Emily Bennett
How to Fix GTA V Enhanced/Legacy Infinite Loading Screen on PC
If you’re experiencing issues with Grand Theft Auto V where the game gets stuck on the loading screen or fails to load altogether, you’re not alone. This comprehensive guide will walk you through a series of steps designed to troubleshoot and fix the GTA V infinite loading screen issue on your PC. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the necessary steps to get your game running smoothly again.
Step 1: Verify the Game Files
The first step in resolving loading issues is to verify the integrity of your game files. This process checks for any missing or corrupted files and replaces them. To do this, open your game on Steam, navigate to the Library, right-click on Grand Theft Auto V, select Properties, and then go to the Local Files tab. Click on Verify Integrity of Game Files. This might take a few minutes, but it’s crucial for ensuring your game is intact.
Step 2: Run the Game as Administrator
Next, you should try running the game as an administrator. Navigate to the GTA V installation folder, typically found in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Grand Theft Auto V. Right-click on the game executable file GTA5.exe and select Run as administrator. Additionally, you could try running the game in compatibility mode by right-clicking the executable, selecting Properties, and then navigating to the Compatibility tab.
Step 3: Restart Steam
A simple restart of Steam can sometimes resolve the issue. Close Steam completely and reopen it to enable any updates and reset its functions. Once restarted, launch GTA V again to see if the loading issue persists.
Step 4: Use Dedicated Graphics Card
Ensure that the game is utilizing your dedicated graphics card instead of integrated graphics. This can often be changed in your PC’s graphics settings or control panel, depending on whether you are using an NVIDIA or AMD graphics card.
Step 5: Allow Game File in Antivirus/Firewall
Your antivirus program or Windows Firewall may mistakenly block the game’s executable files. Make sure to add GTA5.exe to your antivirus exceptions list and configure the firewall settings to allow the game to communicate through it.
Step 6: Clean Install Graphics Driver
Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can cause game loading issues. Use an official graphics driver uninstaller to completely remove your current drivers, and then reinstall the latest drivers from NVIDIA’s official site or AMD’s support page.
Step 7: Disconnect Multiple Monitors
If you’re using multiple monitors, disconnect them and run the game on a single monitor. Sometimes, GTA V experiences issues with multiple displays, which can lead to loading problems.
Step 8: Delete the Settings File
Deleting the settings configuration file can help reset any faulty settings. Navigate to the folder where GTA V is installed and find the Settings file. Before deleting it, create a backup, as you’ll lose all saved settings.
Step 9: Rename/Delete Save Game Files
If the loading issue continues, it may be due to corrupted save files. Navigate to the save game directory, and consider renaming or deleting the files. Again, create a backup beforehand, as this action will lead to a loss of all game progress.
Step 10: Close OneDrive and Other Cloud Storage Apps
Sometimes, cloud storage applications like OneDrive interfere with games. Close OneDrive and any other similar apps running in the background.
Step 11: Uncheck Compatibility from Steam Executable
In some cases, compatibility settings configured for Steam can cause issues. Go to your Steam installation folder, locate the steamapps folder, right-click on Steam.exe, and ensure that no compatibility options are checked.
Step 12: Use Launch Options
In the game properties on Steam, you can set launch options. Adding -dx11 or -dx12 can help improve compatibility and performance issues. Additionally, consider clearing your download cache.
Step 13: Update AMD Drivers
For AMD users, install the latest optional updates, like AMD 25.2.1 or AMD 25.1.1. Keeping your graphics drivers updated can prevent a range of issues.
Step 14: Optimize Using NVIDIA Control Panel
Open the NVIDIA Control Panel, try enabling Debug Mode, and optimize the game settings within the NVIDIA GeForce Experience app to ensure the game is running optimally.
Step 15: Install Visual C++ Files
The game requires certain Visual C++ Redistributables to function correctly. To install these, visit Microsoft’s Visual C++ Redistributable page.
Step 16: Update Windows
Ensure your Windows operating system is updated to the latest version. Microsoft regularly releases updates that can fix bugs and improve overall system performance, which can greatly affect gaming.
Step 17: Close Overclocking Applications
If you are using overclocking applications such as MSI Afterburner or Rivatuner, close them. Overclocking can lead to instability. Disable overlays from applications like Steam, Discord, and GeForce Experience, as they can interfere with the game.
Step 18: Unplug External Devices
Disconnect any external devices, like gaming peripherals, USB adapters, or controllers. Sometimes, these devices can cause conflicts preventing the game from loading properly. Additionally, turn off related software, such as Razer Synapse or MSI Dragon Center.
Step 19: Increase Virtual Memory
If your virtual memory settings are low, increasing them may help. Navigate to Control Panel, select System and Security, and then System. Click on Advanced system settings, and under the Advanced tab in Performance, click Settings. Go to the Advanced tab again and click on Change under Virtual Memory. Set the Initial Size to 1.5 times your total RAM and the Maximum Size to 3 times your RAM.
Step 20: Update BIOS
Updating your BIOS can solve hardware compatibility issues. Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website for instructions on how to perform a BIOS update.
Step 21: Change Graphics Settings
If you manage to launch the game but still face issues, try switching to windowed mode, reducing the resolution, or lowering the graphics settings. These adjustments can lighten the load on your GPU and potentially resolve loading issues.
Step 22: Reinstall the Game
If all else fails, uninstall the game entirely. Go to the installation folder, delete the game folder, restart your PC, and then reinstall the game. Ideally, install it on the C Drive or an SSD for improved load times.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
When facing loading issues, always ensure your PC meets the minimum system requirements for the game. Additionally, be mindful of running other resource-heavy applications in the background while gaming. Keeping your gaming hardware well-maintained can significantly enhance performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the game does not start at all?
If GTA V does not start, ensure that your graphics drivers are updated and make sure that your PC meets the minimum specifications required to run the game.
Is it necessary to uninstall and reinstall the game?
While it’s one of the last resorts, uninstalling and reinstalling can often resolve any deeper issues arising from corrupted game files.
Can I play GTA V on a virtual machine?
Playing GTA V on a virtual machine is not recommended due to potential performance issues and system compatibility limitations.