If Starfield started crashing, failing to load a save, or hanging in the Creations menu immediately after you installed or updated a Creation, treat that Creation as the first suspect—but not the only one. Disable the most recently changed Creation, restart the game completely, and test before deleting all downloaded content. If the Creations menu itself will not finish loading, use the platform-specific recovery below: copy ContentCatalog.txt before deleting it on PC, clear Starfield’s Reserved Space on Xbox, or reinstall the game on PlayStation. Protect synchronized saves before taking any destructive step.
Choose the least destructive fix for your symptom
The right recovery depends on what fails and where you play. A normal crash, a save-loading crash, and an endless Creations-menu load have different causes and different reset procedures.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Symptom | Platform | First action | What it changes | Reversibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game crashes after installing or updating a Creation | PC, Xbox, or PlayStation | Disable the Creation most closely associated with the problem, then fully restart Starfield | Only that Creation’s active content | High; you can re-enable it for testing |
| Save crashes while loading | PC or Xbox guidance is documented | Restart the game and device, then test another save and disable recently added Creations | May isolate a Creation, a damaged save, or a broader installation problem | High if you do not delete saves |
| Creations menu spins or never opens | PC | Wait briefly for a connection issue; if it remains stuck, back up and delete ContentCatalog.txt |
Resets the local Creations catalog record; downloaded files are not described as a save deletion | Moderate; keep the backup |
| Creations menu spins or never opens | Xbox | Clear Starfield Reserved Space under Manage Game > Saved Data | Removes downloaded Creations, which must be downloaded again | Low for the downloads, but your saves are separate; verify cloud sync first |
| Creations menu spins or never opens | PlayStation | Uninstall and reinstall Starfield | Reinstalls the game and its local content | Low; use only after less destructive checks |
Bethesda’s support guidance explicitly says Creations can cause in-game issues in some cases, but it also lists damaged files, graphics drivers, overlays, storage, network access, account problems, and long-played saves as possible causes. Do not assume every crash is a mod conflict.
Protect your saves before changing Creations
- Do not delete local save data as a first response. Bethesda says corrupted saves cannot be repaired.
- On Xbox, allow Starfield to synchronize before clearing local data or troubleshooting offline. If the console has been disconnected, reconnect and let cloud saves sync back before proceeding.
- Use a recent known-good save for testing. Keep the original save untouched so you can distinguish a bad Creation from a damaged save.
- On PC, make a copy of
ContentCatalog.txtbefore deleting it. Bethesda recommends this specifically so you retain a record of the Creations associated with an infinite menu load.
These precautions matter because clearing downloaded Creations and deleting saves are different operations. Xbox Reserved Space removal deletes downloaded Creations; it is not a command to erase your save files.
#1 Best Overall
- 【7450MB/s・Amazing Speed】Maximum read speed of 7450MB/s and maximum write speed of 6500MB/s (random read/ write speed of up to 1000K IOPS) realises the workflow of high-performance desktop PCs and notebook PCs. Ideal for power users who are looking for market-leading speeds.
- 【PCIe Gen4×4 for Superior Performance】Biwin NV7400 M.2 SSD utilizes the latest PCIe Gen 4x4 and 3D TLC NAND, choosing high-quality premium NAND flash chosen through our automated selection. Capacities of up to 4 TB are available, providing ample storage space and eliminating the anxiety of insufficient storage.
- 【PMIC Power Management & Graphite Heat Sink】NV7400 M.2 SSD adopts a composite power supply IC (PMIC), which improves power saving and energy saving performance by increasing the efficiency of power distribution, and effectively extends the durability of the SSD. Moreover, it is equipped with a 0.5mm graphene aluminium heat sink to prevent overheating with excellent heat dissipation performance and maintain stable top performance.
- 【Enhanced System Stability】The NV7400 delivers stable performance for demanding applications. Enhanced by Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology, it ensures stable operation even under heavy workloads. The integration of Smart Cache optimizes data retrieval, while Zip data compression maximizes storage efficiency.
- 【Free Biwin Intelligence Software】Biwin Intelligence is multifunctional management software, designed to support Biwin consumer-brand storage products. For a more convenient and more secure storage experience, this software helps users manage their drives with features like performance test, data migration, firmware update, and more.
Start with a complete restart
PC
- Exit Starfield normally.
- Confirm that the game and its launcher are no longer running. Close them from the taskbar or Task Manager if necessary.
- Restart Windows, then launch Starfield and test the same action that previously failed.
Xbox
- Press the Xbox button, highlight Starfield, press the Menu button, and choose Quit. Do not leave it suspended in Quick Resume.
- Restart the console. Bethesda’s save-loading guidance also recommends power-cycling the system when a restart alone does not clear the fault.
- Launch Starfield and test before changing the load order again.
PlayStation
Close Starfield completely, restart the console, and test again. If the specific failure is the Creations menu remaining stuck, Bethesda’s documented PlayStation recovery is a full uninstall and reinstall, described later in this guide.
A full restart clears a suspended process and can restore a temporary connection to the Creations service. It does not repair a bad Creation, so continue to isolation if the crash returns.
Isolate the Creation most likely to be responsible
Think in terms of the last known change. If the problem began after downloading, updating, or reordering one Creation, disable that item first. Bethesda recommends disabling or removing installed Creations and testing again when crashes are frequent.
- Open the Creations management screen if it loads.
- Disable the Creation installed or updated immediately before the first crash. If several changed together, start with the newest or one that affects the same system, location, or interface involved in the failure.
- Restart Starfield completely; do not rely on returning to the main menu.
- Load a save made before the problem, or use a spare test save. Repeat the action that caused the crash.
- If the game works, re-enable Creations one at a time, restarting and testing after each change. The first item that reproduces the fault is your strongest suspect.
Disabling one item before clearing everything preserves evidence. Removing every Creation at once can make the game launch while leaving you without a reliable way to identify the conflict.
What should I do if I am stuck loading in the Creations menu?
First rule out a temporary connection problem
Leave the menu open for a few minutes. Bethesda notes that a connection delay can look like an infinite load. If it still does not open, restart Starfield and then try disabling the newest Creation if the menu becomes available.
If you see a connection error rather than a simple spinner, check the platform service status, your internet connection, and the Bethesda.net account linked to the game. Bethesda’s server-error article is available at Bethesda Support. Verify the account and email requirements shown there before treating the problem as local mod corruption.
PC: preserve and rebuild the local catalog record
- Close Starfield and its launcher.
- Open File Explorer and enter
C:Users%username%AppDataLocalStarfieldin the address bar. - Copy
ContentCatalog.txtto another folder. This backup preserves the list Bethesda says can help identify the Creations associated with the stuck load. - Delete the original
ContentCatalog.txt. - Start Starfield and open Creations. The catalog will be rebuilt; you may need to sign in or download items again depending on what the game displays.
Do not skip the backup. The file is a troubleshooting record, and deleting it without a copy removes useful information about what was installed.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Xbox: clear Reserved Space, not save data
- Highlight Starfield in My games & apps.
- Press the Menu button and choose Manage game and add-ons.
- Open Saved data and select Reserved Space.
- Choose Clear Reserved Space, then restart Starfield.
Bethesda says this removes downloaded Creations. They must be downloaded again, preferably one at a time if a particular item may be causing the failure. Confirm that your saves have synchronized before using the reset.
PlayStation: reinstall when the menu will not load
For the specific stuck-Creations-menu problem, Bethesda directs PlayStation users to uninstall and reinstall Starfield. This is more disruptive than disabling one Creation, so use it after restarting and checking service connectivity. Confirm that your save data is safely synchronized according to your console’s normal storage process before uninstalling.
Repair the PC installation and rule out non-mod causes
If Starfield still crashes with the suspect Creation disabled, test the PC environment. Bethesda’s PC crash guidance recommends checking the following areas.
Rank #2
- Efficient Performance: M.2 SSD 1TB adopts PCIe Gen4 x4 technology and is compatible with NVMe1.4 protocol, With speeds reaching 4800MB/s, the PCIE 4.0 1TB NVMe SSD is perfectly compatible with the PS5, ensuring swift game launches for an immersive gaming experience
- Ample Storage Expansion: The S690Q M.2 SSD offers storage capacities ranging from 500GB to 4TB, eliminating concerns about game storage. Effortlessly expand your gaming storage and indulge in a plethora of gaming delights
- Fast Heat Dissipation: The heat dissipation sticker ensures NVMe 1TB SSD operates at low temperatures during prolonged and intensive usage, providing a reliable memory expansion for your PS5
- Wide Compatibility: The Internal SSD 1TB not only provides optimal storage expansion for PS5, but also can be used on various platforms including desktops and laptops. Excellent compatibility provides a versatile solution, providing strong support for various scenarios, ensuring work efficiency and gaming experience
- 5-Year Service: Our 1TB NVMe SSD come with a 5 years after-sales service and lifetime technical support. If you have any questions, please contact us and we will sincerely and professionally solve the problem for you
Verify or repair game files
Use the file-verification or repair command in the launcher where you installed Starfield. The exact button label differs between launchers, but the operation compares local files with the installation and replaces damaged data. Restart the launcher and game after the repair completes.
Recommended Free Tools
Check the graphics driver and active GPU
- Install a current driver from your GPU manufacturer using a normal or clean installation option where available.
- On systems with integrated and discrete graphics, confirm that Starfield is assigned to the intended high-performance GPU in Windows graphics settings or the vendor control panel.
- If a driver update immediately preceded the crash, test the previous stable driver only through the manufacturer’s supported rollback process.
Disable overlays and reduce graphics load
Temporarily turn off overlays from launchers, chat clients, recording tools, or GPU utilities. Lower graphics settings if the crash occurs during heavy scenes or performance spikes. An overlay or unstable graphics configuration can coexist with a mod change, so a successful test does not prove the Creation was defective.
Check antivirus permissions
Ensure your antivirus or endpoint security software is not blocking Starfield, its launcher, or the folders where the game stores configuration and Creation data. Use the security product’s documented allow-list process rather than disabling protection permanently.
Install Starfield on an SSD
Bethesda says Starfield should be installed on an SSD rather than an HDD. This is a PC storage requirement and can affect streaming and loading reliability; moving the installation to an SSD is not a specific cure for a mod conflict. If the game is already on an SSD, look elsewhere instead of treating storage as the explanation for every crash.
The official PC crash article, including its checks for files, drivers, GPU selection, overlays, antivirus, and storage, is at Bethesda Support.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
When a save crashes but the game menu works
A save-loading crash can be caused by a Creation, a damaged save, or a broader game problem. Bethesda also notes an issue involving saves played for a long time in its PC crash guidance; because support notices can change, check the current article before relying on that explanation.
- Restart Starfield and the PC or console.
- Disable the Creation most recently added or updated.
- Try loading an earlier save and, if available, a different character. If other saves load, the failing save may be damaged or dependent on content that is no longer present.
- Do not overwrite the only copy of a working save while testing.
- On Xbox, verify cloud synchronization before deleting any local data. Bethesda’s Xbox save guidance explains that reconnecting can allow cloud saves to sync back.
Bethesda states that corrupted saves cannot be repaired. If only one save fails after the Creation is removed and the installation is healthy, preserve your other saves and avoid repeatedly resaving over them.
For platform-specific save-loading advice, see Bethesda’s Xbox save-crash article and its general save-file guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Separate service, account, and load-order problems
A failed download or missing Creation can prevent a save from restoring its expected load order without any local file being broken. If Creations cannot connect, check:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →- the platform’s online-service status;
- Bethesda.net service status and any incident notices;
- that the correct Bethesda.net account is linked and verified;
- your network connection, including sign-in and NAT restrictions.
If restoring a save’s required Creations fails, Bethesda recommends downloading the Creations one at a time. This approach identifies the item or service request that fails and avoids creating another all-at-once download failure. The connection and account troubleshooting steps are documented in Bethesda Support.
Rank #3
- THE SSD ALL-STAR: The latest 870 EVO has indisputable performance, reliability and compatibility built upon Samsung's pioneering technology. S.M.A.R.T. Support: Yes
- EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMANCE: Enjoy professional level SSD performance which maximizes the SATA interface limit to 560 530 MB/s sequential speeds,* accelerates write speeds and maintains long term high performance with a larger variable buffer, Designed for gamers and professionals to handle heavy workloads of high-end PCs, workstations and NAS
- INDUSTRY-DEFINING RELIABILITY: Meet the demands of every task — from everyday computing to 8K video processing, with up to 600 TBW** under a 5-year limited warranty***
- MORE COMPATIBLE THAN EVER: The 870 EVO has been compatibility tested**** for major host systems and applications, including chipsets, motherboards, NAS, and video recording devices
- UPGRADE WITH EASE: Using the 870 EVO SSD is as simple as plugging it into the standard 2.5 inch SATA form factor on your desktop PC or laptop; The renewed migration software takes care of the rest
Advanced PC troubleshooting after the basic fixes fail
Use these steps only after restarting, isolating Creations, repairing files, and checking drivers and services.
- Reset or reinstall the launcher used to start Starfield, following that launcher’s official uninstall process.
- Create a new Windows user profile and test Starfield there. A clean profile can show whether permissions or corrupted per-user configuration are involved.
- Perform a clean graphics-driver installation using the GPU manufacturer’s supported method.
- Close the Xbox app when launching through Steam, or close Steam when launching through the Xbox app. Bethesda lists simultaneous launcher activity as an advanced troubleshooting factor.
These actions can affect sign-in state and launcher settings, so record your account details and existing installation location before resetting anything. Bethesda’s advanced PC sequence is at Bethesda Support.
A safe re-download and testing sequence
Once the game launches reliably with downloaded Creations removed or disabled, rebuild your setup methodically:
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
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 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match- Start with the base game and confirm that a clean save loads.
- Download one Creation.
- Restart Starfield and test loading, travel, menus, and the activity that previously crashed.
- Repeat for each Creation, keeping notes about its name, version shown in the menu, and the point at which the fault returns.
- When a failure appears, remove the last item and retest. Keep that item disabled until its compatibility is clarified.
This process takes longer than downloading everything at once, but it gives you a reproducible trigger and avoids losing track of the load order.
When to stop troubleshooting and seek support
Contact Bethesda Support after you have recorded the platform, launcher, exact symptom, whether the Creations menu opens, which Creation was last changed, and which steps already worked or failed. Include whether another save loads and whether the game crashes with all Creations disabled. Do not send your only save or delete files merely to create a cleaner ticket.
Support procedures and service status can change. The linked Bethesda articles were accessed on October 13, 2026, and their pages did not display publication or revision dates; check the live instructions when you perform a reset.
What can I do if Starfield is crashing on PC?
Disable the Creation most closely tied to when the crashes began, restart Windows and Starfield, then verify game files. If crashes continue, check the active GPU and driver, disable overlays, confirm antivirus permissions, and ensure the game is installed on an SSD. Bethesda’s PC guidance treats Creations as one possible cause among several, not as a universal explanation.
How do I know whether a Creation or a save is broken?
Test an earlier save or another character with the suspect Creation disabled. If multiple saves fail, investigate the installation, driver, service, and account causes. If one save alone fails while others load, protect the working saves; Bethesda says a corrupted save cannot be repaired.
Will clearing Xbox Reserved Space delete my Starfield saves?
Bethesda describes Reserved Space clearing as removing downloaded Creations, which you must download again. It is separate from save deletion, but verify cloud synchronization before changing local data so you do not risk losing an unsynchronized save.
Quick Recap
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.
