---
title: "Fix a crash after installing OptiScaler | OptiScaler"
description: "Remove the added files to confirm the cause, then check the correct game executable folder, proxy selection, API support, and known compatibility limitations."
canonical: https://optiscaler.ink/how-to/how-to-fix-game-crash-after-install
updated: 2026-10-18
---

# How to fix a game crash after installing OptiScaler

Remove the added files to confirm the cause, then check the correct game executable folder, proxy selection, API support, and known compatibility limitations.

## Facts (2026-10-18)

- **Version:** OptiScaler 0.9.4 (reference build, July 2026)
- **APIs:** DirectX 11, DirectX 12, Vulkan
- **Upscalers:** DLSS, FSR and XeSS inputs/outputs where compatible
- **Frame generation:** Experimental OptiFG (DirectX 12)
- **Overlay:** Insert key
- **Install:** ZIP extracted next to the main game executable
- **Platform:** Windows; Linux via Proton/Wine varies
- **Site:** Independent guide — not the official project site

## In short

Remove the added files to confirm the cause, then check the correct game executable folder, proxy selection, API support, and known compatibility limitations.

## Steps

1. Remove the added OptiScaler files and launch stock.

2. Re-check the executable folder and proxy selection.

3. Confirm the game's API (DX11/DX12/Vulkan) is a supported path.

4. Re-add the minimum files and test one output.

## Facts that do not change

Reference build is OptiScaler 0.9.4. Install is a ZIP next to the main game executable; the overlay opens with Insert. Avoid online or anti-cheat protected games, and test offline first.

## FAQ

### What is OptiScaler?

OptiScaler is a community tool that can intercept supported in-game upscaler calls and redirect them to another supported upscaling backend, with additional tuning options.

### How does OptiScaler work in a game?

The game exposes an input upscaler, OptiScaler sits between the game and the selected output backend, and the chosen output handles the final upscaling path where compatibility allows.

### Does OptiScaler support DirectX 11?

Yes, DirectX 11 is supported, although the available output methods and behavior can differ from DirectX 12.

### Does OptiScaler support DirectX 12?

Yes. DirectX 12 has broad support and is also the API used by experimental OptiFG functionality.

## Related

- [OptiScaler how-to: install, overlay, FSR4 and fixes](https://optiscaler.ink/how-to)
- [OptiScaler FAQ: the official 20 questions, answered](https://optiscaler.ink/faq)
- [How to install OptiScaler](https://optiscaler.ink/how-to/how-to-install-optiscaler)
- [How to open the OptiScaler overlay with Insert](https://optiscaler.ink/how-to/how-to-open-the-overlay)
- [How to fix the OptiScaler overlay not showing](https://optiscaler.ink/how-to/how-to-fix-overlay-not-showing)

## Download

ZIP next to the game executable: [Download OptiScaler](https://optiscaler.ink/download)

Markdown mirror: https://optiscaler.ink/how-to/how-to-fix-game-crash-after-install.md