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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →If Hollow Knight crashes as Steam launches it or the game will not load on your PC, work through low-risk checks first: restart Windows, update Windows and device drivers, verify the installed game files, and temporarily close non-essential software. These are general launch checks, not a guaranteed Hollow Knight-specific fix; the cause can vary between PC configurations. Back up your save folder before deleting local data or trying other invasive changes.
Hollow Knight won’t launch on Steam: start with these checks
If Steam changes the game’s status to “Launching” and then returns to the normal Play button without opening the game, treat it as a launch failure and try the steps below in order. Steam notes that launch problems can have different causes across hardware and software configurations, so test one change at a time.
1. Restart Windows
Restart the PC, then launch Hollow Knight again from Steam. This is the simplest first check and avoids changing game files or settings unnecessarily.
2. Update Windows and device drivers
Install applicable Windows updates and check for current drivers through Windows Update or the relevant device manufacturer’s official support channel. Which drivers apply depends on your PC. An update may help with a system-specific issue, but it is not established as a universal fix for Hollow Knight.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors#1 Best Overall
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3. Verify Hollow Knight’s files in Steam
Steam says launch failures can result from corruption in extracted game files. In the current Steam client, open Library, right-click Hollow Knight, choose Properties, then Installed Files and Verify integrity of game files. Steam checks the installation and replaces files it finds to be missing or damaged. Menu wording may vary as the client changes. See Steam’s launch troubleshooting guide.
4. Temporarily close non-essential programs
Close non-essential software that is running in the background, then try launching the game again. To narrow down a possible conflict, close one program at a time rather than disabling several things at once. This is a diagnostic check; it does not establish that antivirus software, an overlay, or any particular application is responsible.
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Check whether your PC meets Hollow Knight’s listed requirements
The Windows requirements shown on the Hollow Knight Steam listing include the following. Store requirements can change, so consult the listing for the current figures. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee flawless operation on every configuration.
| Requirement | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | 64-bit OS; Windows 10 version 21H1 (build 19043) or newer | Not stated on the Steam listing |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-3240 or AMD FX-4300 | Intel Core i5-3470 |
| Memory | 4 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics | GeForce GTX 560 Ti (1 GB) or Radeon HD 7750 (1 GB) | GeForce GTX 1050 (2 GB) or Radeon R9 380 (2 GB) |
| DirectX | Version 10 | Not stated on the Steam listing |
| Available storage | 9 GB | 9 GB |
Protect your save before making bigger changes
Before deleting local files, reinstalling, or trying another invasive change, copy your Hollow Knight save folder somewhere safe. Team Cherry lists this Windows location:
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%USERPROFILE%/AppData/LocalLow/Team Cherry/Hollow Knight/
You can paste the path into File Explorer’s address bar. Keep the backup separate from the game folder so that it is not removed along with a later cleanup. Team Cherry’s Hollow Knight help page documents the save location; backing it up is a precaution, not a stated crash fix.
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If Hollow Knight opens, but your controller does not work
Controller detection or incorrect input after the game opens is a different problem from a crash before startup. Team Cherry says the game uses Unity’s new Input System for broader controller support, while noting that some setups remain unsupported. If you can reach the game’s settings, check its platform-specific Advanced Settings for the option to switch back to the previous input system. That option addresses controller input; it is not an evidenced fix for a game that fails to launch.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Contact support if the launch checks do not help
Steam recommends contacting the developer for in-depth help when its general launch troubleshooting does not resolve the problem. The Hollow Knight technical support portal identifies Team Cherry’s support email as [email protected]. Check the portal for the current contact route.
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Include your Windows version, PC specifications, storefront, game version, exact error message (if any), and the checks you have already tried. These details help distinguish an installation problem from a system-specific issue; no response time or particular resolution is guaranteed.
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