Quick Answer: Summary of Steps

  1. Check the requirements and Windows version. CD PROJEKT RED says Windows 10 below version 1909 should be updated first; run winver to check.
  2. Clean-install your graphics driver. Remove the old driver (Display Driver Uninstaller for NVIDIA/Intel, AMD Cleanup Utility for AMD), then install the latest.
  3. Verify the game files. Use Steam, GOG GALAXY or the Epic Games Launcher to repair the install.
  4. Turn off overlays, monitoring tools and overclocks. Overlays (Discord, Ubisoft Connect, GOG Galaxy), hardware monitors and CPU/GPU clock changes are all on CD PROJEKT RED's crash checklist.
  5. Remove mods if you see the scripts error. The "corrupted or missing scripts file" message usually points at modified game content.
  6. Do a clean reinstall on an SSD. Back up saves first, then follow CD PROJEKT RED's clean-install steps.

Prerequisites & Materials Needed

Required tools & items

  • A Windows administrator account — needed to install drivers and delete AppData folders.
  • Your store launcher — Steam, GOG GALAXY or the Epic Games Launcher, whichever owns your copy.
  • Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) or the AMD Cleanup Utility — the tools CD PROJEKT RED names for removing old drivers.
  • A backup location for saves — a second drive or USB stick. Saves live in %userprofile%\Saved Games\CD Projekt Red\Cyberpunk 2077\.
  • Estimated time — Preparation: about 10 minutes (check Windows version, back up saves); Execution: 5 minutes for the easy fixes; 1–2 hours if you need a clean reinstall, depending on download speed

Estimated time

  • Preparation: PT10M
  • Execution: PT2H

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Step 1: Confirm your PC and Windows version are supported

Many launch crashes come from an unsupported setup, so rule that out first.

  • Press Win + R, type winver and press Enter. If you are on Windows 10 below version 1909, run Windows Update to the latest build. Compare your CPU, GPU and RAM with CD PROJEKT RED's official Cyberpunk 2077 system requirements article.
  • Pro Tip: Windows 8/8.1 and 32-bit Windows are not supported, according to CD PROJEKT RED's support site. Its support site also carries a "Windows 10 – end of support" notice; read it if you are still on Windows 10.

How you know it worked: Your Windows build is current and your hardware meets at least the minimum specification.

Step 2: Step 2: Clean-install your graphics driver

A clean install removes leftover driver files that a normal update can leave behind.

  • NVIDIA or Intel: download the latest driver, run Display Driver Uninstaller to remove the old one, then install the new driver.
  • AMD: run the AMD Cleanup Utility, then download and install the latest Adrenalin driver.
  • Pro Tip: If the crashes *started* after a driver update, CD PROJEKT RED advises installing the previous driver version instead.

How you know it worked: The game reaches the main menu and a short play session runs without a crash.

Step 3: Step 3: Verify the integrity of the game files

Corrupted files are behind crashes, launch failures and odd bugs. Each store has a built-in repair.

  • Steam: Library → right-click Cyberpunk 2077 → Properties → Installed Files → *Verify integrity of game files*.
  • GOG GALAXY: Owned games → Cyberpunk 2077 → Customize (next to Play) → Manage installation → *Verify / Repair*.
  • Epic Games Launcher: Library → three dots on the tile → Manage → *Verify*.
  • Pro Tip: CD PROJEKT RED also suggests loading a save made *before* the problem started, if you have one.

How you know it worked: The launcher reports the files are valid (or re-downloads the damaged ones) and the game starts.

Step 4: Step 4: Close overlays, monitoring tools and remove overclocks

Programs that hook into the game can crash it.

  • Disable in-game overlays in Discord, Ubisoft Connect and GOG Galaxy, or close those apps. Close hardware-monitoring tools. CD PROJEKT RED's checklist also includes antivirus and anti-malware software; if you test without it, turn it back on afterwards. Reset any CPU or GPU overclock or undervolt to stock.
  • Pro Tip: Factory-overclocked graphics cards and motherboard "auto-boost" features count as changed clock rates; check your vendor's utility.

How you know it worked: The game is stable with only the store launcher running.

Step 5: Step 5: Fix the "corrupted or missing scripts file" and MSVCP140_1.dll errors

These two errors each have their own CD PROJEKT RED support article.

  • scripts error: If you use mods, remove them and verify the game files again (Step 3). CD PROJEKT RED's "issues after modifying game content" article covers this case. Note that the PC console commands found online come from an unofficial mod, not the game; see our [Cyberpunk 2077 cheats page](https://nextplayintel.com/cheats/cyberpunk-2077/).
  • MSVCP140_1.dll: This file belongs to Microsoft's Visual C++ runtime. Follow CD PROJEKT RED's article for this error; installing the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (x64) from Microsoft's site is the usual fix *(general Windows advice; follow CDPR's article first)*.

How you know it worked: The error no longer appears at launch.

Step 6: Step 6: Check for Intel 13th/14th Gen instability

CD PROJEKT RED has a dedicated support article on instability with 13th and 14th Gen Intel CPUs, a hardware issue Intel has addressed with motherboard BIOS microcode updates.

  • If you have one of these CPUs, read CD PROJEKT RED's article and check your motherboard maker's site for the latest BIOS.
  • Pro Tip: BIOS updates carry risk if interrupted; follow your motherboard maker's instructions exactly.

How you know it worked: Random crashes in Cyberpunk 2077 and other games stop.

Step 7: Step 7: Do a clean reinstall on an SSD

This is the last step before contacting support.

  • Back up %userprofile%\Saved Games\CD Projekt Red\Cyberpunk 2077\ to another drive.
  • Turn off cloud saves for Cyberpunk 2077 in your launcher.
  • Uninstall the game.
  • Delete the Cyberpunk 2077 folder in your launcher's directory, the Cyberpunk 2077 folder in %userprofile%\Saved Games\CD Projekt Red\, and the REDEngine and CD Projekt Red folders in %userprofile%\AppData\Local\ (turn on hidden items in File Explorer to see them).
  • Restart, then reinstall on an SSD at the drive root (for example C:\Steam\steamapps\common\Cyberpunk 2077). Do not reinstall mods.
  • For a *technical* problem, launch first, then copy saves back. For a *quest* problem, copy saves back first, then launch.
  • Turn cloud saves back on.

How you know it worked: A fresh install launches and plays normally.

How this guide was made: researched and drafted with AI assistance from the official support pages and references listed in the sources, and published under Tulasiram Pemmadi's byline. We have not tested these fixes on our own hardware.

This guide walks you through CD PROJEKT RED's official fixes for Cyberpunk 2077 crashing, refusing to launch or closing with the "corrupted or missing scripts file" error on PC, from the quickest checks to a full clean reinstall. Every step comes from CD PROJEKT RED's support site unless it is marked otherwise.

Game page: Cyberpunk 2077 on NextPlayIntel · Related: Cyberpunk 2077 update 2.5 guide · Cyberpunk 2077 cheats, endings and secrets

The Problem

Cyberpunk 2077 on PC either closes to the desktop during play, fails to open after you click Play, or shows the error "Cyberpunk 2077 encountered an error caused by a corrupted or missing scripts file and will now be forced to close." CD PROJEKT RED's PC technical support section lists each of these as a known support topic, alongside a missing MSVCP140_1.dll launch error and instability on 13th and 14th Gen Intel desktop CPUs.

Likely Causes

According to CD PROJEKT RED's support articles, the usual causes are:

  • Outdated or damaged graphics drivers. CD PROJEKT RED recommends a clean driver install, not an update over the top. If crashes began right after a driver update, it advises rolling back to the previous driver and reporting the problem.

  • Corrupted or missing game files. CD PROJEKT RED lists crashes, failure to launch, glitched graphics and even "immortal enemies" as symptoms.

  • Software running alongside the game. Overlays, hardware monitoring tools and antivirus or anti-malware programs are on the official crash checklist.

  • Overclocking or underclocking. CD PROJEKT RED warns that changed CPU or GPU clocks can cause crashes.

  • Old Windows 10 builds. The support site has a dedicated article on crashes at launch on older Windows 10 versions, and notes that Windows 8/8.1 and 32-bit Windows are not supported.

  • Mods. CD PROJEKT RED has a separate article for problems after modifying game content, and its clean-install steps say to reinstall without mods.

  • Intel 13th/14th Gen CPU instability. CD PROJEKT RED has a dedicated support article for this hardware-level problem (see Step 6).

Error codes for this game

When to contact official support

If none of the steps help, create a DxDiag report (CD PROJEKT RED has a how-to) and contact CD PROJEKT RED through the button on its "Game crashes" article at support.cdprojektred.com. Include your Windows version, GPU driver version and the exact error text.

How we checked this guide

Checked 31 October 2026 (IST). All steps are from CD PROJEKT RED Technical Support unless marked.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Updating the driver over the top instead of a clean install Leftover files can keep causing the crash.
  • Skipping the save backup before a clean install The clean-install steps delete a save-game folder; without a backup you can lose progress.
  • Leaving cloud saves on during the reinstall A corrupted cloud save can sync straight back.
  • Keeping mods installed while troubleshooting The scripts error is often mod-related, and CD PROJEKT RED says to reinstall without mods.
  • Installing to a protected folder CD PROJEKT RED warns that Windows permissions can block installs nested on the system drive; use the drive root.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Cyberpunk 2077 keep crashing on PC?

The most common causes are outdated graphics drivers, corrupted game files, overlays, and overclocking, according to CD PROJEKT RED. Work through a clean driver install, a file verify and disabling overlays first.

How do I fix the "corrupted or missing scripts file" error?

Remove any mods, then verify the game files in Steam, GOG GALAXY or Epic. If it persists, do CD PROJEKT RED's clean reinstall and do not reinstall mods.

Where are Cyberpunk 2077 save files on PC?

They are in %userprofile%\Saved Games\CD Projekt Red\Cyberpunk 2077\. Copy this folder somewhere safe before reinstalling.

Does Cyberpunk 2077 still support Windows 10?

CD PROJEKT RED's support site carries a "Windows 10 – end of support" article; check it for the current position. Windows 8/8.1 and 32-bit Windows are not supported.

Can I go back to an older version of Cyberpunk 2077?

CD PROJEKT RED has a support article titled "I want to revert to an earlier version of the game." Follow it for your store, because each launcher handles older versions differently.

Are console players covered by this guide?

No, this guide covers PC. On PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, CD PROJEKT RED's support site has separate console sections.

Sources & verification

Sources last verified on . This article covers published information, not hands-on testing.

About the Author

Tulasiram Pemmadi · Owner and editor

Tulasiram Pemmadi is the owner and editor of NextPlayIntel, which operates from India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He sets the site's editorial policy and publishes its gaming news, GTA guides, explainers and hardware reference pages. Articles are researched and written with AI assistance and fact-checked against the linked sources. Unless a page says otherwise, guides summarise published information and are not hands-on tests.

Editorial & update notes

New troubleshooting guide, 31 Oct 2026.

Our editorial standards and corrections policy