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Garry’s Mod Not Launching: How to Fix & Run it Smoothly

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Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Garry’s Modmanaged to utilize Source’s physics model in order to create one of the best sandbox games of all time.

Garry’s Mod is a greatgame, however, thegamehas certain issues, and today we’re going check out some of the most common Garry’s Mod issues on Windows PC.

Garry’s Mod is a greatgame, but many users reported various issues. Speaking of issues, here are some of the most common Garry’s Mod problems on Windows 10:

How to fix Garry’s Mod crashing on Windows?

1. Set your graphics settings to High

If Garry’s Mod is crashing on your computer, it can be due to your graphics settings. Few users have suggested that you should set your graphics settings to High in order to fix this issue.

Although changing your graphics settings might cause your framerate to drop, it should fix the crashing issues.

2. Turn off the download for custom files

In some cases, crashes with Garry’s Mod can be caused by third-party content, and this is why users are suggesting to turn off download for custom files.

By turning this option off you might see a lot of purple textures and error signs, therefore it’s advised you download all the necessary elements by yourself.

3. Add +mat_dxlevel 95 launch options

Few users have recommended using +mat_dxlevel 95 launch option in order to fix Garry’s Mod crashing problem.

4. Verify game cache

Many games crash if their files get corrupted, so if Garry’s Mod is crashing on your PC, you should check the integrity of game cache.

5. Unsubscribe from certain add-ons

Garry’s Mod heavily relies on add-ons, and in some cases, certain add-ons can cause Garry’s Mod to crash.

To remedy this issue, it’s advised you unsubscribe to any add-ons you’ve added around the period the crashes started.

In worst-case scenario, you’ll have to deactivate all add-ons and mods and turn them on one by one until you find the one causing crashes.

6. Add -32bit launch option

Users report that adding this launch option fixes the issue for the most part, but crashes can still occur when pressing Alt+Tab.

7. Validate game cache of otherSteamgames

Garry’s Mod uses assets from other Source games, and if one of thosegameshas any corrupt files, it can lead to crashes in Garry’s Mod.

To fix this issue we advise you to check the integrity of game cache for othergamesthat are related to Garry’s Mod. Users have reportedTeam Fortress 2as a common culprit, so make sure to check its game cache first.

After checking Team Fortress 2, proceed to check other Source games.

8. Type vgui_allowhtml 0 in-game console

If you’re having crashes in Garry’s Mod, you can try enteringvgui_allowhtml 0in-game console. Make sure to enable the console from the options menu and assign a hotkey to it.

When thegamestarts, press the console hotkey, entervgui_allowhtml 0and pressEnterto run it. Many users have reported success with this solution, but you’ll have to repeat it every time you start Garry’s Mod.

9. Use autoconfig mode

Autoconfig mode is designed to use the best settings for Garry’s Mod on your computer, thus fixing crashing issues. To enable autoconfig mode, you need to remove all other launch options and use-autoconfigasthe onlylaunch option.

For detailed instructions on how to add launch options check the previous solutions. If -autoconfig launch option fixes your problems, remember to remove it from launch options next time you start thegame.

10. Force thegameto use a specific resolution

Crashes can sometimes be caused by your game resolution, and if that’s the case, maybe you should force thegameto use a specific resolution. To do that, you can use one of the following launch options:

You can also try running thegamein borderless window mode by adding-window -noborderas launch options.

11. Force game to use a specific version of DirectX

If you’re having crashes, you can force the game to use a specific DirectX mode by adding one of the following launch options:

Keep in mind that some of these options, such as -dxlevel 81 are considered unstable.

How to fix Garry’s Mod freezing?

1. Delete Garry’s Mod cfg folder

Sometimes Garry’s Mod can freeze if your configuration files get corrupted, and if that happens it’s advised you remove your cfg folder.

After you start the game, cfg folder will be recreated and Garry’s Mod will run with default settings.

2. Remove installed add-ons

Garry’s Mod add-ons can cause freezes, and this is why it’s advised you delete them.

We have to mention add-ons will install automatically after you’ve deleted them, therefore keep a close eye on add-ons that are currently installing in order to find the ones causing freezing issues.

It has been reported that Silverlans Fallout NPCs, Dark Messiah and Eye Divine Cybermancy SNPCS can cause crashes and freezes with Garry’s Mod, so if you’re using aforementioned add-ons, we urge you to disable and remove them.

More so, users have reported removing workshop maps fixes freezing issues in Garry’s Mod, so you’re advised to remove any workshop maps you don’t use. According to reports, Awesomium often tests all downloaded maps causing your game to freeze.

3. Disable all add-ons and change priority of Awesomium process

The awesomium process is related to Garry’s Mod, therefore it’s important to give this process High priority.

4. Unsubscribe from all add-ons and reinstall Garry’s Mod

If there’s no other way to fix freezing issues with Garry’s Mod, your last solution is to reinstall the game. Before you reinstall the game, make sure to unsubscribe from all add-ons.

Garry’s Mod is a fun game, but since this game heavily relies on add-ons and other games, some problems can occur from time to time.

We have covered some of the most common issues, and we hope our solutions have been helpful to you.

Garry’s Mod Not Launching: How to Fix & Run it Smoothly#

How to fix Garry’s Mod crashing on Windows?#

1. Set your graphics settings to High#

2. Turn off the download for custom files#

3. Add +mat_dxlevel 95 launch options#

4. Verify game cache#

5. Unsubscribe from certain add-ons#

6. Add -32bit launch option#

7. Validate game cache of otherSteamgames#

8. Type vgui_allowhtml 0 in-game console#

9. Use autoconfig mode#

10. Force thegameto use a specific resolution#

11. Force game to use a specific version of DirectX#

How to fix Garry’s Mod freezing?#

1. Delete Garry’s Mod cfg folder#

2. Remove installed add-ons#

3. Disable all add-ons and change priority of Awesomium process#

4. Unsubscribe from all add-ons and reinstall Garry’s Mod#