What Are the Best Tools for PC Game Fixes?
The best tools for PC game fixes are free and mostly official: your GPU maker’s driver app, Display Driver Uninstaller for clean driver reinstalls, Microsoft’s Visual C++ runtimes, your launcher’s file verification, a temperature monitor like HWiNFO, and Windows Memory Diagnostic. Together they solve most crashes, stutter and launch errors.
Affiliate disclosure: no affiliate links. We only list free tools from official or long-established developers. Last updated: October 2026.
| Tool | Fixes | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA App / AMD Software / Intel Graphics Software | Driver updates, overlays, game settings | Free |
| Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) | Corrupt driver installs | Free |
| Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable | Missing DLL and launch errors | Free |
| Launcher “Verify files” (Steam, Epic, Xbox app) | Corrupt or missing game files | Built in |
| HWiNFO or GPU overlay | Overheating and throttling diagnosis | Free |
| Windows Memory Diagnostic | Faulty RAM causing random crashes | Built in |
| Gaming Services Repair Tool | Xbox app installs and launches | Free |
How We Chose
We only include tools that are free, widely trusted, and fix a specific problem. We avoid “PC optimizer” and “FPS booster” apps, because from our experience they rarely help and often bundle adware.
Short Verdicts
GPU driver apps
Your first stop for crashes and low FPS. Download only from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel’s official sites.
Display Driver Uninstaller
Removes every trace of a graphics driver so you can reinstall cleanly. Use it in Safe Mode when normal reinstalls do not fix crashes.
Visual C++ Redistributable
Fixes “MSVCP140.dll missing” style errors. Get the latest version from Microsoft’s official page.
Launcher file verification
The fastest fix for a game that will not start. Steam, Epic and the Xbox app all include it.
Temperature monitoring
Shows whether heat causes slowdowns or shutdowns. Watch GPU and CPU temperatures during play.
Windows Memory Diagnostic
Built into Windows. Use it when many different games crash randomly.
Game crashing right now?
Follow our step-by-step crash guide, which uses these tools in the right order.
Fix game crashesWhich Tool for Which Problem
- Game won’t start: verify files, then install Visual C++ runtimes.
- Crashes after a driver update: clean install with DDU.
- Low FPS: update drivers and check settings with your GPU app.
- Slows down after a while: monitor temperatures.
- Random crashes everywhere: test memory and remove overclocks.
Measure progress with an FPS counter; see our FPS checker guide. Xbox app problems need Microsoft’s Gaming Services Repair Tool.
Avoid: registry cleaners, “game boosters” from unknown sites, DLL download sites and cracked “fix” patches. They cause more problems than they solve.
Common Mistakes
- Installing several optimizer apps at once.
- Downloading drivers from third-party sites.
- Using DDU outside Safe Mode without reading its instructions.
For lag that is not caused by your PC, start with our gaming lag guide. For frame rate improvements, read our FPS on PC guide. Steam problems are covered in our Steam fix guide.
Not sure which tool you need?
Describe the problem and your hardware. We will point you to the right fix.
Ask GamingFixFrequently Asked Questions
What is the top pick for PC game fixes?
Your GPU maker’s official driver app is the top pick, because outdated or broken drivers cause many crashes and FPS problems. Pair it with your launcher’s file verification, which fixes most games that will not start. Both are free and quick to use.
How did you choose these tools?
We chose free tools from official vendors or long-established developers that fix specific, common problems. We excluded paid optimizers, registry cleaners and booster apps, which rarely improve games and sometimes add adware or instability.
Which tool suits most players?
Most players only need their GPU driver app and the launcher’s verify option. Add the Visual C++ runtimes for DLL errors. Advanced tools like DDU and memory tests are for stubborn problems that the basic fixes do not solve.
Are FPS booster apps worth it?
Usually not. Most only close background apps, which you can do yourself, and some add adware. Real gains come from updated drivers, correct in-game settings, upscaling features and good cooling. Avoid boosters from unknown websites entirely.
Is DDU safe to use?
Display Driver Uninstaller is widely used and safe when you follow its instructions, ideally in Windows Safe Mode. Download it from its official developer page, back up important work, and have your new driver ready to install afterward.
