Assetto Corsa Won't Start or Launch - Complete Fix
Solve startup crashes, black screens, and launch failures. Get AC running in minutes.
Quick Fix Checklist
Try these common fixes FIRST - they solve 90% of startup issues:
- ✓ Verify game files in Steam (Properties → Local Files → Verify Integrity)
- ✓ Update graphics drivers from NVIDIA/AMD website (not Windows Update)
- ✓ Run Steam AND Assetto Corsa as Administrator
- ✓ Temporarily disable antivirus software
- ✓ Install all Visual C++ Redistributables (see below)
Fix #1: Missing Visual C++ Redistributables
Why AC Won't Launch Without These
Assetto Corsa requires Microsoft Visual C++ runtime libraries to function. Missing even ONE version causes instant crashes with no error message.
Required Versions:
- • Visual C++ 2013 (x86 and x64)
- • Visual C++ 2015-2019 (x86 and x64)
- • Visual C++ 2015-2022 (x86 and x64)
Download Link: Search "Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable All Versions" or visit Microsoft's official download page
IMPORTANT: Install BOTH x86 (32-bit) AND x64 (64-bit) versions of each
Installation Steps:
- 1. Download all Visual C++ packages from Microsoft
- 2. Install in order: 2013 → 2015-2019 → 2015-2022
- 3. Install x86 version first, then x64 for each
- 4. Allow each installer to complete fully
- 5. Restart your PC after all installations
- 6. Try launching AC again
Fix #2: Antivirus/Windows Defender Blocking
The Problem: Antivirus software (especially Windows Defender) can block AC.exe or Custom Shaders Patch DLL files, thinking they're malware. This causes silent crashes with no error.
Add AC to Windows Defender Exclusions:
- 1. Open Windows Security (search in Start menu)
- 2. Go to Virus & threat protection
- 3. Click Manage settings under "Virus & threat protection settings"
- 4. Scroll down to Exclusions → Click "Add or remove exclusions"
- 5. Click Add an exclusion → Choose "Folder"
- 6. Navigate to and select your AC install folder:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\assettocorsa - 7. Repeat for Documents folder:
C:\Users\[YourName]\Documents\Assetto Corsa - 8. Try launching AC
Other Antivirus Software: If you use Norton, McAfee, Avast, etc., add the same folders to their exclusion lists. Check your antivirus documentation for "add exclusions" or "whitelist."
Fix #3: Corrupted Custom Shaders Patch
The Problem: If you have Content Manager and Custom Shaders Patch installed, an outdated or corrupted CSP can prevent AC from starting.
Remove and Reinstall CSP:
- 1. Open Content Manager
- 2. Go to Settings (wrench icon top-right)
- 3. Click Custom Shaders Patch in left sidebar
- 4. Click "Remove" button to uninstall CSP completely
- 5. Close Content Manager
- 6. Try launching vanilla AC through Steam (not CM)
- 7. If AC launches successfully, CSP was the problem
- 8. Reopen CM and reinstall latest CSP version
Pro Tip: Always keep CSP updated. Old versions become incompatible with AC updates. Check for CSP updates monthly in Content Manager.
Fix #4: Corrupted Documents Folder
The Problem: AC stores settings, controls, and configurations in Documents\Assetto Corsa. If these files become corrupted, AC won't start.
⚠️ WARNING: This fix deletes your settings, control mappings, and assists. You'll need to reconfigure everything. Only use if other fixes failed.
Reset Documents Folder:
- 1. Close AC and Content Manager completely
- 2. Navigate to:
C:\Users\[YourName]\Documents\ - 3. Find the "Assetto Corsa" folder
- 4. Rename it to "Assetto Corsa OLD" (this backs it up)
- 5. Launch AC through Steam or Content Manager
- 6. AC will create a fresh Documents folder with default settings
- 7. If AC launches successfully, the old folder was corrupted
- 8. Reconfigure your settings and controls
Recovery Tip: If you had custom setups or important data in the old folder, you can manually copy specific files from "Assetto Corsa OLD" to the new folder after confirming AC launches.
Fix #5: Missing DirectX or Graphics Drivers
Update Graphics Drivers:
- 1. Identify your GPU: Right-click Desktop → Display settings → Advanced display → Display adapter properties
- 2. NVIDIA Users: Download latest drivers from nvidia.com/drivers
- 3. AMD Users: Download from amd.com/support
- 4. Run installer and choose "Clean Installation" if available
- 5. Restart PC after installation
Install DirectX End-User Runtime:
Even on Windows 11, AC needs legacy DirectX files that aren't included by default.
- 1. Search "DirectX End-User Runtime" on Microsoft's site
- 2. Download and run the installer
- 3. Follow installation prompts
- 4. Restart PC
- 5. Try launching AC
Still Not Working?
Verify Game Files in Steam
- 1. Open Steam Library
- 2. Right-click Assetto Corsa → Properties
- 3. Go to Local Files tab
- 4. Click "Verify integrity of game files"
- 5. Wait for Steam to check and repair files (may take 5-10 minutes)
- 6. Try launching after verification completes
Run as Administrator
Some Windows permissions issues prevent AC from accessing needed files.
- 1. Right-click Steam shortcut → Properties
- 2. Go to Compatibility tab
- 3. Check "Run this program as an administrator"
- 4. Click OK
- 5. Restart Steam and try launching AC
Need More Help?
If none of these fixes work, our community can help diagnose your specific issue. Join our Discord with details about your PC specs and what you've tried.