDIA or AMD websites and download the latest drivers manually.
Step 3: Verify the Game Files
Files can get corrupted during installation or updates. Here’s how to verify them using Steam:
- Open your Steam Library.
- Right-click on Dune: Awakening.
- Select Properties.
- Go to the Installed Files tab.
- Click on Verify integrity of game files.
Steam will re-download anything that’s broken. It could be just the fix you need!
Step 4: Clean Boot Your PC
Other programs running in the background could be messing with your game.
- Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
- Go to the Services tab.
- Check Hide all Microsoft services.
- Click Disable all.
- Now go to the Startup tab and open Task Manager.
- Disable everything you don’t need (Spotify, Discord, etc.).
Restart your computer and try the game again. Did it work? Nice!
Step 5: Disable Overlays and Background Apps
Overlays like those from Discord, Steam, or GeForce Experience can clash with games.
Disable them one by one:
- In Steam: Go to Settings > In-Game and turn off the Steam Overlay.
- In Discord: Head to User Settings > Game Overlay and toggle it off.
- In GeForce Experience: Go to Settings > General and disable the in-game overlay.
Less clutter, fewer crashes!
Step 6: Update Windows
Windows updates aren’t just annoying popups. They often contain vital system fixes.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install anything new and restart your PC.
Outdated system files can be a hidden reason for crashes and BSODs.
Step 7: Tweak In-Game Graphics Settings
Sometimes your game is just trying too hard. Here’s what to do:
- Open the game’s settings menu.
- Lower graphic options like Shadows, Textures, and Effects.
- Turn off V-Sync, DLSS, or Ray Tracing if enabled.
- Set resolution to match your monitor.
Many crashes are caused by GPU overload. Lowering graphics settings can reduce stress instantly.
Step 8: Monitor Your Temperature
Games like Dune: Awakening push your CPU and GPU hard. They can get hot—really hot!
Use a free tool like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to check temps.
- GPU temp: Should stay below 85°C.
- CPU temp: Should stay below 80°C.
If it rises too high, crashes and BSODs can follow. Clean your fans. Turn on extra cooling. Open your case if needed.
Step 9: Disable Fullscreen Optimizations
This little trick can do wonders!
- Right-click on the game shortcut or exe file.
- Go to Properties > Compatibility.
- Check Disable fullscreen optimizations.
- Click Apply and OK.
Then launch the game again. Smoother? Good!
Step 10: Check RAM and Hard Drive Health
If nothing else helps, you might have a hardware issue.
- Open Windows Memory Diagnostic (just type it into the Start Menu).
- Choose “Restart now and check for problems.”
- Let your PC do its thing.
Also, consider running chkdsk or using a tool like CrystalDiskInfo.
If your drive is dying, games will crash. Better to know now than find out the hard way.
Bonus Tips
- Try running the game on a different user account.
- Temporarily disable anti-virus software (just to test).
- Reinstall the game completely if nothing else works.
Still crashing? Reach out to the game’s support team. Or check Reddit and Steam forums—you’re not alone!
Victory on Arrakis!
Not every desert storm ends in doom. With just a few tweaks, you can stop the crashing, avoid the BSOD, and finally explore the dunes in peace. We hope this simple guide helped you fix Dune: Awakening and get back to gaming without frustration.
Game on, warrior. Peace—and no more blue screens!