Fortnite is a graphically demanding game that runs on the powerful Unreal Engine. However, this also means it’s susceptible to hardware-related errors. One of the most persistent issues players encounter is the “GPU Crashed or D3D Device Removed” error. This error usually causes the game to crash abruptly and is particularly frustrating because it can occur randomly, even on high-end PCs.
What Does the “GPU Crashed or D3D Device Removed” Error Mean?
This error typically indicates that your system’s graphics processing unit (GPU) failed to continue rendering frames for Fortnite. The message might read something like:
“GPU Crashed or D3D Device Removed. The application will now close.”
This is a Direct3D (D3D) related error, tied to how the game communicates with your GPU. It means Fortnite either lost connection to the graphics device or the rendering API (DirectX) crashed due to unstable hardware, driver conflicts, or corrupted settings.
Common Causes of the Error
There’s no single root cause for this crash, but several known issues frequently lead to it:
1. Outdated or Faulty GPU Drivers
Using outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can cause instability in rendering, particularly in games using Direct3D.
2. Overclocked GPU or CPU
Overclocking, while it boosts performance, can lead to crashes if not properly configured or if your system becomes unstable under load.
3. DirectX Issues
Fortnite uses DirectX 11 or 12. If your DirectX installation is corrupted or incompatible, crashes are likely.
4. High Graphics Settings
Running Fortnite on settings your GPU can’t handle or improper resolution scaling can lead to overload and eventual crashes.
5. Power Supply or Thermal Issues
A failing PSU or overheating GPU can cause the device to temporarily shut down, triggering this error.
6.Windows or Game File Corruption
Sometimes, the issue stems from corrupted system files or Fortnite-specific files.
How to Fix “GPU Crashed or D3D Device Removed” in Fortnite
Follow these proven solutions in order, from the simplest to the most in-depth.
1. Restart Your PC
It sounds obvious, but a fresh restart can fix temporary driver or system memory issues. Always try this before diving deeper.
2. Update Your Graphics Drivers
- NVIDIA Users: Use GeForce Experience to check for the latest drivers.
- AMD Users: Use AMD Radeon Software for updates.
- Intel Users: Visit Intel’s driver page.
After updating, restart your PC and try launching Fortnite again.
3. Switch DirectX Versions
Fortnite allows you to toggle between DirectX 11 and DirectX 12. If you’re using DirectX 12 and experiencing crashes, try reverting to DirectX 11:
- Launch Epic Games Launcher.
- Go to Library > Click on three dots under Fortnite > Choose Options.
- In the Advanced Command Line Arguments field, enter:
diff
CopyEdit
-d3d11
4. Relaunch Fortnite.
You can also try -d3d12 if you’re switching the other way.
5. Verify Game Files
Corrupted Fortnite files can lead to GPU communication errors:
- Open Epic Games Launcher.
- Go to Library.
- Click the three dots under Fortnite > Select Manage.
- Click Verify. This will check and repair damaged files.
6. Lower Graphics Settings
If your system is under strain, reduce the following settings in Fortnite:
- Set Graphics Quality to Low or Medium.
- Turn off Ray Tracing and High Resolution Textures.
- Disable V-Sync.
- Set Frame Rate Limit to a lower, stable value (e.g., 60 FPS).
These adjustments can ease the load on your GPU and help prevent crashes.
7. Disable Overclocking
If you’ve manually overclocked your GPU or CPU using MSI Afterburner, Intel XTU, or BIOS settings:
- Revert to factory default clock speeds.
- Save and restart your system.
Overclocking can lead to system instability if not properly managed.
8. Set Fortnite to Use the Dedicated GPU
On laptops, Fortnite may mistakenly run on the integrated GPU instead of the dedicated one:
Windows Settings:
- Go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
- Click Browse, find the FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping.exe (located in Fortnite install folder).
- Select it, then click Options.
- Choose High Performance (which uses your dedicated GPU).
9. Check for Overheating and Power Issues
Use monitoring software like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to check GPU/CPU temps.
- Make sure temps stay below 85°C while gaming.
- Ensure your power supply unit (PSU) meets the minimum power requirements for your GPU.
Dusty components, worn-out thermal paste, or failing fans can all contribute to GPU crashes.
10. Reinstall Fortnite
If nothing else works:
- Uninstall Fortnite via the Epic Games Launcher.
- Restart your PC.
- Reinstall the game fresh.
This removes any lingering corrupted files or broken configurations.
Conclusion
The “GPU Crashed or D3D Device Removed” error in Fortnite can be a major disruption, especially in the middle of a match. But the good news is that it’s often fixable with the right combination of driver updates, settings adjustments, and system maintenance. Start by updating your GPU drivers and trying a different DirectX version. If you’re still having trouble, lower your graphics settings and verify your game files. For more persistent issues, disabling overclocking, checking hardware stability, and reinstalling the game are your best bets. If all else fails, you can contact Epic Games Support for personalized help.