Stuck on Black Initial Loading Screen

[king jon]

Hi, 

Does anyone know what seems to be the problem or issues here [refer Image]?

For Context:
I installed GTA V on my pc yesterday and tried playing for like 2 minutes and it was working fine. Then, I changed some graphics setting in the setting panel in the lobby. I don't quite remember the specifics settings that was changed but it was something to lessen the memory on my pc. After some changes were applied, it requested to restart the game to changed the settings. I clicked on restart and wait a few seconds for it to restart then it just stuck on the initial loading screen, then just crashed. 

I tried to follow few tips from the internet but nothing seems working. Does anyone know what can be done?

This are some of the tips that I tried from the internet:
1. Removing the pc_settings.bin

2. Deleting the cfg.dat
3. Deleting the Rockstar Games folder

4.Copying the dll file from system32 to gta v folder

5. Changing the settings.xml to a default settings
6. Uninstall and reinstall everything 

Edited March 22 by king jon

[Marlom]

Possibly, there is an issue with the connection to Rockstar Games' servers, or your game is getting corrupted. Normally, this part does both things: loads the assets and connects to the Rockstar Games Launcher servers.

 

GTA V Performance Optimization and Troubleshooting Guide

If you're experiencing stuttering, crashes, or performance issues in GTA V, follow this optimized troubleshooting guide to improve your experience.

1. Update the Game

Ensure your game is fully updated to the latest version. Check for updates on your game platform (Steam, Epic Games, or Rockstar Launcher).

2. Verify Game Files

Verify the integrity of your game files to ensure none are corrupted:

• Steam: Go to Library > Right-click GTA V > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files.
• Epic Games: Go to Library > Click the three dots on GTA V > Manage > Verify.
• Rockstar Launcher: Go to Settings > Select GTA V > Verify integrity.

3. Reinstall Rockstar Launcher and SDK

The Rockstar Launcher is crucial as it communicates directly with the game and can cause issues like stuttering or crashes if it's faulty.

• Uninstall the Rockstar Launcher and Rockstar Launcher SDK.
• Go to the Rockstar Games website and download the latest version.
• Install the launcher and log in with your credentials.
• Launch the game and check if performance improves.

4. Delete the GTAV Enhanced Folder

Go to Documents\Rockstar Games and delete the GTAV Enhanced folder. This will reset certain settings that might be causing issues.

5. Clear NVIDIA Caches

Clear NVIDIA cache files to ensure no old or corrupted data is causing slowdowns:

• Delete these folders:
  • C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\NVIDIA\ComputeCache
  • C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\LocalLow\NVIDIA\DXCache
  • C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\D3DSCache (delete as many folders as possible)
  • C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\NVIDIA\DXCache

(Replace YourUsername with your Windows username.)

6. Update Windows 11

Ensure your Windows 11 is up to date. Microsoft updates important DirectX and SDK files through these updates that GTA V relies on.

7. Check and Repair Windows .dll Files

Run these commands in Command Prompt as Administrator to check and repair system files:

• To check system file health:

  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  

• If errors are found, repair them by running:

  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  

• To scan and repair system files:

  sfc /scannow
  

8. Clean Up Disk and Temp Files

Clear unnecessary disk and temporary files that may be affecting performance:

• Disk Cleanup:

  • Search for cleanmgr.
  • Right-click and select "Run as Administrator".
  • Select all available options and clean.

• Temp Folder Cleanup:

  • Press Win + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
  • Select all files (Ctrl + A) and delete (Shift + Del).

• System Temp Folder Cleanup:

  • Press Win + R, type C:\Windows\Temp, and hit Enter.
  • Delete as many files as possible (Shift + Del).

9. Optimize Your SSD/NVMe Drive

If you're using an SSD or NVMe drive, optimize it for performance:

• Go to Settings > System > Storage > Optimize Drives.
• Select your SSD/NVMe drive and click Optimize.

10. Restart Your Computer

Once you've completed all the above steps, restart your computer to apply the changes.

11. Recommended Settings, Drivers, and Versions

Make sure your system is using the correct drivers and settings for optimal performance:

• NVIDIA Driver: 572.70 or higher.
• Resizable BAR: Enabled (search online for guides if unsure how to enable).
• Windows Version: Windows 11 24H2 26100.3476 or higher.
• Chipset Driver: Latest version for AMD Ryzen (AMD Ryzen Chipset Drivers 7.02.13.148 or higher).
• Optimizations for Windowed Games: Enabled.
• Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling: Enabled (Settings > System > Display > Graphics > Change default graphics settings).

12. Disable Startup Programs

Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the Startup tab, and temporarily disable all non-essential startup programs. This can help prevent conflicts caused by background applications or overlays.

13. Adjust Antivirus and Game Mode Settings

• Antivirus: If you use an antivirus other than Windows Defender, try temporarily disabling it to check if it’s causing any performance issues. Add the GTA V folder and .exe file to the antivirus exclusion list, especially if you're using a slow HDD.
• Game Mode: Ensure Game Mode is enabled (Settings > Gaming > Game Mode).
• Xbox Overlay: Disable the Xbox Overlay if not needed.
• NVIDIA Broadcast: Disable if you're using it, as it consumes significant GPU resources.

14. Test Rockstar Launcher Settings

Go to the Rockstar Launcher > Settings, and temporarily uncheck the option to enable BattEye. This is just for testing purposes, as BattEye is required for online play. Be sure to re-enable it afterward if you play online.

15. Remove Unnecessary USB Devices

For testing purposes, remove all USB devices from your computer except for those essential for gameplay, such as the mouse, keyboard, and headphones. Some USB devices or peripherals may cause conflicts that affect performance.

16. Adjust Sound Settings

To optimize sound settings for better performance, follow these steps:

• Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
• Type "control panel" (without quotes) and press ENTER.
• Go to Hardware and Sound > Sound.
• Select your default sound device and click Properties.
• Go to the Advanced tab.
• Set the Default Format to 44.1khz 16bit.
• Click Apply, then OK to accept the new setting and close the dialog box.
• Click OK again to close the Sound settings.

17. Disable BitLocker (if active)

If BitLocker encryption is enabled on your drive, it may be affecting read/write performance and putting extra strain on your CPU. For optimal game performance, it’s recommended to temporarily disable BitLocker. Here's how:

• Press Windows + X and select Disk Management.
• Right-click on your encrypted drive and select Turn off BitLocker.
• Follow the prompts to decrypt the drive.

18. Disable Spatial Sound Features

Spatial sound technologies like Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS can sometimes impact performance. To disable them:

• Right-click the Sound icon in your taskbar.
• Select Sound settings.
• Under Advanced sound options, find your default audio device and click Properties.
• Go to the Spatial sound tab and select Off from the dropdown menu.
• Click Apply and then OK.

19. Check Game Performance

Launch GTA V and see if the performance issues (like stuttering) are resolved.