---
title: "Game updates and OptiScaler | OptiScaler"
description: "Store patches can overwrite the files OptiScaler placed or renamed. The fix is boring and reliable: verify the game, then re-apply a clean install."
canonical: https://optiscaler.ink/topics/game-updates-break-installs
updated: 2026-10-18
---

# Why a game update can break an OptiScaler install

Store patches can overwrite the files OptiScaler placed or renamed. The fix is boring and reliable: verify the game, then re-apply a clean install.

## 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

Store patches can overwrite the files OptiScaler placed or renamed. The fix is boring and reliable: verify the game, then re-apply a clean install.

## Steps

1. Let the store finish updating the game.

2. Verify game files if it misbehaves.

3. Remove stale OptiScaler files.

4. Re-install cleanly 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 topics: safety, versions and expectations](https://optiscaler.ink/topics)
- [OptiScaler FAQ: the official 20 questions, answered](https://optiscaler.ink/faq)
- [Is OptiScaler safe to use?](https://optiscaler.ink/topics/is-optiscaler-safe)
- [OptiScaler Manager and Client: what is actually official?](https://optiscaler.ink/topics/manager-client-truth)
- [This is an independent OptiScaler guide, not the project site](https://optiscaler.ink/topics/independent-guide-not-official)

## Download

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

Markdown mirror: https://optiscaler.ink/topics/game-updates-break-installs.md