Experiencing crashes while playing Assassin’s Creed Shadows, especially during the shader compilation process, can be frustrating. This guide will walk you through a comprehensive set of troubleshooting steps aimed at resolving these issues. By following these instructions, you’ll learn how to adjust settings, optimize your system, and ensure that the game runs smoothly on your PC. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a novice, these steps are designed to be clear and actionable, leading you toward a stable gaming experience.

Before you begin, ensure that you have the following ready:

  • Administrator access to your PC.
  • Installed Ubisoft Connect and Steam.
  • The latest graphics drivers for your GPU. You can download them from:
    NVIDIA Drivers or
    AMD Drivers.
  • Updated Windows operating system.

Step 1: Run Ubisoft Connect and Steam as Administrator

To start, ensure that both Ubisoft Connect and Steam are running with administrator privileges. This can resolve various permission issues that might cause crashes.

  1. Type “Ubisoft Connect” in the Windows search bar.
  2. Right-click on the application and select Run as administrator.
  3. Repeat the process for Steam.

Step 2: Disable G-Sync in NVIDIA Control Panel

Disabling G-Sync may help stabilize the game performance. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Right-click on your desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
  2. Navigate to Display > Set up G-SYNC.
  3. Uncheck the box for Enable G-SYNC.
  4. Click Apply to save the changes.

Step 3: Change to Windowed Mode in the Configuration File

Switching to windowed mode can also prevent crashes. Follow these steps:

  1. Open File Explorer and navigate to your Documents folder.
  2. Locate the folder for Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
  3. Open the configuration file and look for the line that specifies the window mode.
  4. Change the value to 1 to set it to windowed mode, then save the file.

Step 4: Uncheck Read-Only from Game Executable and Folder

Ensuring the game files are not marked as read-only can help prevent issues. Here’s how to check:

  1. Right-click on the game in Steam and select Manage > Browse Local Files.
  2. Right-click on the game executable and select Properties.
  3. Under the General tab, uncheck Read-only and click Apply.
  4. Repeat this for the entire game folder.

Step 5: Perform a Clean Installation of Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can lead to crashes. Make sure to perform a clean install:

  1. Visit the relevant driver download page:
  • Download the latest drivers for your graphics card.
  • Run the installer and choose Custom installation.
  • Check the box for Perform a clean installation and proceed with the installation.
  • Step 6: Run the Game Using the Dedicated Graphics Card

    Ensure that the game is utilizing your dedicated GPU for optimal performance:

    1. Search for Graphics settings in the Windows search bar.
    2. Select Graphics settings and click on Add.
    3. Locate the game executable and add it.
    4. Set the preference to High performance to use your dedicated GPU.

    Step 7: Roll Back Graphics Driver to Version 572.70

    If you recently updated your graphics driver and started experiencing crashes, rolling back might help:

    1. Open Device Manager and locate your graphics card.
    2. Right-click and select Properties.
    3. In the Driver tab, click on Roll Back Driver and follow the prompts.
    4. If 572.70 is not available, visit the NVIDIA website and search for older versions to download.

    Step 8: Update Steam

    Ensure that Steam is up to date to avoid compatibility issues:

    1. Open Steam and click on Steam in the top left corner.
    2. Select Check for Steam Client Updates.
    3. Follow any prompts to update if necessary.

    Step 9: Modify Launch Options

    If crashes persist, try adjusting the launch options:

    1. Right-click the game in Steam and select Properties.
    2. In the General tab, find Launch Options.
    3. Enter -windowed or -dx11 or -dx12 as needed.

    Step 10: Run the Game from Installation Folder as Administrator

    Running the game directly from its installation folder can help bypass certain issues:

    1. Navigate to the game installation folder using File Explorer.
    2. Right-click the game executable and select Run as administrator.

    Step 11: Allow the Game through Antivirus and Firewall

    Sometimes antivirus or firewall settings can block game files:

    1. Open Windows Security and navigate to Virus & threat protection.
    2. Scroll down and select Manage ransomware protection.
    3. Click on Allow an app through controlled folder access.
    4. Add the game executable to the list.
    5. Additionally, ensure the game is allowed through your firewall settings.

    Step 12: Install AMD Optional Updates (for AMD Users)

    If you have an AMD graphics card, ensure you have the latest optional updates installed:

    1. Search for AMD 25.2.1 Optional Update online or visit the AMD website.
    2. Download and install the update.
    3. Restart your computer afterward.

    Step 13: Disconnect All External Devices

    Unplugging unnecessary external devices can help prevent conflicts:

    1. Disconnect peripherals like HOTAS, wheels, and any extra USB devices.
    2. Try launching the game using just your monitor and keyboard/mouse.

    Step 14: Disable Steam Overlay and Other Overlays

    Overlays can sometimes cause crashes. Disable them as follows:

    1. In Steam, go to the game properties and uncheck Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.
    2. If using other applications like Discord or NVIDIA GeForce Experience, ensure their overlays are disabled.

    Step 15: Keep Windows Updated

    Ensure your Windows operating system is up to date:

    1. Open Windows Settings and go to Update & Security.
    2. Select Check for updates and install any pending updates.

    Step 16: Increase Virtual Memory

    Adjusting your virtual memory settings can enhance performance:

    1. Search for and open Advanced system settings.
    2. Under Performance, click on Settings, then go to the Advanced tab.
    3. Click Change under Virtual memory.
    4. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
    5. Set the Initial size to 1.5 x Total RAM and the Maximum size to 3 x Total RAM.
    6. Click Set and then OK.

    Step 17: Update System BIOS

    Updating your BIOS can resolve compatibility issues:

    1. Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website to find BIOS updates.
    2. Follow their instructions carefully to update your BIOS.

    Step 18: Adjust Graphics Settings Once the Game Launches

    If you manage to launch the game, consider adjusting the graphics settings:

    1. Switch to windowed mode if not already set.
    2. Turn off Frame Generation and lower graphics settings.

    Step 19: Reinstall the Game

    If all else fails, a fresh install may help:

    1. Uninstall the game through Steam.
    2. Delete the game folder from your installation directory.
    3. Restart your PC and reinstall the game on your C Drive.

    Extra Tips & Common Issues

    Here are additional tips to help enhance your gaming experience:

    • Always back up your game saves before making significant changes.
    • Ensure your system meets the minimum requirements for running Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
    • Monitor your system’s temperature to avoid overheating during gameplay.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What should I do if the game still crashes after following all steps?

    If you continue to experience crashes, consider reaching out to Ubisoft support or checking online forums for specific issues related to your hardware configuration.

    Can I use a different graphics card manufacturer?

    Yes, the troubleshooting steps are applicable for both NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards, though some steps may vary slightly depending on your specific hardware.

    Is it safe to update the BIOS?

    Updating the BIOS is generally safe if done correctly. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and ensure you have a backup plan in case of failure.

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