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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11First pinpoint where Baldur’s Gate 3 gets stuck: before the main menu, when starting a new game, or while loading one campaign save. Those symptoms can have different causes. On PC, Larian’s troubleshooting guidance points to a measured sequence: close potentially interfering apps, test without mods, verify the game files, and compare DirectX 11 with Vulkan. If only one save hangs, test another save or a new game and protect the affected save before changing files. These are diagnostic steps, not guaranteed fixes.
Start with the symptom, not a risky fix
Note the exact point where loading stops: initial launch, after “Press Any Key,” while starting a new game, or on one existing save. Also note your platform, storefront, game version, whether the game uses mods, and whether other saves load. That information helps separate a game-wide startup problem from an issue tied to one campaign.
If the game visibly indicates that it is updating or doing first-run work, avoid repeatedly force-closing it while progress is underway. Larian’s troubleshooting pages do not specify a universal wait time, so there is no evidence-based number of minutes to promise.
10 things to try, in a low-risk order
1. Restart the game and close likely interfering apps (PC)
Exit the game, then close non-essential programs before launching it again. Larian lists antivirus and firewall software, overlays, graphics monitoring or tweaking utilities, and chat programs as possible sources of interference during startup. Test with one change at a time; do not permanently disable security software just to see whether the game starts. See Larian’s PC startup troubleshooting.
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2. Test the game without mods (PC)
Mods or leftover mod files can contribute to loading problems. If you use mods, isolate the game by testing an unmodded setup and make sure the mods you intend to use are current and compatible with your game version. Back up your profile and saves first. A campaign that depends on particular mods may not load correctly when those mods are removed, so do not treat deleting every mod as a safe universal fix. Larian’s mod troubleshooting guidance explains its supported approach.
3. Verify or repair the installed files (PC)
For a Steam install, open the game’s Properties, choose Installed Files, then select Verify integrity of game files. Steam checks whether the installed files are in order and may reacquire files that need repair; this does not repair a damaged campaign save. Steam’s steps are in its Verify Integrity of Game Files guide. For a GOG Galaxy install, use the game’s Manage installation menu and select Verify / Repair, as described in Larian’s startup guidance.
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4. Switch between DirectX 11 and Vulkan (PC)
If the launcher offers both graphics APIs, try the one you are not currently using, then test the same loading point. Larian recommends trying DirectX 11 for some PC issues and advises switching between the available APIs in its startup troubleshooting. Change only the API for this test so the result is interpretable; the setting does not apply to Mac or console. See startup troubleshooting and PC crash guidance.
5. Check graphics settings and the selected GPU (PC)
If the game still fails to start, Larian’s graphics guidance includes resetting the configuration file graphicSettings.lsx and checking that the game is using the discrete NVIDIA or AMD GPU when the system has one. Treat this as an advanced, reversible diagnostic: preserve the existing configuration before changing or resetting it, and follow Larian’s platform-specific instructions rather than deleting unrelated files. See Larian’s graphics troubleshooting.
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6. See whether the problem affects every save
If you can reach the main menu, try loading a different, older save and, if practical, start a new game and create a test save. If those work but one campaign save does not, the problem is more likely tied to that save or its mod dependencies than to general startup. Keep a separate copy of the affected save before troubleshooting or contacting support. Larian’s save-loading guidance covers this branch.
7. Clear the LevelCache only for a save-loading problem (Windows)
Larian identifies a corrupt LevelCache as one possible cause of errors or crashes while loading saves. Follow the cache-clearing steps in its save-loading instructions; do not confuse cache files with saved games, and do not delete your campaign saves as an initial troubleshooting step. This is a Windows-specific path, not an instruction to apply on Mac or console.
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8. Check whether security software is blocking file access (Windows)
Larian also notes that antivirus software can prevent the game from accessing files needed to load a save. If the symptom fits and the game’s file access appears to be blocked, consult your security vendor’s trusted-app or exception procedure for the relevant game executable. Avoid switching off protection globally or adding broad exclusions without evidence that access is being blocked. Details are in Larian’s save-loading guidance.
9. On Mac, follow the Mac-specific startup steps
Do not use Windows paths or Windows cache instructions on a Mac. Larian’s Mac startup guidance includes verifying game files, checking background processes, and recreating the profile folder while preserving and restoring saves. Back up the profile and follow the Mac instructions carefully before replacing or moving it: a profile contains data beyond the game installation. See Crashing upon startup (Mac).
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10. Send Larian the information needed to investigate
If the issue persists, use Baldur’s Gate 3 Support and include your platform and game version, the exact point where loading stops, whether a new game or other saves load, and which troubleshooting steps you tried. Follow the support page’s current directions for any save file, logs, or system information it requests; do not attach unrelated personal files.
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| What happens | Best next tests | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| PC cannot reach the main menu | Close likely interfering apps; test without mods; verify files; switch graphics API. | Deleting campaign saves to fix a startup hang. |
| Main menu opens, but one save hangs | Try an older save or a new game; preserve the affected save; check the LevelCache and file access on Windows. | Assuming a full reinstall or graphics change will repair that particular save. |
| Mac startup problem | Use Larian’s Mac instructions for verification, background processes, and profile-folder recovery. | Following Windows AppData or DirectX/Vulkan directions. |
| Console problem | Record the console model and update state, and establish whether all saves or only one are affected; use the console’s supported support route. | Trying PC-only steps such as Steam verification, Windows cache paths, or API switching. |
One hardware check worth making
Larian lists an SSD as required to play Baldur’s Gate 3 in the system requirements linked from its support page. If the game is installed on a hard drive, check that requirement for your platform. An SSD is a system-requirement check, not a guaranteed cure for a loading hang.
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