FIX: Fallout 3 doesn’t work in Windows 10/11

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

Fallout 3is the third addition to the Fallout series that Bethesda released in 2008. Therefore, the game predates both Windows 7 and 10 and was primarily designed for Vista.

So, Fallout 3 doesn’t always work when some players try to play it inWindows 10. For some players, the game crashes when they click New in Fallout 3.

How do I make Fallout 3 run on Windows 10?

1. Check if you need to update your graphics card driver

Games are GPU-intensive apps, so any problems with your video drivers will translate into bad gameplay experiences or even errors during gameplay.

That being said, if you experience any of the above while playing Fallout 3, proceed to update your graphics drivers as soon as possible.

The fastest way to do so is with a dedicated driver updater likeOutbyte Driver Updater, as it will guarantee the latest drivers for your current hardware.

This product is extremely lightweight and will find all of your outdated, broken, or missing drivers within seconds of scanning your PC.

You can then opt to install the latest drivers either automatically, manually, or semi-manually.

Outbyte Driver Updater

2. Run Fallout 3 in compatibility mode

When Fallout 3 doesn’t work in Windows 10, it’s often a compatibility issue that can be resolved with compatibility mode.

3. Edit the Falloutprefs.ini config file for Fallout 3

4. Install Windows Game Live

Fallout 3 needs the antiquatedGames for Windows – Livesoftware to run.

Those are some of the more likely resolutions that will kick-start Fallout 3 so that you can play the game inWindows 10. OurHow to Play Old Gamesarticle also provides further tips for running antiquated games inWindows 10.

FIX: Fallout 3 doesn’t work in Windows 10/11#

How do I make Fallout 3 run on Windows 10?#

1. Check if you need to update your graphics card driver#

Outbyte Driver Updater#

2. Run Fallout 3 in compatibility mode#

3. Edit the Falloutprefs.ini config file for Fallout 3#

4. Install Windows Game Live#