Start by identifying what is failing: a Bethesda Creations connection or download, missing console content, a stuck Creations menu, a saved load-order restore, a PC crash, or a third-party PC mod. The fixes differ by symptom and platform, and broad resets can delete downloads or overwrite your current load order.
First, identify where the failure happens
Choose the closest symptom before changing files or clearing data:
- Creations will not connect or download: check Bethesda.net service status, account verification and network access.
- A subscribed Creation is missing on console: verify it remains in the catalog, then remove and download it again.
- The Creations menu is stuck loading: follow the recovery steps for PC, Xbox or PlayStation; some steps remove downloaded content.
- A saved Creation load order will not restore: confirm an archive exists and that you are using the account that saved it.
- Starfield crashes on PC: work through requirements, drivers, game-file repair and testing with Creations removed.
- A third-party PC mod loads but its feature does not work: check that mod’s installation and compatibility instructions, your game version and load order. Bethesda’s Creations troubleshooting does not identify the cause of an individual third-party mod problem.
The instructions below reflect Bethesda Support guidance and Nexus Mods’ Vortex documentation. They are not a guarantee that any one step will fix a particular installation.
Creations will not connect or download
Check Bethesda.net and your account first
- Check Bethesda’s service-status page and your platform’s network status.
- On the Bethesda.net website, accept any recent End User License Agreement update, and confirm that your account is verified and linked to the platform account you use in Starfield.
- Fully exit the game. Restart your device and home network equipment, then try again. If possible, test a wired connection.
- If you can, open another Bethesda game linked to the same account or view the Starfield Creations Library on Bethesda.net, then return to Starfield.
For a failed download caused by a save dependency or load-order restoration, Bethesda suggests trying to download Creations one at a time. See Bethesda’s connection-error steps.
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For PC access or download trouble
If the account and service checks do not help, Bethesda’s PC guidance adds these network and security checks:
- Try a wired connection and restart your modem or router.
- Check that antivirus exclusions allow Starfield, Steam and the Xbox app, as applicable.
- Flush DNS using the instructions for your version of Windows.
- Bethesda suggests opening TCP ports 80 and 443 and UDP ports 3000–3010 on the router. This is a support suggestion, not a guaranteed fix; consult your router manufacturer’s instructions before changing port settings.
See Bethesda’s PC Creations access and download guidance.
Creations or mods are not appearing on console
- Check Bethesda.net to confirm the Creation still exists in the catalog; it may have been removed.
- Remove the Creation in Starfield, then download it again.
- Confirm that the console is linked to the same Bethesda.net account used on the website for the subscription.
These are Bethesda’s recommended checks for a subscription that does not appear in-game. See the console-specific support page.
The Creations menu is stuck loading
Wait a few minutes in case the hang is connection-related. If the menu becomes usable, try disabling Creations, especially any added immediately before the problem began. If you cannot use the menu, Bethesda lists different steps for each platform:
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PC
- Open
C:Users%username%AppDataLocalStarfield. - Save a copy of
ContentCatalog.txtfirst if you want a record of the Creations that may be involved. - Delete
ContentCatalog.txtand start Starfield again.
Xbox
- Go to My Games & Apps > Games > Starfield > Manage Game > Saved Data.
- Clear Reserved Space.
Bethesda says this removes downloaded Creations, so expect to download them again.
PlayStation
Bethesda says you may need to uninstall and reinstall Starfield. Its support page reports that a complete reinstall has resolved the issue for some players, not that it will do so in every case.
See Bethesda’s stuck Creations menu instructions.
A saved Creation load order will not restore
Restoration requires an archive saved beforehand through Creations > Load Order > Load Order Archive. Bethesda Support states: “You will only be able to restore your Creation load order if you have previously saved it via the Load Order Archive in the Creations menu.” The restore action overwrites the active load order, so save or record the current arrangement if you need to retain it.
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If the archive is not available, check that you are signed into the Bethesda.net account that saved it. If restoration fails with a server connection error, use the connection checks above. See Bethesda’s load-order restore guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Starfield crashes on PC after installing Creations
Bethesda says Creations can cause in-game issues in some cases. That does not establish which Creation, if any, is responsible for a particular crash. Troubleshoot in a way that helps separate a game or performance problem from a mod-related one:
- Confirm the PC meets Starfield’s system requirements and that the game is installed on an SSD.
- If the crash appears tied to performance, lower graphics settings and close other applications.
- Install the correct, current driver for your graphics card.
- Repair or validate the game files using the options available in your game launcher.
- Test with Creations disabled or removed. If crashes persist, Bethesda recommends disabling or removing Creations; its guidance also includes running with administrator permissions and checking antivirus exclusions.
None of these steps guarantees a fix for a conflict. See Bethesda’s Starfield PC crash guidance.
Third-party PC mods managed with Vortex
Vortex is a third-party mod manager, not a Bethesda requirement or a universal solution. If a mod installed through Vortex is missing or ineffective, verify the installation channel and the exact game folder before changing files:
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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 & 11- Confirm whether your PC copy is the Steam or Xbox/Game Pass version, then check Vortex’s Starfield game detection and folder selection.
- Check that the mod was deployed and that its own installation instructions and compatibility requirements are satisfied.
- Review plugin load ordering if the mod depends on another plugin or conflicts with one.
- If the mod requires the Starfield Script Extender (SFSE), note that Nexus Mods’ documentation describes SFSE as Steam-only; it does not work with Xbox Game Pass.
Vortex support and compatibility can change. Consult the Nexus Mods Vortex Extension for Starfield documentation and the individual mod’s instructions for current details.
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