Before discussing the solutions, let us try to understand why this error occurs.
What causes GTA V Launcher has stopped working?
These are the possible reasons for getting the GTA V Launcher has stopped working error:
The problem might be with the corrupted installation of the Social Club application which triggers this error.Corrupted or missing game files associated with GTA V can be another reason for the same.Outdated graphics and sound drivers can also cause this error.In a few instances, using the Steam beta client can also result in this error.
How do you fix the GTA V launcher has stopped working?
You can fix the GTA V launcher has stopped working error by reinstalling the Social Club application, running the game in compatibility mode and with administrator privilege, verifying the integrity of game files on Steam, or updating your drivers. We have mentioned all these fixes below that you can check out.
Grand Theft Auto V Launcher has stopped working
Here are the methods to try if you keep getting the “Grand Theft Auto V Launcher has stopped working” error: Let us discuss the above solutions in detail now!
1] Reinstall the Social Club application
In a few instances, the problem may lie with the corrupted installation of the Social Club application. So, you can try reinstalling the Social Club application and see if the issue is fixed. To do that, you will first have the uninstall the application. Simply open the Settings app using the Windows + I hotkey and go to the Apps > Apps & features section. Now, scroll down and locate the Rockstar Games Social Club application in the list. Select it and click on the Uninstall button to remove it. After that, you need to ensure that there is no remnant or leftover associated with its installation. You can manually look for the Social Club folder at the following locations for the non-Steam installation: C:\Users<USERNAME>\Documents\Rockstar Games C:\Program Files (x86)\Rockstar Games C:\Program Files\Rockstar Games When you are done deleting the files, download the latest version of the Social Club application from the official website. Then, install it on your PC. See, if you are able to launch and use GTA V properly now. See: Fix Far Cry 6 Black Screen issues on Windows PC.
2] Run the game in Compatibility Mode and as an administrator
You can also try running GTA V in compatibility mode for Windows 7 as it has proven to be effective for affected users. Other than Windows 7, you can also check with other versions of Windows and see if it helps you fix the “Grand Theft Auto V Launcher has stopped working” error. In addition to that, launching the game with administrative privilege may also help you get rid of the error. Here is how to do that: Hopefully, this method will help you get rid of the “Grand Theft Auto V Launcher has stopped working” error. If not, you can move ahead with the next potential fix. Read: Fix Age of Empires Definitive Edition not launching or working.
3] Update your graphics and sound drivers
It is always essential to keep your graphics and other drivers up-to-date to get the best gaming experience. So, if you haven’t updated your graphics drivers and sound drivers, it is time to update them. You can easily update your drivers via the Optional Updates feature present inside the Settings > Windows Update section. Apart from that, you can visit the official website of the device manufacturer and get the updated driver versions from there. Or, use a free driver updater to automatically update your drivers. After updating your drivers, relaunch GTA V and see if the error is fixed now.
4] Verify integrity of game files (for Steam users)
In case you have purchased and installed the GTA V game through Steam, you can try checking and repairing the corrupted or missing game files. Damaged or missing game files associated with the game installation might be a reason that you are getting the “Grand Theft Auto V Launcher has stopped working” error. Steam provides a nice feature that automatically scans and repair corrupted game files from their server. You can use it and see if it helps you fix the problem. Here are the steps to verify the integrity of GTA V game files on Steam: Read: Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA V) crashing on Windows PC.
5] Opt-out of Steam Beta
In the Steam Beta program, you get to enjoy the latest game updates before generic users. However, it is not stable and might cause game crashes. Now, if you have opted for the Steam beta program, try opting out of it and see if the GTA V game runs fine. To do that, try the below steps: You can try relaunching GTA V and see if the error is fixed now. Read: USB Gamepad is not recognized or working in Windows.
6] Reinstall the game
If none of the above solutions work for you, the last resort is to reinstall the game. So, uninstall and then install the game again on your system. The Social Club / Non-Steam users can easily uninstall GTA V by using the Settings > Apps > Apps & features section. After removing the game, make sure you also delete the remnant files by going to this (default) location: C:\Program Files\Rockstar Games\Grand Theft Auto V. When done, download the game from an official source and install it back on your system. The Steam version users can follow the below steps to uninstall and then reinstall the GTA V game: Hope this helps!
Why does GTAVLauncher.exe crash?
The reasons behind the crashing of GTAVLauncher.exe may vary from person to version. The common causes of this error are damaged or corrupted game files, outdated drivers, problematic installation of the Social Club app, or DirectX version mismatch. It may also occur if you are using the Beta participation feature of Steam. Now read: Far Cry 3 Not launching, Working, or Responding.
