CapCut PC Won’t Launch? Fix Freeze with Cache Reset, Admin & GPU Settings

Issue: CapCut PC gets stuck after the loading screen with no response

Root Causes: Corrupted cache files, insufficient permissions, GPU driver/switching conflicts

Quick Fix: Clear %LocalAppData% cache and run as administrator — this resolves most cases

Quick Fix Steps

1. Completely close CapCut (check Task Manager for background processes)
2. Clear cache: Delete %LocalAppData%\CapCut\User Data\Cache first. If the issue persists, also delete %AppData%\CapCut (settings/logs only). Never delete drafts under %LocalAppData%\CapCut\User Data\Projects\com.lveditor.draft.
3. Right-click CapCut icon → Run as administrator (or set it in Properties → Compatibility)
4. Update GPU drivers to the latest stable version
5. Add CapCut to Windows Security exclusions if necessary

Table of Contents

• Root Causes
• Symptom Comparison
• Solution Steps
• Special Cases
• Q&A
• Troubleshooting Checklist
• FAQ
• References

Why CapCut Won't Launch

CapCut PC launch failures typically stem from three main issues: corrupted cache files after installation or updates, Windows permission problems, and GPU driver or hybrid-GPU switching conflicts.

Category	Details	Frequency
Corrupted Cache	User data cache becomes corrupted, causing freeze during startup	Very common
Permission Issues	Insufficient rights prevent initial setup and driver access	Occasional
GPU Driver Conflict	Integrated/dedicated GPU switching errors cause immediate crashes	Less common

Similar Issues Compared

Launch failures are often confused with rendering or preview problems. Use this table to distinguish between them.

Issue Type	Symptoms	Fix Direction
Won't Launch	Freezes after loading screen	Delete %LocalAppData% cache and restart
Preview Frozen	Opens but video won't play	Adjust GPU encoding and power settings
Render Errors	Crashes during export	Check output format, path, and codec

How to Fix CapCut Not Launching

First Try: Clearing the %LocalAppData% cache solves the issue in most cases.

Step 1: Clear Settings and Cache

When CapCut won't launch or freezes on the loading screen, clean these locations in order.

• 1) Delete %LocalAppData%\CapCut\User Data\Cache → runtime cache reset.
• 2) Still stuck? Delete %AppData%\CapCut → resets app settings/sign-in; the program and projects remain intact.
• Important: Do not delete %LocalAppData%\CapCut\User Data\Projects\com.lveditor.draft — this folder contains your draft projects.

Delete Cache under %LocalAppData% first. If that fails, delete %AppData%\CapCut (settings/logs). Projects under %LocalAppData%\CapCut\User Data\Projects\com.lveditor.draft must not be deleted.

Step 2: Run as Administrator

CapCut may fail if it lacks permissions to create configuration files or access drivers.

• Right-click CapCut shortcut → Properties → Compatibility tab → Check “Run this program as an administrator”
• End any remaining CapCut.exe processes in Task Manager before relaunching

Step 3: Fix GPU Conflicts

Hybrid-GPU switching errors or outdated drivers can prevent the renderer from initializing.

• Update drivers: Use GeForce Experience / Intel Arc Control / AMD Adrenalin to install the latest stable version (or roll back one version if regressions appear).
• Windows 11: Settings → System → Display → Graphics → Browse → add CapCut → Options → select High performance.
• Tip: The executable is typically at C:\Users\<yourname>\AppData\Local\CapCut\Apps\<version>\CapCut.exe when adding the app in Graphics settings.
• NVIDIA Control Panel → Manage 3D Settings → Program Settings → Add CapCut → choose High-performance NVIDIA processor
• Temporarily disable overlays (GeForce Overlay, Discord, Xbox Game Bar)

Step 4: Repair or Reinstall

Corrupted binaries or missing runtimes can block initial startup.

• Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall CapCut (consider unchecking “Keep user data”)
• Download the latest installer from the official website and reinstall
• Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings → Exclusions → Add or remove exclusions → select CapCut install and project paths (if needed)

Advanced: Store install paths, permissions & logs

• Primary cache: %LocalAppData%\CapCut\User Data\Cache
• Microsoft Store: additional data may live under %LocalAppData%\Packages\ (package-specific subfolders)
• Secondary settings: %AppData%\CapCut (varies by install)
• Verify Write permissions for your user account in the folder’s Security tab
• Check Windows Event Viewer → Windows Logs → Application for CapCut exception entries

Special Cases and Workarounds

Expand for situation-specific fixes

• Corporate/School PCs: On managed computers, CapCut may be blocked by group or security policy. Contact your IT administrator to whitelist or allow the app if it's prevented from running.
• Hybrid GPU laptops: If freezing occurs after waking from sleep, restart the PC before launching.
• Low disk space: Ensure at least 5GB free space in profile and temp folders.

Prevent Future Issues with Profile Separation

Separating output and temp folders per project reduces cache conflicts. When using external SSDs, assign a fixed drive letter to prevent path errors.

Q&A

CapCut launches but freezes on the startup screen. Same issue?

Startup screen freezes are usually cache-related, overlapping with launch failures. Start with clearing %LocalAppData% cache then run as administrator. Check GPU switching settings if needed.

Will deleting settings folders delete my projects?

Projects are typically stored under %LocalAppData%\CapCut\User Data\Projects\com.lveditor.draft. Clearing cache or %AppData%\CapCut does not delete drafts, but presets and recent lists may reset—back up important items first.

My antivirus seems to be blocking CapCut. How do I verify?

Check your security software’s protection history for blocking events. If needed, add CapCut’s installation path and project folder to exclusions, then retry. If there’s no evidence of blocking, the issue is more likely GPU or permission-related.

Troubleshooting Checklist

• End all CapCut processes in Task Manager
• Clear %LocalAppData%\CapCut\User Data\Cache (if needed also clear %AppData%\CapCut)
• Enable Run as administrator in shortcut Compatibility tab
• Set CapCut to High performance in Windows Graphics settings
• Add CapCut paths to antivirus exclusions (if necessary)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip cache deletion if I just reinstall?

Reinstalling alone sometimes works, but leftover cache can cause recurring issues. It’s best to clear cache before and after reinstalling.

My drivers are up to date but it still won't launch

Even the latest drivers can conflict on some systems. Try rolling back to a previous stable version and disable overlays/tuning tools for comparison.

Are the steps different for Windows 10 vs 11?

The core steps are identical. The main difference is menu locations for graphics switching and power settings—search for “graphics” or “power mode” in Settings for quick access.

References

• CapCut Official Website — Download latest PC installer and check announcements
• Microsoft Windows Security — Add or remove exclusions