Overwatch Not Launching On Windows 10 [Solved]

Overwatch is an online team-based multiplayer first-person shooter game. You can play this game on multiple platforms such as Windows, PlayStation, and Xbox One. 

However, many users lately have noticed that Overwatch is not launching while trying to launch the game on their device. 

This problem mainly appears if some important files are missing that are needed by the game during the startup. 

Causes of Overwatch Not Launching on Windows 10

Overwatch may not launch due to the following factors:

• An outdated version of the driver
• An older version of the Operating System
• Corrupted or damaged game files
• Another third-party security software or firewall
• Conflict with other software. 

How To Fix Overwatch Not Launching On Windows 10

There are different fixes you can when Overwatch does not launch on a Windows 10 system. Below we have shared each procedure in detail to help you solve this problem on your computer.

Procedure 1 – Run a Scan and Repair of Overwatch

This is one of the most reliable procedures to fix the Overwatch not launching issue on Windows 10 device. 

1. From the Battle.net application, click on Games at the top menu bar.
2. Select Overwatch from the left panel.
3. On the Overwatch window, click on Options and then select the Scan and Repair option. 
4. When the message pop-ups, click on the Begin Scan option to start the scanning and repair process.
5. Once the process is finished, try to run the game and check if the problem is resolved or not. 

Procedure 2 – Remove the Game Cache

A corrupted game cache can cause problems with the startup of the game. Therefore, in order to solve this issue, you need to remove the game cache from the system by following the directions below:

1. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc buttons together to launch the Task Manager.
2. From the Task Manager window, go to the Processes tab and locate the Blizzard Update Client, select it.
3. After that, click on the End Task option. 
4. Now, press the Win + R buttons together to launch the Run box.
5. Type %Programdata% and then press the Enter button or click on the OK option.
6. Find the Blizzard Entertainment folder inside the PrgramData folder and right-click on it. Then select the Delete option to remove it. 

Procedure 3 – Check for Software Conflicts

Some other software conflicting with Overwatch can also result in the Overwatch not launching issue. So, you need to perform a clean boot to resolve this problem. The following steps will help you.

1. Press the Win + R buttons to launch the Run box.
2. Type msconfig and then hit the Enter button or click on the OK option.
3. From the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab and mark on the ‘Hide all Microsoft services’ option and then click on the Disable all option. After that, click on the OK option.
4. Next, navigate to the Startup tab and click on the Open Task Manager link.
5. On the Task Manager window, locate the startup items one by one and then right-click on them. After that, select the Disable option. Then close the Task Manager window. 
6. Go back to the System Configuration window, click on the Apply option and followed by the OK button. 

Procedure 4 – Disable the Game DVR

Turning off the Game DVR can also fix this problem on your computer. Here’s how to do that:

1. Press the Start button and click on the Settings icon.
2. On the Settings window, double-click on Gaming and then select the Game Bar tab from the sidebar. 
3. Select Game DVR and then click on the Disable option.
4. Select True Play and then click on the Disable button to turn it off. 

Procedure 5 – Run Overwatch as an Administrator

Another effective procedure by which you can solve the Overwatch not launching issue on the device is to run the Overwatch as an administrator. Here are some steps that you can try:

1. Right-click on the Overwatch application.
2. Select the Run as Administrator option from that menu list and then check if it opens without any hassle. 

Procedure 6 – Update the Device Drivers

An older version of the device drivers can cause Overwatch to not launch on Windows 10. Therefore, you should update the drivers as soon as possible. Below are certain steps that you can follow:

1. Click on the Start icon and choose Device Manager.
2. From the Device Manager window, look for the driver with a yellow mark and then right-click on it. 
3. Select the Update Software Driver option to begin the update process.
4. Once the update process is complete, restart your computer and then try to launch the game. 

Procedure 7 – Uninstall Your Security Software

Sometimes, the third-party security software on your computer can prevent Overwatch from opening. Therefore, you should remove this software at the earliest. 

1. Press the Start button + I key at the same time to launch the Settings window.
2. Go to the Apps section and then select the Apps & Features tab on the left panel.
3. Look for the third-party security software that you are using, select it. After that, click on the Uninstall option to remove it. 
4. After removing it, reboot your Windows 10 system and then check if the problem has been resolved or not. 

Procedure 8 – Update the Operating System

If Overwatch is not compatible with the Operating System then you may come across this problem on your device. So, it is important to keep the system up to date. Let’s take look at the steps to do so:

1. Right-click on the Start icon and select Settings from the WinX menu list.
2. Double-click on the Update & Security section and then select the Update tab on the left panel.
3. Click on the Check for updates option.
4. If an update is available, then you will get to see an option Update, click on it.
5. Once the process is finished, the device will restart automatically. 

Procedure 9 – Reinstall Overwatch

The Overwatch not launching problem can be caused by corrupted or damaged game files. Therefore, you will be able to fix it by removing Overwatch and reinstalling it. Go through these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel window and navigate to the Programs & Features section.
2. From the Programs & Features window, scroll down the page and locate the Overwatch game, select it. 
3. After that, click on the Uninstall option to remove it.
4. Once the uninstallation process is complete, try to reinstall it. 
5. To install it, visit the official website of Overwatch and download the latest version of this program. 
6. After completing the download, install it properly.
7. Once the installation process is complete, restart your computer and then check if the problem is fixed or not.