Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsIf High On Life keeps closing or will not launch on Windows, start with the game’s published PC requirements, then work through Windows updates, drivers, Steam file verification and background apps. These are safe general troubleshooting checks—not eight confirmed fixes specific to High On Life. If the entire PC freezes, blue-screens or restarts, investigate system stability rather than treating it as an ordinary game crash.
1. Check whether your PC meets High On Life’s requirements
Compare your system with the requirements on the Steam listing for High On Life before changing settings or considering hardware purchases. The figures below are Valve/Steam’s published requirements; they are not a guarantee that a system will be crash-free.
| Requirement | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 64-bit | Not stated on the Steam listing |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-4430K | Intel Core i5-6402p or AMD Ryzen 5 2600 |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | Not stated on the Steam listing |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB or AMD Radeon R9 290x 4 GB | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6 GB or AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT 6 GB |
| DirectX | Version 11 | Version 12 |
| Available storage | 59 GB | 59 GB |
| Storage type | Not stated | SSD recommended |
If you are below a listed minimum, that may explain launch or stability problems, but it does not identify a particular cause. Steam recommends an SSD; its listing does not say an SSD will fix crashing. Consider an internal SSD for gaming PC only if your current drive or available space is a constraint, not as a guaranteed remedy.
2. Install available Windows updates
Steam’s general launch troubleshooting guidance includes updating Windows. Install pending updates through Windows Update, restart the PC if prompted, and try the game again. The precise labels can differ by Windows version; on Windows 11, open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
#1 Best Overall
- System: AMD Ryzen 7 8700F 4.1GHz 8 Cores | AMD B850 Chipset | 16GB DDR5 | 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD | Windows 11 Home
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB Graphics | 1x HDMI | 2x DisplayPort
- Connectivity: 2 x USB-C 3.2 | 4 x USB-A 3.2 | 2 x USB-A 2.0 | 1 x LAN | WiFi 6 | Bluetooth 5.3 | 7.1 Channel Audio
- Tempered Side Case Panel | Custom RGB Lighting | Keyboard and Mouse
- 1 Year Parts & Labor Warranty, Free Lifetime Tech Support
3. Update graphics and other PC drivers
Steam recommends updating computer drivers when a game will not launch. Check for updates through your PC or graphics hardware manufacturer’s official support channel, and follow its instructions for your exact device. This guidance does not establish a particular driver version as necessary for High On Life.
4. Verify the game files in Steam
Steam’s general troubleshooting checklist includes verifying a game’s files. In Steam, open Library, right-click High On Life, select Properties, open Installed Files, then choose Verify integrity of game files. Wait for the check to finish before launching the game again.
Rank #2
- POWERED BY RTX 5070 12GB + RYZEN 7 9700X - The GeForce RTX 5070 12GB GDDR7 graphics card pairs with an 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 9700X processor to drive smooth 1440p and 4K gameplay, giving this gaming PC the headroom for modern titles, streaming, and creative work.
- 32GB DDR5 6000MHz MEMORY & 1TB NVMe SSD - 32GB of high-speed DDR5 memory and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe solid state drive deliver quick load times, smooth multitasking, and generous storage, keeping this prebuilt gaming desktop responsive under heavy workloads.
- BUILT-IN 11.3-INCH Smart DISPLAY - An integrated smart screen shows real-time CPU and GPU temperatures, usage, and weather while you play, adding a distinctive and functional touch to your battlestation.
- 850W 80+ GOLD POWER SUPPLY, 360MM LIQUID COOLING & WiFi 7 - An 850W 80 Plus Gold certified power supply provides stable, efficient power with headroom for future upgrades, while a 360mm AIO liquid cooler, WiFi 7, and an ARGB mid-tower case keep the Ryzen 7 CPU cool and connected in a clean build.
- READY TO PLAY OUT OF THE BOX - Arrives fully assembled and tested with Windows 11 Home pre-installed, so your prebuilt gaming computer is ready to set up in minutes. Assembled in the USA, and backed by a one-year limited warranty and lifetime free technical support.
5. Temporarily close non-essential background software
Steam recommends disabling non-essential software while troubleshooting launch problems. Close optional apps you do not need, then test the game. Do not turn off antivirus, firewall or other security protections wholesale; this check is about non-essential programs, not removing your PC’s safeguards.
6. Note when and how the crash happens
Steam’s launch guidance says immediate crashes can have varied causes, including unique hardware and software configurations. It does not provide a High On Life-specific diagnostic tree, so record what you observe rather than assuming one cause.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- POWERHOUSE 8-CORE GAMING PERFORMANCE — Driven by the AMD Ryzen 7 8700F with 8 cores and 16 threads, boosting up to 5.0 GHz for smooth, responsive gameplay and the ability to handle AAA titles, streaming, and background tasks all at once
- NEXT-GEN BLACKWELL ARCHITECTURE — The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 is powered by NVIDIA's cutting-edge Blackwell GPU architecture, delivering a massive generational leap in rasterization and ray tracing performance so you can experience your games the way they were meant to be played.
- Simplistic Design: Enjoy the latest generation of Windows 11 Home for your everyday needs. *MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business use.
- Cool While Gaming: In conjunction with an ARGB fan Air Cooler, the Codex R2 features four system cooling fans; three in the front and one in the rear to pull in cool air and push heat out of the PC.
- Turn on the Bright Lights: With the built-in RGB lighting, take your gaming experience to the next level by pressing the MSI LED button to cycle through lighting options. Customize lighting even further with MSI Center software.
- Before the menu: Note whether the game fails to open or closes during startup.
- During play: Record when the crash occurs and whether it is repeatable.
- Whole-PC failure: Distinguish the game closing from a system freeze, blue screen or forced restart.
When comparing your PC with the Steam listing, check Windows version, CPU, GPU, RAM, available storage and DirectX support. Also note whether the game is installed on an SSD or hard drive; the listing recommends an SSD but does not establish it as a crash fix.
7. Treat a freeze, blue screen or restart as a system-stability issue
A game closing to the desktop is different from the whole computer freezing, showing a blue screen or restarting. Steam says forced system restarts and blue screens indicate a problem with the computer rather than Steam, the game or the application. Its system-crash guidance identifies drivers, possible faulty memory and non-standard overclocking as areas to investigate.
Rank #4
- Legend perfected: Modern design with a matte basalt black finish in an optimized chassis with customizable AlienFX lighting zones, including the striking stadium lighting.
- Game changing graphics: Step into the future of gaming and creation with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 graphics, powered by NVIDIA Blackwell architecture.
- Marathon gaming unlocked: This high-performance technology ensures clean energy is consistently available, unleashing the top-level power of Intel Core Ultra 7 265F processor as you game, livestream, and multi-task for hours on end.
- Total command: Alienware Command Center software allows you to create and edit AlienFX lighting across the ecosystem, choose and monitor your performance mode across distinct power states, and create custom gaming profiles for your whole library.
- Dell Services: 1 Year Onsite Service provides support when and where you need it. Dell will come to your home, office, or location of choice, if an issue covered by Limited Hardware Warranty cannot be resolved remotely.
- Return CPU, GPU and memory overclocks or other non-standard hardware settings to their defaults while diagnosing instability.
- Check for driver issues and consider whether memory may be faulty.
- If you cannot identify the cause, contact your computer manufacturer or a qualified local professional.
These checks address general system stability; they do not establish that High On Life itself caused the computer-level failure.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.8. Give support the details needed to investigate
If the checks above do not help, send the relevant support team a concise description and the details below. Steam’s High On Life technical issue page provides the game-support context; if the whole PC crashes and the cause remains unclear, Steam recommends seeking help from the computer manufacturer or a local professional.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- CPU: AMD Ryzen7 5700X (up to 4.6GHz) 8-Core 16-Thread to easily handle multi-line tasks
- Main board: MSI B550M-A PRO motherboard provides reliable performance and stability
- GPU: Geforce RTX 5060 8GB GDDR7 Graphics Cards (Brand may vary) Support DLSS 4 multi frame generation, ray tracing, and Reflex 2 delay optimization
- RAM: 32GB DDR4 3200MHz (16GB*2) SSD: 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe
- Power supply: 650W (80plus bronze) certified for energy efficiency and stable performance
- Windows version
- CPU, GPU and amount of RAM
- Game version and storefront
- When the failure occurs: before the menu, during play, or as a whole-system freeze or restart
- Any error message or blue-screen details
- Whether you have returned non-standard hardware settings to defaults
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
