Alex Ruben
How to Resolve Assassin’s Creed Shadows Black Screen Issue on PC
Experiencing a black screen while trying to launch Assassin’s Creed Shadows on your PC can be frustrating. This guide will walk you through a series of troubleshooting steps to help you resolve this issue effectively. By following the outlined steps, you will not only be able to launch the game successfully but also enhance its performance. We will cover various solutions including graphics settings, software configurations, and system updates.
Before starting, ensure that you have administrative access to your computer, and close any unnecessary applications to optimize your troubleshooting process. It would also be helpful to have the latest drivers for your graphics card ready, which you can download from the official NVIDIA or AMD websites.
Step 1: Run Ubisoft Connect and Steam as Administrator
To begin, ensure both Ubisoft Connect and Steam are running with administrative privileges. This can help avoid permission issues that may prevent the game from launching properly.
- Search for “Ubisoft Connect” in the Windows search bar.
- Right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
- Repeat the same for Steam.
Step 2: Disable G-Sync in NVIDIA Control Panel
G-Sync can occasionally interfere with game launching. To disable it, follow these steps:
- Right-click on the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
- In the control panel, locate the option for Set up G-SYNC.
- Uncheck the box that says Enable G-SYNC.
- Apply the changes and exit the control panel.
Step 3: Modify the Game’s Configuration for Windowed Mode
Switching to windowed mode can sometimes bypass black screen issues:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the Documents folder.
- Locate the folder for Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
- Open the config file and change the setting for window mode to
1. - Save the file and exit.
Step 4: Remove Read-Only Attributes from Game Files
Ensure that the game files are not set to read-only:
- Navigate to the game installation folder via Steam by right-clicking on the game and selecting Manage > Browse local files.
- Right-click on the game executable and select Properties.
- In the General tab, uncheck Read-only and apply changes.
Step 5: Perform a Clean Installation of Graphics Drivers
Outdated or corrupt graphics drivers can cause issues. To perform a clean installation:
- Visit the NVIDIA Driver Download or AMD Driver Download page.
- Download the latest drivers for your graphics card.
- During installation, select the Custom Installation option and check the box for Perform a clean installation.
Step 6: Ensure the Game Runs on the Dedicated Graphics Card
Make sure the game is set to run on your dedicated GPU:
- Search for Graphics settings in the Windows search bar.
- Select Desktop app and navigate to the game’s executable.
- Set the GPU preference to High performance and select your dedicated graphics card.
Step 7: Roll Back Graphics Drivers to Version 572.70
If you recently updated your graphics driver, rolling back to a previous version may help:
- Open Device Manager and locate your graphics card under Display adapters.
- Right-click and select Properties.
- In the Driver tab, click on Roll Back Driver and follow the prompts.
Step 8: Update Steam
Ensure you are using the latest version of Steam:
- Open Steam and click on Steam in the top-left corner.
- Select Check for Steam Client Updates.
- Follow any prompts to update and then restart Steam.
Step 9: Adjust Launch Options
Try changing launch options to troubleshoot further:
- Right-click the game in your Steam library and select Properties.
- In the General tab, find Launch Options and add
-windowed,-dx11, or-dx12.
Step 10: Run the Game from Installation Folder
Launching the game directly from its folder can sometimes work around issues:
- Go to the game installation folder and locate the executable.
- Right-click the executable, select Properties, and check Run this program as an administrator.
- Try launching the game again.
Step 11: Allow the Game Executable Through Antivirus
Your antivirus may be blocking the game:
- Open your antivirus settings and navigate to the section for allowing applications.
- Add the game executable to the allowed list.
- If using Windows Defender, go to Virus & threat protection > Manage ransomware protection and allow the game.
Step 12: Install AMD Optional Updates
If you are an AMD user, ensure you have the latest optional updates:
- Visit the AMD website and look for any optional updates like 25.2.1 or 25.1.1.
- Download and install these updates, then restart your computer.
Step 13: Disconnect External Devices
Sometimes external peripherals can cause conflicts:
- Unplug any additional USB devices such as controllers, wheels, or joysticks.
- Close applications like Razer Synapse and MSI Dragon Center that may interfere with gameplay.
Step 14: Disable Steam Overlay and Other Overlays
Overlays can cause issues with many games:
- In Steam, go to the game properties and uncheck the option for Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.
- Close any other overlay applications like Discord, NVIDIA GeForce Experience, or any overclocking tools.
Step 15: Update Your Windows
Ensure your Windows is up to date:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security.
- Click on Check for updates and install any available updates.
Step 16: Increase Virtual Memory
Adjusting your virtual memory can help improve performance:
- Type View advanced system settings in the search bar and click on it.
- In the Advanced tab, click on Change under Virtual memory.
- Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives, select the drive, and choose Custom size.
- Set the initial size to
1.5 x Total RAMand the maximum size to3 x Total RAM.
Step 17: Update System BIOS
Updating your BIOS can resolve underlying hardware issues:
- Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website to download the latest BIOS version.
- Follow their instructions carefully to perform the update.
Step 18: Optimize Game Settings If Launching is Successful
If you are able to launch the game, consider optimizing the settings:
- Switch to Windowed mode in the game’s video settings.
- Turn off Frame Generation and reduce graphics settings for better performance.
Step 19: Reinstall the Game
If all else fails, reinstalling the game may resolve persistent issues:
- Uninstall the game through Steam.
- Delete the game installation folder from your PC.
- Restart your PC and reinstall the game, preferably to the C Drive or another SSD.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Make sure to keep your operating system and all drivers updated. Regular maintenance checks can prevent performance issues. Additionally, if you have ongoing issues with other games, consider checking your hardware for faults.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my screen black when launching Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
A black screen can be caused by various factors including driver issues, incorrect settings, or conflicts with other software. Following the steps in this guide can help identify and resolve these issues.
Should I disable my antivirus while trying to launch the game?
It’s recommended to allow the game executable through your antivirus settings instead of completely disabling it. This helps maintain your system’s security while allowing the game to run smoothly.
What if the game still doesn’t launch after reinstalling?
If the game continues to have issues after reinstalling, check for any pending Windows updates, ensure your graphics drivers are current, and consider checking for hardware issues.