Fix: Stray Keep Crashing on Startup on PC

2. Disable fullscreen optimizations

It seems that disabling the fullscreen optimization option did work for some users. To do so:

• Open the Steam launcher > Click on Library.
• Right-click on Stray > Click on Manage.
• Select Browse local files > Go to Stray installed location.
• Now, right-click on Stray.exe > Select Properties.
• Click on the Compatibility tab > Tickmark Disable fullscreen optimizations to enable it.
• Once done, click on Apply and then OK to save changes.

3. Run the Game File as an Administrator

It’s also recommended to always run the game executable file as administrator access on the Windows PC so the User Account Control (UAC) can allow all the access properly. Sometimes the system may think you’re trying to run the game without authorizing it. This is a one-time process for each game. Make sure to follow the steps below to do so:

• Right-click on the Stray exe shortcut file on your PC.
• Now, select Properties > Click on the Compatibility tab.

• Make sure to click on the Run this program as an administrator checkbox to checkmark it.
• Click on Apply and select OK to save changes.
• Now, you can just double-click on the game exe file to launch it.

Once done, you can also do the same steps for your Steam launcher. So, you’re giving the same UAC access to the game launcher too.

4. Update Graphics Drivers

You should try checking for the graphics driver update on your Windows PC and installing the latest version to ensure no update is pending at your end. An outdated or missing graphics driver can trigger issues with properly functioning graphics-intensive programs. To do that:

• Right-click on the Start Menu to open up the Quick Access Menu.
• Click on Device Manager from the list to open the interface.
• Now, you’ll need to double-click on Display adapters to expand it.

• Then right-click on the dedicated graphics card name you’re using to bring the context menu.
• Next, click on Update driver > Choose Search automatically for drivers.
• The system will automatically check for the available update.
• If an update is available, it’ll automatically download and install the latest version.
• Once done, make sure to restart your PC to apply the changes.

If you cannot find any update, then make sure to head over to the official graphics card website and search manually for the latest update. If a new version is available, just download the file on your PC and install it. Whatever graphics card you use, jump to the link below as per the manufacturer.

• Nvidia GPU
• AMD GPU
• Intel GPU

5. Update Windows

If in case, you’re running the outdated Windows OS version or outdated build then make sure to follow the steps below to check and install updates.

• Press Windows + I keys to open up the Windows Settings menu.
• Click on Windows Update from the left pane > Check for updates.
• If there is an update available, you should select Download and Install.
• Wait for the update process to be completed.
• Once done, reboot your PC to apply changes.

6. Check for Optional Updates

You should also check for the optional updates by following the steps below because some of the device driver updates and security patch updates may appear in a separate section.

• Press Windows + I keys to open up the Windows Settings menu.
• Click on Windows Update from the left pane > Click on Advanced Options.
• Now, scroll down a bit and find the Additional options section.
• Click on Optional updates > If there is an update available, make sure to select the update.
• Click on Download & install > Reopen the system once the update is installed.

7. Switch to Dedicated GPU

You should also ensure that your using the dedicated GPU on your Windows computer instead of using the integrated HD graphics. To do so:

For Nvidia GPU:

• Right-click on the desktop screen to open the context menu.
• Now, click on Nvidia Control Panel to open it.
• Head over to 3D Settings > Select Manage 3D Settings.
• Open the Program Settings tab and choose Stray from the drop-down menu.
• Next, select the preferred graphics processor for this program from another drop-down menu.
• Finally, your Nvidia GPU should show as High-Performance Nvidia Processor.
• Save the changes and reboot the PC.

For AMD GPU:

• Right-click on the desktop screen to open the context menu.
• Now, open Radeon Settings > Navigate to Additional Settings.
• Go to Preferences > Select Power > Choose Switchable Graphics Application Settings.
• Select Stray from the list of installed applications. [If the game isn’t in the list, you can select Add Application and include the game exe file]
• Finally, select High Performance from the Graphics Settings, option > Reboot the PC.

8. End Background Processes

The chances are high that somehow your system becomes laggy or gets overloaded by a lot of unnecessary background running tasks. These tasks basically consume system resources like CPU, Memory, or internet bandwidth which can seriously impact the game launching experience. If those tasks (third-party) aren’t necessary for you then try closing them completely by following the steps below.

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc shortcut keys on the keyboard to open Task Manager.

• Click on the Processes tab > Make sure to select the task individually that you want to close.
• Then click on End Task to close it.
• As mentioned, do the same steps for each task that you want to close.
• Once done, close the Task Manager window, and restart your PC.

9. Verify and Repair Game Files

Sometimes missing or corrupted game files on the PC may occur some issues with the game application launching properly or start crashing. It doesn’t mean that you’ll always get an error message or warning notice after crashing. A minor but useful game file may get corrupted or missing quite easily. Luckily, most of the game launchers do come with a useful feature to automatically verify and repair game files online. To do so:

• Launch the Steam client > Click on Library.
• Right-click on Stray from the list of installed games.
• Now, click on Properties > Go to Local Files.

• Click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.
• You’ll have to wait for the process until it gets completed.
• Once done, just restart your computer.

10. Adjust Steam Overlay and SteamVR Options

Multiple Stray PC players have also reported that they’re facing the crashing issue a lot. It’s most probably happening to the Steam users and we have a possible workaround to fix it. To fix it:

• Open the Steam client on the PC > Click on Library.
• Right-click on Stray from the left pane > Select Properties.
• Now, click on General > Make sure to Turn ON the Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game option.
• You should also Turn ON the Use Desktop Game Theatre while SteamVR is active option.

18. Update Stray

Even an outdated game patch version can trigger several potential issues on the gaming device that leads to crashing issue, lags, stutters, and more. It’s recommended to check for the game update periodically and install the latest update whenever available. You can follow the steps below to do the same.

• Open the Steam client > Go to Library.
• Click on Stray from the list of installed games at the left pane.
• Now, the client will automatically search for the available update.
• If there is an update available, you’ll see the Update option > Just click on it.
• Wait for a couple of minutes or so until the game update completes. [Depends on the storage space and internet connectivity]
• Once done, make sure to close the Steam client.
• Finally, reboot your PC to apply changes, and launch the Stray game again.

That’s it, guys. We assume this guide was helpful to you. For further queries, you can comment below.