Fallout 3 Not Working on Windows 10 and 11

Source: Fallout 3; developer: Bethesda Game Studios

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The Fallout franchise is experiencing a renaissance thanks to the hit Amazon series, but for some players, returning to Fallout 3 comes with a modern hurdle: compatibility issues with Widows 10 and 11. Luckily, with a few tweaks, you can get back to the Wasteland. Here’s a solution on how to fix it.

How to run Fallout 3 on Windows 10 and 11

If you, like other players have problems to launch Fallout 3 on Windows 10 or 11, here are a couple of methods you can try:

• Run in Compatibility Mode
• Update Graphics Drivers
• Mods and Graphics Settings

Run in Compatibility Mode

1. Right-click on the Fallout 3 executable file (usually located in your Steam library or wherever you installed it).
2. Select “Properties”.
3. Click on “Compatibility” tab.
4. Check the box for “Run this program in compatibility mode for:” and try different options.
5. Click “Apply” then “OK” and try launching the game again.

Update Graphics Drivers

Make sure your graphics card drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can cause launch and crashing issues in many games, not just Fallout 3. You can usually update them through your graphics card software.

Mods and Graphics Settings

There are also some helpful YouTube guides that address various launch issues for Fallout 3 on Widows 10/11.

1. Fallout 3 Crash Fix (2024) by DOOMSDAY437 shows how to run the game on Windows 10 and 11 by installing graphics bypass package.
2. Fallout 3 GOTY (How to Fix) 1.7.0.4 by MiloTheGamingFox, where he explains how to adjust your PC’s graphics settings to run Fallout 3 on Windows 10/11.