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Borderlands 4 – Complete PC Troubleshooting & Optimization Guide

9/11/2025 •
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Borderlands 4 – Complete PC Troubleshooting & Optimization Guide

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Whether you’re vault‑hunting solo or with friends, nothing should get in the way of your adventure. If you’re experiencing crashes, stuttering, low FPS, or other PC issues, this guide walks you through step‑by‑step solutions — from quick fixes to advanced tweaks.

Table of Contents

  1. Check Minimum and Recommended Specs
  2. Update Graphics Drivers
  3. Optimize Graphics Settings
  4. Update BIOS (Intel 13th/14th Gen CPUs)
  5. Verify Game Files
  6. Disable Overlays
  7. Run as Administrator / Compatibility Mode
  8. Check Antivirus and Firewall
  9. Clear Shader Cache
  10. Reinstall the Game
  11. Extra Performance Tips
  12. Known Issues and Support
  13. Quick Fix Cheat Sheet

Check Minimum and Recommended Specs

Minimum (1080p @ 30 FPS, Low Preset)

  • OS: Windows 10/11 (64‑bit)
  • CPU: Intel Core i7‑9700 / AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
  • RAM: 16 GB
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT / Intel Arc A580 (8 GB VRAM)
  • Storage: SSD with 100 GB free space
  • Cores: 8 CPU cores required

Recommended (1440p @ 60 FPS, Medium Preset)
A stronger CPU/GPU combination is suggested for smoother performance and headroom for effects.

How to check your PC: Press Win + R → type dxdiag → press Enter.

Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated drivers can cause stuttering, crashes, missing textures, and instability. Install the latest drivers for your GPU:

Tip: After updating, reboot your PC and launch the game once before changing settings.

Optimize Graphics Settings

Dialing in the right settings can dramatically improve smoothness and reduce stutter.

  • Use official guidance: Check the Borderlands 4 NVIDIA optimization guide and per‑GPU suggestions on the official site.
  • Shader recompile: After changing graphics settings, keep playing for at least 15 minutes to let shaders recompile and stabilize performance.
  • Easy wins for FPS: Turn off V‑Sync, Motion Blur, and Anti‑Aliasing; reduce Texture Quality; try Borderless Windowed mode.

Update BIOS (Intel 13th/14th Gen CPUs)

Heavy loads like shader compilation can stress unstable platforms. Ensure your motherboard BIOS is updated, especially with Intel 13th/14th gen CPUs.

  • Find your BIOS: Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s support page (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock, etc.).
  • Follow instructions: Use the official manual or support guide. Avoid interrupting power during the update.

Verify Game Files

Corrupted or missing files can prevent launch or cause crashes.

  1. Steam Library: Right‑click Borderlands 4
  2. Properties → Installed Files
  3. Click: Verify integrity of game files

Disable Overlays

Overlays can conflict with rendering and cause crashes or FPS drops.

  • Steam: Settings → In‑Game → Uncheck “Enable the Steam Overlay while in‑game”
  • Others: Disable Discord, GeForce Experience, MSI Afterburner, Rivatuner Statistics Server overlays.

Run as Administrator / Compatibility Mode

  • Run as admin: Right‑click the game .exe → Run as administrator
  • Windows 11: Try Windows 10 compatibility mode (Right‑click .exe → Properties → Compatibility)

Check Antivirus and Firewall

Security software can quarantine or block game files and network features.

  • Add exceptions: Whitelist the Borderlands 4 install folder and launcher.
  • Test temporarily: Disable antivirus/firewall briefly to test (re‑enable immediately after).

Clear Shader Cache

Corrupted shader cache can cause stutter or visual issues.

  1. Navigate to: C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Borderlands4
  2. Delete the ShaderCache folder (if present)
  3. Relaunch the game (cache will rebuild)

Reinstall the Game

If other steps fail, a clean reinstall can clear conflicts.

  1. Uninstall: Remove Borderlands 4 via Steam
  2. Reboot: Restart your PC
  3. Reinstall: Preferably on a different SSD with ample free space

Extra Performance Tips

  • Windows Update: Keep Windows 10/11 fully updated.
  • Background apps: Close browsers, launchers, and screen recorders before playing.
  • Power plan: Set Windows power mode to High Performance (or <
  • Power plan: Set Windows power mode to High Performance (or Ultimate Performance on supported systems).
  • Thermals: Monitor CPU/GPU temps to avoid throttling (clean dust filters, ensure good airflow).
  • Clean boot: Use a selective startup to rule out software conflicts.
  • Storage health: Keep at least 15–20% of your SSD free for optimal performance.
  • Game Mode: Enable Windows Game Mode and Hardware‑Accelerated GPU Scheduling (if stable on your system).

    • Known Issues and Support

    Faster support tip: Include a dxdiag.txt with your ticket.

    1. Press Start → type dxdiag → press Enter.
    2. Click Save All Information.
    3. Attach the saved file to your support request.

    Quick Fix Cheat Sheet

    1) Update GPU drivers (NVIDIA / AMD / Intel)
2) Verify game files in Steam
3) Disable overlays (Steam, Discord, GeForce)
4) Lower graphics settings (disable V‑Sync, Motion Blur, AA; reduce textures)
5) Clear shader cache
6) Update BIOS (Intel 13th/14th gen)