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How to Fix Iracing Crashing

Struggling with iRacing crashes? This guide shows how to fix iracing crashing for iRacing drivers - clear steps to stop crashes fast and get back on track.

If you’re dealing with how to fix iracing crashing, the quickest path is: update your graphics driver, reset iRacing’s config files, and repair the game install. You’re in the right place—follow these simple steps and you’ll be back racing without random desktop drops or lockups.

Quick Answer: how to fix iracing crashing

Most iRacing crashes come from a bad graphics driver, corrupted settings, overlays hooking the game, or unstable hardware/overclocks. Fix it by clean‑installing your GPU driver, resetting iRacing’s app.ini and renderer settings, verifying/repairing the game files, capping FPS, and killing overlays like Discord or GeForce Experience.

What’s Really Going On

iRacing is sensitive to graphics drivers and overlays. A minor driver bug, a corrupted renderer file, or an aggressive overlay can cause the sim to crash when loading a session, switching cameras, or in crowded packs. Overheating or overclocked hardware can also trigger crashes under race load. The good news: most fixes are quick and safe to try.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Clean-install your GPU driver
  • NVIDIA: get the latest driver from nvidia.com. Choose Custom > Perform a clean installation.
  • AMD: get the latest driver from amd.com. Use Factory Reset during install.
  1. Reset iRacing’s config files
  • Close iRacing. Go to Documents\iRacing. Rename app.ini and rendererDX11.ini to .old.
  • Launch iRacing and run the graphics config wizard to rebuild fresh settings.
  1. Repair or verify the game files
  • Steam: Library > iRacing > right‑click > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity.
  • Standalone: open the iRacing launcher/installer and use Repair (or reinstall over the top).

  1. Disable overlays and background hook-ins
    Turn off Discord overlay, Steam overlay, GeForce/AMD overlays, MSI Afterburner/RivaTuner, RGB software overlays, and browser overlays. Close them fully before launching iRacing.

  2. Lower load and cap your FPS
    In Options > Graphics, set a frame cap (e.g., 72/90/120 based on your display). Reduce number of cars, shadows, mirrors detail, and reflections. This smooths spikes that can trigger crashes.

  3. Remove overclocks and check temps
    Return CPU/GPU/RAM to stock, including XMP/EXPO. Monitor temps; aim to keep CPU/GPU under typical gaming limits. If crashes stop, re‑introduce tweaks slowly.

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • Delete shader cache: Documents\iRacing\shaders (it will rebuild next launch).
  • USB devices: plug your wheel/pedals direct to the motherboard; disable USB selective suspend (Windows Power Options > USB settings).
  • Windows settings: Game Mode On; Hardware‑accelerated GPU scheduling Off (Settings > System > Display > Graphics).
  • Try Borderless vs Fullscreen (Options > Graphics).
  • VR: update SteamVR/WMR/OpenXR, disable motion smoothing/ASW, and test launching in 2D to isolate the issue.

FAQs

Q: iRacing crashes when loading into a session. What’s the first thing to try?
A: Delete Documents\iRacing\shaders, rename app.ini and rendererDX11.ini, then verify/repair the install. These fix most loading crashes.

Q: Do overclocks really cause iRacing to crash?
A: Yes. iRacing stresses CPU and GPU. Even “stable” OCs or XMP can tip it over. Test at full stock settings to confirm.

Q: It started after an update—should I reinstall?
A: Try driver clean‑install, reset config files, and verify/repair first. If problems remain, reinstall iRacing over the top to refresh all content.

Q: iRacing crashes only in VR. What should I check?
A: Update your VR runtime, disable overlays, lower SteamVR/OpenXR resolution, and test without motion smoothing. Try launching iRacing in 2D to confirm it’s VR‑specific.

Short Wrap-Up

To solve how to fix iracing crashing, refresh your GPU driver, reset iRacing’s config, repair files, kill overlays, and cap FPS. If it persists, remove overclocks and check temps. Start there and you’ll usually be racing again in minutes.