When you try to launch Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), it crashes and throws you this error message “Unable to start game. Error creating D3D device! This can occur because of incompatibility with some 3rd party applications.”. Don’t worry. In this post, we’ll provide you with step-by-step solutions to resolve this frustrating issue. Read on to learn how to fix it.
5 Methods to Fix CS2 Error Creating D3D Device
Method 1: Disable Background Applications
Method 2: Verify Integrity of Game Files
Method 3: Change Screen Resolution
Method 4: Check for Windows Updates
Method 5: Update Graphics Drivers
Method 1: Disable Background Applications
As the error message indicates, the error can occur because of incompatibility with some 3rd party applications. So while you play CS2, disable all unnecessary background applications and see if it helps.
To disable unnecessary background applications, follow these steps:
1) Press Windows + X keys to open the Quick Link menu.
2) Select Task Manager to open Task Manager.
3) In the Processes tab, select an application and click the End task button.
4) Repeat Step 3) until you end all unnecessary applications.
Once done, launch CS2 and check to see if the error is resolved.
Method 2: Verify Integrity of Game Files
Culprit game files can cause the CS2 error creating D3D device. To resolve the error, you can try verifying integrity of game files. On Steam, there is a built-in feature “Verify integrity of game files” which helps repair corrupted and missing game files.
Here’s how to verify integrity of game files on Steam for CS2:
1) Launch Steam.
2) Navigate to game library.
3) Right-click on CS2 and select Properties.
4) In the Local Files tab, click on Verify Integrity of Game Files. Then Steam will start verifying game files.
The process may take a few minutes. Once done, Relaunch Steam and CS2 to see if the error is resolved.
Method 3: Change Screen Resolution
Sometimes, inappropriate screen resolution can cause CS2 error creating D3D device. Switching your screen resolution to a higher or lower one may help resolve the error.
Follow these steps to change your screen resolution:
1) Press Windows + X to open the Quick Link menu.
2) Select Settings.
3) Select System.
4) Select Display and change Display resolution in the right panel.
5) After changing to a new resolution, launch the game to see if the error is resolved. Note you may need to try multiple resolutions until you find the one that helps resolve the error.
Method 4: Check for Windows Updates
Keeping your Windows operating system up-to-date is crucial for resolving potential CS2 errors. For example, outdated DirectX can cause the error creating D3D device. In that case, checking for Windows Update can resolve the error by updating DirectX.
To check for Windows Updates:
1) Press Windows + X keys to open the Quick Link menu.
2) Select Settings.
3) Select Update & Security.
4) Select Windows Update, and click Check for updates.
5) Follow the instructions to install any available updates.
6) After you’re done with installing the updates, restart your computer and launch the game to see if the error is resolved.
Method 5: Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can be the cause of the CS2 error creating D3D device. Updating your graphics drivers might help resolve the error.
Firstly, identify your graphics card. If you have no idea how to identify your graphics card, you can follow the steps in this post: How to See What Graphics Card I Have.
Secondly, visit the manufacturer’s website, for example, NVIDIA, AMD and Intel.
Thirdly, navigate to the ‘Download’ or ‘Support’ page to download the latest graphics driver.
Lastly, double-click on the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.
After installing the driver, reboot your computer and check to see if the CS2 error creating D3D device is resolved.
Resolving the CS2 error creating D3D device can be a challenge. But with the right knowledge and patience, you can resolve it. Follow the steps above, you might fix the error and enjoy playing the game again.
Pro Tip: Make sure all drivers are updated in order to have a smooth game experience. You can use Driver Easy to help update drivers easily.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Thanks for reading.