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Age of Empires 3 Not Working on Windows 10: How to Fix
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Age of Empires 3 is a popularreal time strategy gamereleased in 2005, so it’s not necessarily uncommon to find problems with this old but popular game on Windows 10.
If you’re aWindows 10user, and you’re having issues with Age of Empires 3, you might want to take a closer look at our solutions, so keep reading.
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What to do if Age of Empires 3 is not working on Windows 10?
1. Run the game in compatibility mode
This is a pretty straightforward solution, just run thegamein Windows 10 compatibility mode by following the above stepsto solve the problem.
2. Install the latest version of DirectX
Windows 10 users have reported gettingThe program can’t start because d3dx9_25.dll is missing from your computererror message when trying to run Age of Empires 3.
Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem. This error is caused ifDirectXfile is corrupted or not copied properly, so in order to fix it you need todownload and install the latest version of DirectX.
In addition, you can also insert the game disc, and go toDirectX9folder and copy the d3dx9_25.dll file from there to your game directory.
Also, check out possible fixes forAge of Empires 2, in case you’re having issues with it onWindows 10, as well.
3. Update Windows
Make sure that you’re running the latest Windows OS updates on your machine.
Microsoft constantly rolls out Windows updates in order to improve the system’s stability and fix various issues, including game bugs or game compatibility problems.
Keep in mind that running outdated Windows versions may cause various technical issues preventing you from enjoying asmooth gaming experience.
To access the Windows Update section, you can simply type “update” in the search box. Then go to Windows Update, check for updates and install the available updates.
Your Windows Search box is missing? Get it back right now with the help ofthis handy guide.
Having trouble updating your Windows? Check out this guide!
4. Remove temporary files and folders
-
Go toStart, and typeDisk Cleanup, and launch the tool.
-
Select the disk that you want to clean.
-
SelectClean up system files.
Disk Cleanupis the simplest and quickest manner to delete temporary files and folders.
When you use your computer or browse the Internet, your machine accumulates various unnecessary files, the so-calledjunk files.
They may affect your PC’s speed, trigger various error codes, prevent apps, programs andgamesfrom running, etc.
It’s important to regularlyclean your temporary fileson the disk where you installed the OS.
5. Clean boot your PC
By clean booting your PC, you use a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This eliminates software conflicts that may occur when you launch Age of Empires 3.
6. Update your game client
If you use a third-party game client on your Windows 10 computer, update it as well. Running outdated game client versions may trigger a variety of issues that will limit your gaming experience.
So, make sure to cross this possible cause off your list by installing the latest game client updates.
In case you’re not running the original version of the game, you should know that there’s a great deal currently going on at Amazon toget Age of Empires 3 at a seriously discounted price.
Well, we hope that these quick solutions helped you fix the problem, and you can now enjoy smooth Age of Empires 3 gaming sessions.
If you have any other questions, post them in the comments section below, and we’ll continue the talk there.
More about the topics:Age of empires,windows games
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
