How To Fix CS2 (CSGO) Won’t Launch On Steam? [8 Methods]

Verify Integrity Of Game Files

One common reason why CS2 (CSGO) might not launch properly is because your game has corrupted game files. Though corrupted files may sound worrying, the fix is pretty easy.

You will have to verify the integrity of your CS2 (CSGO) game files, which you can do by following these steps:

1. Open Steam Library and look for Counter-Strike: 2.

2. Right-click CS2 (CSGO) and click on Properties.

3. On the left side of the menu, go to Installed Files.

4. Finally, click on the button that says Verify Integrity Of Game Files.

Steam will begin verifying your game’s local files tab and remove any corrupted and unwanted files. The process will take 2 to 10 minutes. Once completed, you’ll be good to go! This method can also fix any issues related to starting up CS2 (CSGO) with a black screen.

Run Steam As an Administrator

The next method is very straightforward, but it has solved the problem for many people having CS2 (CSGO) launch issues.

We’ll run Steam as an Administrator on your computer for this method. Here’s how:

1. Exit Steam by ending the process in the Task Manager.

2. Hit your Windows key and search for Steam.

3. In your Windows search bar, multiple options will be available below Steam.

4. Click on Run as Administrator.

5. A User Account Control pop-up will show on your screen. Simply click Yes.

6. Now, Steam will be running in Administrator mode.

7. Finally, launch CS2 (CSGO) from Steam.

Remember that your Windows user must have admin permissions to perform this step!

Update Graphics Card Drivers

Another common issue that prevents CS2 (CSGO) from launching properly is an outdated graphics driver.

Fortunately, the process of updating your graphics drivers is extremely easy to follow:

1. Hit your Windows key and search for Device Manager.

2. In the Device Manager window, look for Display Adapters and expand the drop-down menu.

3. You will see the name of your computer’s graphics card.

4. Right-click on your graphics card and click on Update Driver.

5. Then, another pop-up will appear, where you will click on Search Automatically For Drivers.

6. Your computer will automatically look for updates and apply them if there are any.

Even though it’s possible to play CS2 (CSGO) without a graphics card, it is still an essential part of your computer system and should be regularly checked.

Change Compatibility Mode

The next method we’ll cover will ensure your computer and CS2 (CSGO) will not have any compatibility issues, which determines whether CS2 (CSGO) can launch properly or not.

Changing your Compatibility Mode isn’t too difficult if you follow the steps below:

1. First, exit CS2 (CSGO) and the Steam client by ending the process using the Task Manager.

2. Next, locate your CS2 (CSGO) desktop shortcut and right-click on it.

3. After right-clicking, go to CS2 (CSGO)’s Properties.

4. In the CS2 (CSGO) Properties, go to the Compatibility tab.

5. Under Compatibility Mode, check the box next to "Run This Program In Compatibility Mode".

6. Then, open the drop-down menu and select Windows 8, the most recent Windows release.

Conversely, if your CS2 (CSGO) is already set to Compatibility Mode, I suggest turning off Compatibility Mode to see if anything works.

Check For Overclocking Issues

Many CS2 (CSGO) players have reported facing many issues, including CS2 (CSGO) not launching because of overclocking.

For this method, we’re going to prevent overclocking through these steps:

1. Hit your Windows key and search for Edit Power Plan

2. Once you’ve opened your Power Plan Settings, click Change Advanced Power Settings.

3. A new menu will pop up, where you will scroll down and look for Processor Power Management.

4. Expand the drop-down menu to see the Minimum and Maximum Processor State.

5. Set both of them to 99, then save your changes by clicking Apply.

By doing this, you are setting your CPU to run at 99% state at all times, preventing it from reaching 100% or above, which causes overclocking.

Disable CS2 (CSGO) Joystick Support

This method isn’t the most effective one on the list but it can solve the issue if you have plugged in additional devices and peripherals into your computer.

Though this solution will only solve the issue for a few people, it’s still worth a shot since the instructions are very simple:

1. Go to your Steam Library and look for Counter-Strike: 2.

2. Right-click CS2 (CSGO) and click on Properties.

3. Under the General section, what we’re looking for is Launch Options.

4. In the text box under Launch Options, type -nojoy.

The -nojoy option is a joystick controller command, and is one of the best Launch Options to solve CS2 (CSGO) performance and launch issues, and who knows it might solve your problem!

Update Windows

Another reason CS2 (CSGO) may not launch correctly is because of issues related to your operating system, in other words, Windows.

Fortunately, keeping Windows updated is the solution to the problem, which can be done by following the steps below:

1. Hit your Windows key and search for Windows Update Settings.

2. If your Windows is not up to date, an “Updates ready to install” message will be at the top of your screen.

3. All you need to do is click Install All.

4. Windows will begin downloading and installing the latest updates.

The process is automatic, but you might need to confirm some actions. If this fix still doesn’t solve your issue, we have one final method for you.

Reinstall CS2 (CSGO)

If you’ve tried every method but are still facing CS2 (CSGO) launching issues, then we’ll have to get desperate and use the last resort method, which is uninstalling CS2 (CSGO) and reinstalling it.

To uninstall CS2 (CSGO), follow these steps:

1. Go to your Steam Library and look for Counter-Strike: 2.

2. Right-click CS2 (CSGO) and hover your mouse over Manage.

3. A new set of options will appear, where you will click on Uninstall.

4. Steam will ask you to confirm your actions.

Uninstalling the game shouldn’t take too long, so you probably only need to wait a few seconds. Next, we will reinstall CS2 (CSGO).

To reinstall CS2 (CSGO), use the steps below:

1. Go to the Steam Store page.

2. Search for Counter-Strike: 2.

3. Scroll down until you see Play Counter-Strike: 2.

4. Click on the green button that says Play Game.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions, and Steam will automatically download the game for you.

Reinstalling CS2 (CSGO) will give your game a full reset and will 99% fix your CS2 (CSGO) launch issues. If it still doesn’t, your hardware is probably incompatible to run CS2 (CSGO).