If Genshin Impact will not start on PC, first identify where it fails: HoYoPlay may not open, its launch button may do nothing, the game process may appear and close, or an error may appear during an update. The right fix depends on that symptom. Work through the low-risk checks first, then use the specific repair or Windows workaround that matches your issue.
Identify what is failing before changing settings
Note the exact error text or code and when it appears. A download or extraction failure is different from a game that starts and immediately closes, and both differ from HoYoPlay itself failing to open. HoYoverse’s support guidance separates these cases; use the matching steps below rather than treating every failure as the same problem.
- HoYoPlay will not open: focus on the launcher and its update or installation state.
- HoYoPlay opens, but Start does nothing or the game will not launch: try the basic checks, then file repair and the locale workaround where applicable.
- The game process appears and closes, or an error code appears: record the code and follow its specific repair guidance.
- The problem occurs while downloading, updating, or extracting files: use the download and storage checks below before troubleshooting the game launch itself.
Try the basic launcher and PC checks
- Restart Windows. This is a sensible first step for a stalled launcher or update.
- Close memory-heavy programs. HoYoverse recommends closing applications that use substantial memory when HoYoPlay cannot install or download content. Then open HoYoPlay directly and try again.
- Check your connection and available space. For a download or update issue, use a stable network and make sure the drive has enough free space for the game files and update.
- Open HoYoPlay directly. If a desktop shortcut is not working, start the launcher itself and use it to update or launch the game.
HoYoverse’s launcher installation and download guidance and download-failure guidance cover these steps. If HoYoPlay reports a file extraction error, use its specific extraction-error guidance rather than assuming the game has a launch error.
Repair the game files for client or launch errors
If HoYoPlay opens but the game files or client appear damaged, select Repair Now in HoYoPlay when the option is available. HoYoverse associates launch error codes 1, 4, and 1114 with abnormal client components and recommends repair for these errors. For mhypbase.dll errors with codes 1, 107, or 126, it also recommends repairing the game files.
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For a missing mhypbase.dll, check your security software’s quarantine first. Restore or allow the file only if it is present and you can confirm it belongs to the game installation. Antivirus interference is one possible cause, not a proven explanation for every such error. If repair does not resolve the problem, HoYoverse says reinstalling HoYoPlay may be necessary. See its error-code and client-repair instructions.
Try the Windows UTF-8 locale workaround only for the matching symptom
HoYoverse documents a Windows system-locale workaround for a game that will not launch through HoYoPlay or its desktop shortcut. It is not a general fix for every crash, error code, or download problem.
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- Open Windows Region settings.
- Choose Additional date, time, & regional settings, then Change date, time, or number formats.
- Open the Administrative tab and select Change system locale.
- Check Beta: Use Unicode UTF-8 for worldwide language support.
- Restart the PC and try launching Genshin Impact again.
These are the steps in HoYoverse’s HoYoPlay launcher troubleshooting guide.
Check security software without leaving protection disabled
HoYoverse lists antivirus interference among possible causes for some client, download, and extraction errors. If the relevant error guidance calls for it, temporarily disable antivirus only long enough to test whether the issue changes, then turn protection back on. Do not leave it disabled or create broad exclusions. For a suspected mhypbase.dll issue, check quarantine before changing security settings.
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Separate download and update failures from launch failures
If the failure happens before the game is ready to start, use the checks that match the stage of the failure:
- Download or update stops: restart the PC, close memory-heavy programs, open HoYoPlay directly, confirm a stable connection, and check free space. HoYoverse’s update and download guidance also discusses repairing or redownloading files and checking for antivirus interference.
- Extraction fails: check free space and security software, then follow HoYoverse’s file-extraction troubleshooting. Trying another drive may be appropriate where the current drive is causing the problem.
- Update completes but launch fails: treat this as a launch/client issue: note any code and try HoYoPlay’s Repair Now option where available.
Compare your PC with the current requirements
HoYoverse’s system requirements page, updated November 11, 2025, lists the following PC specifications. It warns that storage needs may increase with future updates, so the listed storage figure is not a guarantee that every later installation or update will fit.
| Specification | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 10 or 11 64-bit |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics API | DirectX 11 | DirectX 11 |
| Available storage | 110 GB | 110 GB |
The 110 GB figure is the available PC storage listed on that requirements page, not a promise that future updates will require no additional room. HoYoverse also recommends installing the game on a solid-state drive for a smoother gaming experience. An SSD is not established as a cure for a general launch failure. See the current Genshin Impact system requirements.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Update graphics drivers for crash or display-related symptoms
For crashing, lagging, or freezing, HoYoverse recommends current graphics drivers; if drivers are already current, it suggests a clean reinstall. This is more relevant when the game crashes or freezes than when HoYoPlay itself will not open. Follow the crash, lag, and freezing guidance for the applicable diagnostics.
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Escalate with the right diagnostics
If the matching fixes do not work, contact HoYoverse support and include the details that let support distinguish a launcher, client, system, or update issue:
- Exact error message or code, and the step where it appears
- A screenshot or video of the failure
- PC specifications and Windows version
- Date and time of the failure
- Antivirus details, including whether a game file was quarantined
- Logs requested by the relevant support article; some launch issues may require DxDiag
For certain PC crashes, HoYoverse identifies output_log.txt, crash files, and driverError.log. Preserve relevant logs while the problem is occurring: HoYoverse notes that some reset when the game restarts. Follow the exact crash-report instructions or the applicable error-code support guidance for the requested files.
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