CS2 not launching? Here’s the easy fix

CS2 players who encounter the “not launching” error will try anything to fix it, but thankfully, there are plenty of proven options.

When Counter-Strike 2 launched in September 2023, fans met the release with cautious excitement. Excitement because any sequel to a global hit like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive was bound to spark interest in the game. Caution, because Valve’s track record with patching Counter-Strike has been a decidedly mixed bag.

As the past year has proven, Counter-Strike 2 is no stranger to bugs and technical issues. Most notorious, especially after an update, is CS2 not launching despite working perfectly the last time. Fortunately, the community has found multiple ways to resolve these issues.

How to fix CS2 not launching error

Follow these steps to fix the CS2 not launching error.

There are multiple reasons a copy of CS2 may not launch, so it’s important to go from the most common fixes before narrowing down the options. As a general tip, run CS2 as an administrator if the first launch after every solution doesn’t work. Sometimes, permissions are at the root of a launch issue.

Verify game integrity of Counter-Strike 2 through Steam

Damaged or missing files rank among the most likely culprits of a faulty CS2 launch. These steps should help find and fix those files.

• Right-click on Counter-Strike 2 on the Steam Library
• Open Properties
• Select Installed Files
• Select Verify integrity of game files

Steam will automatically search for any gaps in the installation folder and either fix or reinstall them. Once done, most CS2 players will find their copy working. Otherwise, it’s time to look at other solutions.

Clear the Steam download cache

With CS2’s many updates and other games in the library, remnants of a messy download may be hampering the CS2 launching process. To clean up Steam’s cache, follow these steps:

• Open Settings in Steam’s top menu bar
• Open Downloads
• Select Clear Download Cache at the bottom
• Click OK to confirm and beginSteam’s cleaning process
• Restart Steam

With files verified and a clear cache, this ensures all the files are where they should be. If CS2 still fails to launch, that means the files aren’t to blame for the game’s issues.

Add -autoconfig to CS2 launch options

Incorrect or unoptimized CS2 launch options could also be an underlying cause. For players feeling unsure about their settings, let the game handle its launch options:

• Right-click CS2 on Steam
• Select Properties
• Under the General Tab, click on Set Launch Options
• In the Launch Options window, add -autoconfig at the very end
• Press OK to confirm and apply

Even if this fixes issues, players may not want to keep auto-config on forever. If they feel confident in changing their settings, simply remove the -autoconfig command from the launch options with the steps above.

Delete CS2 Workshop maps

Since it was born from a mod, the Counter-Strike 2 modding scene is appropriately thriving. However, with many of these modders doing so as a hobby, some maps may not play nice with CS2. If CS2 fails to launch after installing a certain Workshop map, removing it may resolve the issue.

• Go to the Steam Profile
• Click Workshop Items
• Select Subscribed Items
• Unsubscribe from all Workshop maps
• Go to Steam Library
• Right-click on CS2
• Hover to Manage
• Select Browse local files
• Open Workshop folder
• Open Content folder
• Delete all workshop maps within

If there are any workshop maps that players want to keep, reinstall them one at a time and check if they work with CS2.

Run CS2 in compatibility mode

Incompatibility with the current Windows version may also be a cause.

• Right-click on CS2 in the Steam Library
• Hover over Manage
• Select “Browse local files”
• Right-click on the CS2.exe file
• Select Properties
• Go to the Compatibility tab
• Run the compatibility troubleshooter

Follow the instructions from there and see if the game will launch. Alternatively, check for Windows updates to see if that’s the cause of the compatibility issues.

Update Drivers

If CS2 itself isn’t to blame, then it’s other software. Check all graphics drivers and see if they’re up to date. Old drivers often clash with freshly updated games, especially those as frequently updated as Counter-Strike 2. Keeping drivers updated ensures these incompatibilities won’t occur.

After updating drivers, restart the PC immediately to apply the changes. If there are still issues, try temporarily disabling the driver’s software programs, such as Nvidia Ansel or other active in-game features. Players have also reported issues with AMD’s Anti-Lag, so disabling the feature may help with CS2 launch issues.

Exclude from antivirus and firewall

Sometimes, the programs that keep a computer safe can be overzealous. To prevent false flags, make sure to whitelist Steam in any antivirus software or firewall. However, make sure to regularly scan Steam for viruses, as whitelisting may make it more vulnerable to certain threats.

It’s worth noting that these antivirus and firewall issues tend to stem from software with an overzealous reputation. Microsoft’s default antivirus gets the job done in most cases and typically doesn’t stop CS2 from launching. If possible, keep active scans to a minimum if third-party antivirus programs are a must for the device.

Change your Steam profile picture

Perhaps the strangest fix, yet many users claim to work, is changing one’s Steam profile picture. As for why this works, users believe it has something to do with Valve’s anti-cheat failing to recognize the new profile picture while online.

• Open View Profile in the top-right corner of Steam
• Click on Edit Profile in the menu
• Select Avatar
• Click on Upload your Avatar and upload a new image
• Click Save
• Click on Steam in the upper-left corner
• Select Go Offline
• Wait for a few minutes
• Go back online

Steam should have updated the user ID and profile picture and allowed the player to launch CS2.

Reinstall CS2

When all else fails, it’s time for a total reinstall.

• Right-click on CS2 in the Steam Library
• Click on Manage
• Select Uninstall
• Restart PC
• Reinstall CS2 on Steam

This method effectively factory resets CS2 when all other options fail. If reinstallation fails, it’s time to check with Steam Support. Alternatively, check social media for anybody else who failed to launch the game. If it’s a widespread issue, then it may be something that Valve is actively working to fix. Of course, that means players have no choice but to wait for the next hotfix.