Cyberpunk 2077 Not Opening on PC or Steam Deck even when the system meets the required specifications. The game may not respond after clicking Play or may close immediately without an error message. These issues are commonly caused by corrupted game files, outdated drivers, launcher conflicts, or incompatible system settings. Most cases can be resolved using verified software-based solutions.
Common Reasons Cyberpunk 2077 Not Opening
Cyberpunk 2077 relies on DirectX 12, updated GPU drivers, system memory, and background services. Problems occur when one or more required components fail to load correctly. Incomplete updates, broken configuration files, and third-party overlays can also prevent the game from starting.
Fix 1 – Check System Requirements and Storage Space
Cyberpunk 2077 requires a 64-bit version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 on PC. A minimum of 12 GB RAM is required. The game needs at least 70 GB of free storage space. On Steam Deck, internal or microSD storage must have sufficient free space for shader cache files.
Open system settings and confirm available storage. Low disk space can stop the game from launching.
Fix 2 – Verify Game Files on Steam or GOG
Corrupted or missing files are a common cause of launch failure.
Open Steam or GOG Galaxy. Locate Cyberpunk 2077 in the library. Select Properties or Manage Installation. Choose Verify integrity of game files. Allow the launcher to scan and replace damaged files. Restart the system after verification completes.
This process restores essential startup files.
Fix 3 – Update Graphics Drivers and SteamOS
Outdated drivers often prevent the game from opening.
On PC, identify the GPU using Device Manager. Download and install the latest stable drivers from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel. Restart the PC. On Steam Deck, open Settings and check for SteamOS updates. Install all available updates and reboot the device.
Updated drivers ensure compatibility with Cyberpunk 2077 updates.
Fix 4 – Run the Game as Administrator on PC
Permission issues can block game execution.
Navigate to the Cyberpunk 2077 installation folder. Right-click the game executable file. Open Properties and select the Compatibility tab. Enable Run as administrator. Apply the changes and launch the game again.
This allows the game to access required system resources.
Fix 5 – Disable Overlays and Background Applications
Overlays can interfere with the game engine.
Disable overlays from Steam, Discord, GeForce Experience, and other third-party tools. Close unnecessary background programs using Task Manager. Avoid running performance monitoring or screen recording software during startup.
This reduces software conflicts.
Fix 6 – Reset Cyberpunk 2077 Configuration Files
Invalid or outdated settings can prevent the game from launching.
Navigate to the Cyberpunk 2077 configuration folder located in the user Documents directory. Delete configuration files related to graphics and display. Launch the game to regenerate default settings.
This forces safe startup values.
Fix 7 – Use Proton Compatibility Settings on Steam Deck
Cyberpunk 2077 uses Proton for compatibility on Steam Deck.
Open Steam Library on the Steam Deck. Select Cyberpunk 2077 and open Properties. Enable a specific Proton version such as Proton Experimental or Proton 8. Restart the game after applying the change.
This resolves compatibility issues related to recent updates.
Fix 8 – Reinstall Cyberpunk 2077 if the Issue Persists
If all other fixes fail, reinstalling the game is required.
Uninstall Cyberpunk 2077 from the launcher. Restart the system. Reinstall the game on a drive with sufficient free space. Maintain a stable internet connection during installation.
A clean installation removes deep file corruption.
FAQs
Why does Cyberpunk 2077 not open after an update?
Updates may change game dependencies or configuration files. Verifying game files and updating drivers usually resolves the issue.
Do these fixes work on both PC and Steam Deck?
Yes. The steps apply to Windows PC and Steam Deck, with specific Proton-related fixes for Steam Deck.
Can mods prevent Cyberpunk 2077 from opening?
Yes. Outdated or incompatible mods can block startup. Removing all mods helps confirm if they are causing the issue.
Conclusion
Cyberpunk 2077 not opening on PC or Steam Deck is usually caused by corrupted files, outdated drivers, or configuration conflicts. Verifying game files, updating system components, disabling overlays, and resetting settings resolve most cases. Reinstallation is effective when deeper issues exist. Applying these steps restores proper game launch and stable performance.