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How to Reset Graphics Settings in Iracing

Clear steps to reset iRacing graphics settings for drivers who need a fast fix: re-run auto-config or delete the DX11 renderer file to restore defaults today.

If your iRacing visuals are broken, stuttering, or a setting went sideways, you’re in the right place. The short answer: re-run Auto-Config in the sim or delete one small config file so iRacing rebuilds clean defaults. Below is the quick path to stable, clear graphics.

Quick Answer: how to reset graphics settings in iracing

To reset graphics, first try in-sim: Options > Graphics > Run Auto-Config, then Save. If you can’t get into the sim or the screen is black, close everything and delete Documents\iRacing\rendererDX11.ini. Relaunch iRacing and it will recreate default settings.

What’s Really Going On

iRacing stores your graphics options in text files in your Documents\iRacing folder. After a driver update, new monitor/GPU, or an accidental change, those settings can mismatch your hardware and cause blurry visuals, odd resolutions, or crashes. Resetting forces iRacing to detect your hardware again and write fresh defaults.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Try Auto-Config inside the sim
  • Launch a Test session. Open Options (gear icon) > Graphics.
  • Click Run Auto-Config (name may show as Auto or Auto-configure).
  • Let iRacing detect your hardware, then click Done/Save and restart the sim.
  1. Full reset by deleting the renderer file (works even if the sim won’t open)
  • Close iRacing and its UI completely.
  • Go to: C:\Users\YourName\Documents\iRacing\
  • Back up, then delete rendererDX11.ini.
  • Launch iRacing. It will rebuild the file and prompt/auto-detect graphics.
  1. Using VR? Reset the VR renderer too
  • In the same folder, back up then delete the VR file your headset uses:
    • rendererDX11OpenVR.ini (SteamVR/OpenXR) or
    • rendererDX11Oculus.ini (Oculus runtime).
  • Relaunch iRacing and re-run Auto-Config.
  1. Optional: clear monitor profiles
  • If you’ve changed monitors/triples, also delete files with “Monitor” in the name (for example, rendererDX11Monitor.ini). iRacing will recreate them.
  1. Re-apply only essentials
  • Set your resolution/refresh rate, frame cap, and AA to taste. Test in a busy track before turning eye-candy back up.

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • Backup first: copy the whole Documents\iRacing folder before deleting anything.
  • If performance is choppy after the reset, update GPU drivers, then rerun Auto-Config.
  • Avoid driver control panel overrides (NVIDIA/AMD) until you confirm stability.
  • Use a sensible frame cap (e.g., 118 for 120 Hz, 58 for 60 Hz) to reduce stutter.
  • In VR, match the sim frame cap to the headset refresh (or half-refresh with reprojection).

FAQs

  • Will this wipe my controls or FFB?
    No. Deleting rendererDX11.ini only resets graphics. Your controls live in separate files (for example, controls.cfg).

  • Where exactly is the file I should delete?
    C:\Users\YourName\Documents\iRacing\rendererDX11.ini. Replace “YourName” with your Windows username.

  • Do I need to reinstall iRacing to fix graphics issues?
    No. A renderer file reset plus Auto-Config almost always fixes bad visuals or resolution mismatches.

  • What if I still get a black screen after the reset?
    Delete the rendererDX11.ini again, unplug extra displays/VR, launch once on your primary monitor, then re-enable devices and re-run Auto-Config.

Wrap-Up

Resetting iRacing graphics is quick: run Auto-Config or delete rendererDX11.ini so the sim rebuilds clean defaults. Test in a busy session, then nudge settings up until you find smooth, clear visuals.