Fix Days Gone Outdated Or Incompatible GPU Drivers Error

by Luna Greco 59 views

Hey guys, are you encountering the frustrating "Outdated or incompatible GPU drivers" error when trying to launch Days Gone on your Windows PC? Don't worry, you're not alone! This is a common issue, and I'm here to guide you through some effective solutions. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various troubleshooting steps to get you back into the game as soon as possible. Let's dive in and get those zombie hordes running again!

Understanding the "Outdated or incompatible GPU drivers" Error

Before we jump into solutions, let’s understand why this error pops up. The error message "Outdated or incompatible GPU drivers" typically indicates that your computer's graphics card drivers are either too old or not compatible with the game. Drivers are essential software that allows your operating system and games to communicate with your hardware, in this case, your GPU. When these drivers are outdated, corrupted, or incompatible, games like Days Gone can fail to launch or experience crashes.

Here are the primary reasons for this error:

  1. Outdated Drivers: GPU manufacturers regularly release driver updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and ensure compatibility with new games. If your drivers are old, they might lack the necessary updates to run Days Gone smoothly.
  2. Corrupted Drivers: Sometimes, driver files can become corrupted due to various reasons such as incomplete installations, software conflicts, or system errors. Corrupted drivers can lead to launch failures and other graphical issues.
  3. Incompatible Drivers: In rare cases, the latest drivers might not be fully compatible with your specific hardware configuration or the game itself. This can result in the error message even if you have recently updated your drivers.

Now that we have a grasp of the possible causes, let's move on to the solutions.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix the Error

1. Update Your GPU Drivers

This is the most common and often the most effective solution. Updating your GPU drivers ensures you have the latest bug fixes, performance improvements, and compatibility updates. Updating your drivers can be done in several ways, and I will show you the options to get it done.

Method 1: Manually Update Through the Manufacturer's Website

The best way to ensure you have the correct drivers is by downloading them directly from the manufacturer’s website. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Identify Your GPU: First, you need to know your GPU model. Press Win + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter. In the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, go to the “Display” tab. You’ll find your GPU model listed under “Name”.
  2. Visit the Manufacturer's Website:
  3. Download the Latest Drivers: Enter your GPU information and operating system, then download the latest drivers.
  4. Install the Drivers: Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. It’s recommended to perform a clean installation, which removes the old drivers before installing the new ones. This option is usually available during the installation process.

Method 2: Use the GPU Manufacturer's Software

NVIDIA and AMD provide software that helps manage and update your drivers automatically. These tools can simplify the process.

  • NVIDIA GeForce Experience: If you have an NVIDIA GPU, use GeForce Experience. It notifies you of new driver updates and allows you to download and install them with a few clicks. It also optimizes game settings for the best performance.
  • AMD Radeon Software: AMD Radeon Software has a similar function for AMD GPUs. It keeps your drivers up-to-date and provides tools for game optimization and streaming.

Method 3: Update Through Device Manager

Windows Device Manager can also be used to update drivers, although it may not always provide the latest versions.

  1. Press Win + X and select “Device Manager”.
  2. Expand “Display adapters”.
  3. Right-click on your GPU and select “Update driver”.
  4. Choose “Search automatically for drivers”. Windows will search for and install the latest drivers it finds. But again, this will likely not be the newest drivers.

2. Perform a Clean Driver Installation

As mentioned earlier, a clean installation can resolve issues caused by corrupted or conflicting driver files. When you perform a clean installation, the old drivers are completely removed before the new ones are installed. This can help prevent conflicts and ensure a smooth experience. NVIDIA and AMD drivers often provide an option for this during installation.

  • NVIDIA: In the NVIDIA driver installer, select “Custom (Advanced)” installation, then check the “Perform a clean installation” box.
  • AMD: In the AMD driver installer, there is typically an option to “Factory Reset” which achieves the same thing.

3. Roll Back to a Previous Driver Version

In some cases, the latest drivers might have compatibility issues with Days Gone or your specific hardware setup. If updating to the newest drivers doesn’t work, try rolling back to a previous version. Here’s how:

  1. Open Device Manager (Win + X, then select “Device Manager”).
  2. Expand “Display adapters”.
  3. Right-click on your GPU and select “Properties”.
  4. Go to the “Driver” tab.
  5. Click “Roll Back Driver” if the option is available. If it’s grayed out, it means there are no previous drivers to roll back to.

If the “Roll Back Driver” option is not available, you can manually install an older driver version by downloading it from the manufacturer's website and running the installer.

4. Verify the Game Files

Sometimes, game files can become corrupted, leading to various issues, including driver-related errors. Most game launchers, such as Steam and Epic Games, have a feature to verify the integrity of game files. Verifying the game files ensures that all necessary files are present and uncorrupted.

On Steam:

  1. Go to your Steam Library.
  2. Right-click on Days Gone and select “Properties”.
  3. Go to the “Local Files” tab.
  4. Click “Verify integrity of game files…”. Steam will check the game files and re-download any corrupted or missing files.

On Epic Games Launcher:

  1. Go to your Library.
  2. Click the three dots next to Days Gone.
  3. Select “Verify”. The Epic Games Launcher will verify the game files.

5. Check for Windows Updates

Ensuring your operating system is up-to-date is crucial for system stability and compatibility. Windows Updates often include fixes and improvements that can resolve driver-related issues.

  1. Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Go to “Update & Security”.
  3. Click “Check for updates”.
  4. Install any available updates and restart your computer.

6. Run the Game as Administrator

Running the game with administrative privileges can sometimes resolve compatibility issues. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Right-click on the Days Gone executable file (usually found in the game’s installation directory or on the desktop shortcut).
  2. Select “Properties”.
  3. Go to the “Compatibility” tab.
  4. Check the box that says “Run this program as an administrator”.
  5. Click “Apply” and then “OK”.
  6. Launch the game.

7. Adjust Graphics Settings

If your GPU is struggling to run the game at high settings, it might trigger the driver error. Try lowering the graphics settings in the game to reduce the load on your GPU.

  1. Launch the game (if it allows you to reach the settings menu).
  2. Go to the graphics settings.
  3. Lower the settings for resolution, texture quality, shadows, and other graphical options.
  4. Restart the game and see if the issue is resolved.

8. Check Hardware Compatibility and Overheating

Sometimes, the issue might not be software-related. Check if your hardware meets the minimum system requirements for Days Gone. If your GPU is overheating, it can cause performance issues and driver errors.

  • Check System Requirements: Ensure your GPU, CPU, and RAM meet the game's minimum or recommended specifications.
  • Monitor GPU Temperature: Use monitoring software like MSI Afterburner or HWMonitor to check your GPU temperature during gameplay. If it’s consistently high (above 80°C), consider improving your system’s cooling.

9. Disable Overlays and Background Applications

Overlays from programs like Discord, Steam, or NVIDIA GeForce Experience can sometimes interfere with the game. Try disabling these overlays and closing unnecessary background applications.

  • Disable Overlays: In each application’s settings, look for options to disable overlays or in-game features.
  • Close Background Applications: Close any unnecessary programs running in the background to free up system resources.

10. Reinstall Days Gone

If none of the above solutions work, a last resort is to reinstall the game. This can fix any corrupted game files that weren’t corrected by the verification process.

  1. Uninstall Days Gone through Steam or Epic Games Launcher.
  2. Delete any remaining game files from the installation directory.
  3. Reinstall the game.

Conclusion

Encountering the "Outdated or incompatible GPU drivers" error in Days Gone can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can usually resolve it. Remember, the key is to systematically work through the solutions, starting with the most common fixes like updating your drivers and verifying game files. By following this guide, you should be well-equipped to get back to battling Freakers in no time. Good luck, and happy gaming!

If you guys have any other solutions or tips, feel free to share them in the comments below! Let’s help each other out and keep the Days Gone community strong.