Ethan Brooks
How to Resolve the Black Screen Issue in Rainbow Six Siege on PC
Experiencing a black screen while trying to play Rainbow Six Siege on your PC can be frustrating. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to troubleshoot and fix this issue effectively. By following these instructions, you will learn how to adjust settings, verify game files, and optimize your system to ensure a smooth gaming experience.
Before diving into the steps, make sure that you have the latest version of your graphics drivers installed and that your Windows operating system is up to date. Links for downloading the latest drivers can be found in the steps below. Also, ensure that you have administrative privileges on your PC as many of the steps require elevated permissions.
Step 1: Select “No Beta Chosen” in Steam
To start, open Steam and navigate to the “Settings” menu. Under “Account”, find the “Beta Participation” section and ensure that “No beta chosen” is selected. This can resolve compatibility issues that may cause the black screen.
Step 2: Sign Out of Ubisoft Connect
Next, open Ubisoft Connect and sign out of your account. After signing out, close the application completely to ensure it is not running in the background, which can interfere with the game launch.
Step 3: Verify Game Files in Steam
Right-click on Rainbow Six Siege in your Steam library and select “Properties”. Navigate to the “Local Files” tab and click on “Verify Integrity of Game Files”. This process checks for any corrupted or missing files and replaces them as needed.
Step 4: Delete the Configuration File
To reset your game settings, you’ll need to delete the configuration file. Navigate to C:\Users\[Your_Username]\Documents\My Games\Rainbow Six Siege\ and delete the config file. Please note that this will erase all saved settings.
Step 5: Reinstall BattlEye
If the issue persists, uninstall and then reinstall the BattlEye anti-cheat software. You can find the BattlEye folder in your Rainbow Six Siege installation directory. Make sure to run the installation as an administrator.
Step 6: Run Steam and Ubisoft Connect as Administrator
Close both applications, then right-click on the Steam and Ubisoft Connect icons and select “Run as administrator”. This grants them elevated permissions, which can be necessary for proper functionality.
Step 7: Launch the Game from Ubisoft Connect
If you are using Steam, try launching Rainbow Six Siege directly from Ubisoft Connect instead. Sometimes the issue can be resolved by avoiding the Steam launcher altogether.
Step 8: Clear Download Cache
For Steam users, go to “Settings”, then “Downloads”, and click on “Clear Download Cache”. This might help resolve issues related to corrupted cache files.
Step 9: Run the Game as an Administrator
Navigate to the Rainbow Six Siege installation folder and right-click on the game executable file. Select “Properties”, go to the “Compatibility” tab, and check the box for “Run this program as an administrator”. Click “Apply” and then “OK”.
Step 10: Try Different Launch Options
Open the game properties in Steam and add -dx11 or -dx12 in the launch options. This can help if the game is having issues with certain DirectX versions.
Step 11: Allow the Game Through Antivirus and Firewall
Ensure that your antivirus and Windows Firewall are not blocking Rainbow Six Siege. Go to your antivirus settings and add the game executable to the exceptions list. For Windows Firewall, go to “Control Panel” > “System and Security” > “Windows Defender Firewall” > “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall” and add the game.
Step 12: Update Graphics Drivers
Ensure your graphics drivers are up-to-date. You can download the latest drivers from the following links:
Step 13: Use a Dedicated Graphics Card
If your system has multiple graphics cards, make sure that Rainbow Six Siege is set to run on the dedicated graphics card. You can set this in the graphics settings of your operating system.
Step 14: Install Visual C++ Redistributables
Download and install the latest Visual C++ Redistributables from Microsoft’s official website. This ensures all necessary runtime components are available.
Step 15: Update Windows
Make sure your Windows operating system is fully updated. Go to “Settings” > “Update & Security” and click on “Check for updates”. Install any pending updates and restart your computer.
Step 16: Close Overclocking Applications
If you have overclocking applications like MSI Afterburner or RivaTuner running, close them as they can sometimes cause conflicts with the game. Additionally, disable any overlays from applications like Discord and GeForce Experience.
Step 17: Unplug External Devices
Disconnect any unnecessary external devices, such as controllers or additional USB peripherals, that may interfere with the game.
Step 18: Increase Virtual Memory
To adjust the virtual memory settings, navigate to “System Properties” > “Advanced” > “Performance” > “Settings” > “Advanced” > “Virtual Memory”. Uncheck “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives” and set it as follows:
- Initial Size:
1.5 x Total RAM - Maximum Size:
3 x Total RAM
Step 19: Update BIOS
Check your motherboard manufacturer’s website for any available BIOS updates. Follow their instructions carefully to update your BIOS.
Step 20: Reinstall the Game
If none of the previous steps worked, try uninstalling Rainbow Six Siege. Delete the installation folder, restart your PC, and reinstall the game, ideally on the C drive or an SSD for better performance.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
- Always back up your save files before deleting configurations.
- If the black screen issue persists after reinstalling, consider checking for hardware issues.
- Sometimes, simply restarting your computer can resolve temporary glitches.
Conclusion
By following these detailed steps, you should be able to resolve the black screen issue in Rainbow Six Siege on your PC. If the problem persists, consider reaching out to Ubisoft support for further assistance. Happy gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the black screen issue continues after trying all the steps?
If the issue persists, it may be hardware-related, and you should consider seeking professional technical support.
Can I play the game if I have a low-end PC?
While a low-end PC can run the game, you may experience performance issues. It is advisable to adjust the graphics settings to lower configurations.
Is it safe to update my BIOS?
Yes, updating your BIOS is generally safe if done correctly. Ensure you follow the instructions provided by your motherboard manufacturer to avoid any issues.