Fix DaVinci Resolve Not Opening on Windows 10/11

📋 Quick Fix Summary

DaVinci Resolve not opening or freezing during startup is typically caused by graphics driver conflicts, corrupted config.dat files, or plugin conflicts.

Following these 6 steps will resolve most startup issues.

DaVinci Resolve is a professional video editor. On some Windows systems, its high GPU demands can surface startup issues—this guide walks you through reliable fixes.

When the program won't launch or becomes unresponsive on the loading screen, it's usually caused by these common issues:

Common DaVinci Resolve startup crash symptoms:

• Graphics driver compatibility problems
• Damaged configuration files
• Missing Visual C++ runtime libraries
• Third-party plugin conflicts

🔧 Solution Table of Contents

1. Update Graphics Drivers (Studio Driver Recommended)
2. Refresh Configuration (Delete config.dat)
3. Verify Visual C++ Redistributables
4. Analyze Error Logs in Event Viewer
5. Disable OFX Plugins (Plugins_OFF)
6. Collect Diagnostic Logs and Contact Support

Solution 1: Update Graphics Drivers (Studio Driver Recommended)

DaVinci Resolve is a GPU-intensive application that benefits from up-to-date graphics drivers to run stably.

NVIDIA GeForce users should install Studio Drivers instead of Game Ready Drivers for significantly improved stability when Resolve crashes on startup.

🎯 NVIDIA Studio Driver Installation (DDU Recommended)

Step 1: Complete Driver Removal

• Download DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller)
• Boot into Safe Mode and run DDU
• Perform a clean removal of existing NVIDIA drivers (using DDU in Safe Mode)

ℹ️ Note: DDU can be downloaded for free from the official Wagnardsoft website: DDU Download Page

Step 2: Studio Driver Installation

1. Visit NVIDIA's official driver page
2. Product Series: Select GeForce
3. Download Type: Select Studio Driver
4. Choose your graphics card model and download
5. Restart in normal mode and install the new driver

NVIDIA Studio Driver Selection Screen.

NVIDIA Studio Driver Download.

Game Ready vs. Studio Driver (Which should you use?)

• Primarily gaming → Game Ready Driver recommended (faster new game optimizations)
• Video editing/streaming → Studio Driver recommended (optimized stability for DaVinci Resolve, Premiere, etc.)
• Mixed usage → If you mainly edit video, use Studio Driver. Gaming performance remains excellent; day-one game optimizations just arrive later.

💡 Important: AMD Radeon users should install the latest drivers from AMD's official site, and Intel Arc users from Intel's official site. After driver installation, always reboot your system before launching Resolve.

Solution 2: Refresh Configuration (Delete config.dat)

The most common cause of DaVinci Resolve not opening is corrupted configuration files.

📂 Configuration File Locations (By Version)

DaVinci Resolve config.dat Location.

DaVinci Resolve 17 (late versions) to Latest (18/19):

C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Blackmagic Design\DaVinci Resolve\Preferences

DaVinci Resolve 17 (early versions):

C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Blackmagic Design\DaVinci Resolve\Support

🔄 Preference Wipe Steps:

1. Press Windows + R to open Run dialog
2. Type %appdata% and press Enter
3. Navigate to Blackmagic Design → DaVinci Resolve → Preferences or Support folder (version dependent)
4. Move config.dat to a backup folder (avoid permanent deletion)
5. Alternative: Rename the entire folder to Preferences_backup
6. Launch DaVinci Resolve → a fresh settings folder is created automatically

💡 Note: Depending on your version, the file may be in either the Support or Preferences folder. Check your Resolve version first, then locate the appropriate path.

ℹ️ Reference: Resetting config.dat only clears user preferences (shortcuts, UI layout, etc.). Projects live separately in the project library database. Back up the DB regularly.

Solution 3: Verify Visual C++ Redistributables

Microsoft Visual C++ runtime is essential for DaVinci Resolve execution.

Install both the x64 and x86 versions of the 2015–2022 package.

🔍 Installation Verification Method

1. Control Panel → Programs and Features
2. Search for "Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable"
3. Confirm both x64 and x86 entries exist
4. Download from Microsoft if missing

Visual C++ 2015–2022 verification.

⚠️ Warning: Even on 64-bit Windows, install both x64 and x86 versions. Some runtime/driver/plugin chains depend on x86 VC++; missing either can cause startup crashes or loading freezes.

Solution 4: Analyze Error Logs in Event Viewer

If the above methods don't work, identify the exact error using Windows Event Viewer.

🔎 Error Log Check Method (Beginner-Friendly)

Step 1: Open Event Viewer

• Search "Event Viewer" in Windows search
• Run as Administrator

💡 Screenshot Tip: When capturing Event Viewer screens, click on error entries to select and highlight them for clearer screenshots.

Step 2: Locate Error Logs

1. Windows Logs → Application
2. Click Filter Current Log
3. Enter Event IDs: 1000, 1001
4. Set time range to last 1 hour
5. Look for Resolve.exe errors

Step 3: Crash Module Analysis

Event Viewer — Application Error 1000.

• ntdll.dll → Graphics driver issue → Reinstall drivers (Studio Driver recommended). Likely a graphics driver fault; return to Solution 1 and clean reinstall.
• igdrcl64.dll → Intel GPU driver issue → Force the dedicated GPU. Set Resolve to High performance GPU and update Intel drivers.
• nvoglv64.dll → NVIDIA GPU issue → Clean driver reinstall. NVIDIA OpenGL path; use DDU → Studio Driver.
• plugin.dll → Plugin conflict → Rename Plugins to Plugins_OFF and test. Proceed to Solution 5.

💡 Dual GPU Tip: Settings → System → Display → Graphics → set Resolve to "High Performance" (dedicated GPU).

Windows 11/10: Force High-Performance GPU

1. Settings → System → Display → Graphics
2. Desktop app → Browse → select Resolve.exe
3. Options → High performance → Save

Windows system repair (run as Admin)

sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Solution 5: Disable OFX Plugins (Plugins_OFF)

Third-party plugins (Boris FX, Red Giant, etc.) can conflict with DaVinci Resolve and prevent it from launching.

🔌 Plugin Disable Method

OFX Plugin Folder Location:

C:\Program Files\Common Files\OFX\

OFX Plugins folder structure.

Disable Steps:

Plugins_OFF folder.

1. Navigate to the path above
2. Completely close DaVinci Resolve first
3. Rename Plugins to Plugins_OFF
4. Approve UAC (Administrator) prompts if requested
5. Launch DaVinci Resolve and test
6. If it runs normally, enable plugins one by one to find the culprit

💡 Important: Renaming under Program Files may require admin rights. You cannot rename while Resolve is running.

⚠️ Warning: Projects using disabled effects may show media offline or missing plugin warnings.

Solution 6: Collect Diagnostic Logs

If all else fails, collect diagnostic logs for Blackmagic Design support.

📊 Method 1: Using Help Menu (Recommended)

1. Launch DaVinci Resolve (if possible)
2. Click Help (top menu)
3. Select Create Diagnostics Log on Desktop
4. Send the generated .zip on your Desktop to support

Diagnostics log creation menu.

DaVinci Resolve diagnostic ZIP on Desktop.

📊 Method 2: Manual Log Collection (For Older Versions)

DaVinci Resolve 17 and earlier versions provide a batch file in the installation folder:

C:\Program Files\Blackmagic Design\DaVinci Resolve\CaptureLogs.bat

💡 Note: Newer versions may not include this file and only provide the Help-menu option. If it doesn't exist, use Method 1.

✅ Solution Order Checklist

DaVinci Resolve startup error resolution order:

1. ✅ Update GPU Drivers (NVIDIA Studio Driver recommended)
2. ✅ Refresh Configuration (backup and delete config.dat)
3. ✅ Visual C++ Runtime (install both 2015–2022 x64 and x86)
4. ✅ Event Viewer Error Analysis (check IDs 1000, 1001)
5. ✅ Disable OFX Plugins test
6. ✅ Collect Diagnostic Logs and contact support

Following these 6 steps in order resolves issues in most environments. If problems persist, attach diagnostic logs when contacting support.

💡 Additional Tips: RTSS/MSI Afterburner, Nahimic, and some overlay apps can cause startup crashes. Temporarily close them or disable overlays and retest.

ℹ️ NVIDIA User Note: Many users see the most stability with GPU processing set to CUDA (or Auto) in Resolve "Preferences → Memory and GPU" and the latest Studio Driver.

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Why does DaVinci Resolve close immediately after starting?

A: Common reasons are graphics driver conflicts, a corrupted config.dat, or a missing Visual C++ runtime. Work through the six solutions above in order.

Q2. Should I install NVIDIA Game Ready or Studio drivers?

A: Use the Studio Driver for Resolve. Game Ready Drivers prioritize day-one game optimizations; Studio Drivers prioritize stability for creative applications.

Q3. I'm getting an "ntdll.dll" error when launching Resolve. How do I fix it?

A: This usually points to GPU driver instability. Fully remove the current driver with DDU, then install the latest NVIDIA Studio Driver.

Q4. Do I only need to install the 64-bit Visual C++ runtime?

A: No. Install both x64 and x86. Even on 64-bit Windows, some plugins or runtimes depend on the x86 package.

Q5. Will deleting config.dat make my projects disappear?

A: No. Projects are stored in a separate database. Resetting config.dat only clears user preferences (shortcuts, workspace layout, render settings, etc.).

Q6. Does reinstalling Windows fix DaVinci Resolve startup issues?

A: Generally unnecessary. The six steps above resolve the vast majority of startup problems. Consider a reinstall only as a last resort for severe corruption or hardware conflicts.

Q7. Can antivirus software prevent DaVinci Resolve from starting?

A: Occasionally. Some antivirus software interferes with GPU acceleration or blocks Resolve processes. Temporarily disable real-time protection and add Resolve to the exclusion list.

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