Forza Horizon 5 won't launch / game keeps crashing during race (How to fix)

If you experience crashes with your game, or Forza Horizon 5 won't launch on your PC, here are the possible solutions!

Try the following troubleshooting steps to solve your issues in Forza Horizon 5.

1. Disable Nahimic Service

If Forza Horizon 5 keeps crashing during the race (especially the intro race) disabling the Nahimic service will probably fix your problem.

• Pres Windows + R keys (or right-click on Windows Start button and click Run)
• Type msconfig
• Click OK
• System Configuration windows will open, then go to Services tab.
• Find the Nahimic service from list
• Uncheck it
• Click OK and restart your PC.

2. Repair your game files

Verifying the game's file integrity and repairing corrupted files can sometimes be a simple solution.

You can easily repair Forza Horizon 5 on Steam. If you don't know how to repair Forza Horizon 5 on Steam, you can access the guide by clicking the link.

Repairing the Microsoft Store/Xbox Game Pass version of FH5 is a little different:

• Go to Windows Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features
• Find Forza Horizon 5 from the list and select it.
• Click the "Advanced options"
• Click on the Repair button.

3. Disable your antivirus

If FH5 crashes immediately after pressing the play button, temporarily disable your antivirus or add ForzaHorizon5.exe to exceptions in your antivirus/firewall.

4. Unplug your controller & steering wheel

One of the USB devices (controller/gamepad, steering wheel, etc) you use on your PC may cause Forza Horizon 5 to freeze and crash.

Those who own products such as CSL Elite Steering Wheel WRC, Podium Wheel Base DD1/DD2, ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2, ClubSport Pedals V3, CSL DD are among those who have crash problems.

I suggest you temporarily unplug your gamepad and steering wheels and play Forza Horizon 5, at least until a patch/hotfix comes out.

5. Run as administrator and disable fullscreen optimizations

• Go to Steam library > Forza Horizon 5 > Manage > Browse local files
• Find the ForzaHorizon5.exe and right-click on it.
• Select Properties
• Go to Compatibility tab
• Select "Disable fullscreen optimizations" and "Run this program as an administrator"
• Click OK

6. Update your drivers

Don't forget to update your GPU and audio drivers. You can uninstall the existing driver with DDU before installing a new one.

Get the latest graphics drivers at these links:

• Nvidia: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/drivers/
• Amd: https://www.amd.com/en/support

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For more information, you can also check out my troubleshooting guide.