Lightworks Won’t Launch or Crashes on Startup: Reset Settings, GPU Driver

Symptoms: Lightworks shows no response when launched, or closes immediately after the loading screen

Root Causes: Corrupted settings folder, GPU driver conflicts, incorrect environment variables, or outdated version

Solution: Reset settings folder, perform a clean install of the latest GPU drivers, and review environment variables if necessary

Overview: Lightworks Launch Issues

When Lightworks fails to launch or crashes right after startup on Windows 11, the culprit is often a corrupted user settings folder or GPU driver conflicts. This is especially common after upgrading from older versions, where legacy settings can cause compatibility issues. This guide provides a step-by-step solution to resolve Lightworks launch problems on Windows 11. These steps also work identically on Windows 10.

Table of Contents

• Common Causes
• Comparison Table by Cause
• Solution Steps
• Advanced Troubleshooting
• Quick Q&A
• Final Checklist
• FAQ

Common Causes of Lightworks Launch Failure

• Corrupted Settings Folder: Leftover session data or configuration files from previous versions can prevent proper initialization.
• GPU Driver Conflicts: Mismatched NVIDIA or AMD driver versions can cause the rendering module to crash immediately on launch.
• Environment Variable Issues: Old media tools or runtime paths remaining in PATH can trigger conflicts.
• Security Software Blocking: Antivirus programs or firewalls may block Lightworks from running.
• Audio Enhancement Drivers (e.g., Nahimic): System-level audio services may crash Lightworks at startup.
• OpenCL Disabled/Unsupported: Missing or disabled OpenCL support can stop the render module from initializing.

Comparison Table by Cause

Cause	Description	Solution
Corrupted Settings	Legacy user folder content conflicts after updates	Priority: Delete Templates.Cache in Effect Templates → if needed, backup then selectively reset Preferences
GPU Driver Conflicts	Rendering module fails during GPU initialization	NVIDIA: Perform a clean installation • AMD: Factory Reset or AMD Cleanup Utility (advanced)
Environment Variable Conflicts	Duplicate PATH entries or outdated tools cause conflicts	Move duplicate/old entries to end of PATH or temporarily disable (may have no effect)
Security Software Blocking	Executable flagged as suspicious activity	Add minimal exceptions only when necessary
Nahimic/Audio Services	Audio enhancement services hook into processes	Disable/uninstall the service to test
OpenCL Missing/Disabled	Required compute component unavailable	Install supported drivers; enable OpenCL

Quick Fix Guide

1. Completely close Lightworks and check Task Manager for any lingering Lightworks.exe processes — end them if found
2. Delete Templates.Cache in Effect Templates → then test launch
3. If still failing, proceed to a cautious settings folder reset (see Step 1)
4. For GPU drivers: prioritize the manufacturer's clean install option → if that doesn't work, use AMD Cleanup Utility or DDU (advanced)
5. In PATH environment variables, move duplicate/old entries to the bottom or temporarily disable them for testing (may have no effect)
6. Reinstall or repair Lightworks to the latest version

Solution Steps

Step 1: Reset Settings Folder Safely

Leftover cache and settings from updates often interfere with startup. Begin by clearing the effect templates cache. If the issue continues, perform a cautious preferences reset after backing up the folder. Log files may also be cleared, but only after backing them up if you plan to analyze or submit them for crash reports.

• Completely close Lightworks.
• Open File Explorer → go to C:\Users\Public\Documents\Lightworks\
• Effect Templates (priority): Delete Templates.Cache in Effect Templates (or clear that folder’s contents), then test-launch Lightworks.
• Preferences (cautious): If the issue persists, do not hard-delete. Rename Preferences to Preferences_bak (backup) so Lightworks can regenerate fresh settings on next launch. Restore individual files later if needed.
• Logs (timing-based cleanup): You can delete old .log files inside Logs to start with a clean session. Lightworks will recreate new ones automatically. Back them up first if they might be required for debugging or forum submission.
• Preserve: Do not touch Projects, Media (including internal Material/Sound), or Licenses.
• Relaunch Lightworks using the same user profile.

※ User settings are stored in files under …\Lightworks\Preferences\. Back them up rather than deleting, and restore selectively if necessary. Log files can be cleared after saving copies for troubleshooting or analysis.

Back up and reset only settings-related folders in the Lightworks public documents path (preserve projects, media, and licenses)

Step 2: Clean-Install GPU Drivers

Driver mismatches during render initialization can cause crashes. Start with the manufacturer's 'clean install' option. If the problem persists, use the vendor cleanup tool (or DDU) and reinstall.

• NVIDIA: Download the latest driver → choose Custom (Advanced) → check Perform a clean installation → reboot
• AMD: If issues persist, run AMD Cleanup Utility (Safe Mode recommended) → install the latest Adrenalin with Factory Reset → reboot

---

Step 3: Review PATH Environment Variables (Optional)

Old media tools or runtime paths left in PATH can cause module loading conflicts. Rather than deleting entries, conservatively move duplicate/old items to the end or temporarily disable them for testing.

• Open System Properties → Advanced → Environment Variables to review User and System PATH
• Move duplicate/old entries from legacy media tools, codec packs, etc. to the bottom of PATH, or temporarily disable them
• Restart your PC and launch Lightworks

Note: This step may have little or no effect depending on your system.

Admin/Policy Notes (expand if needed)

Corporate group policies (application control) or Windows Controlled Folder Access may block settings resets or execution.

• Use Allow an app through Controlled folder access for the Lightworks executable only
• In managed environments, prefer enabling Audit mode before permanent allows

Advanced Troubleshooting

Warning: If security software shows a quarantine prompt on first launch, select Allow and try again. Add exceptions only with minimal scope (single executable path).

• Try running Lightworks from a new local user account to isolate user profile issues
• Go to Settings → System → Display → Graphics settings and switch app-specific GPU preference to Auto/Power Saving for testing
• Disable or uninstall audio enhancement services (e.g., Nahimic) to test
• Right-click the executable and select Run as administrator

Quick Q&A

Will I lose my license if I delete the settings folder?

Typically, only editing environment and cache are reset, while account credentials and licenses remain tied to your account authentication. However, custom shortcuts and layouts may be reset, so we recommend renaming (backing up) the folder instead of deleting it.

Should I use Studio drivers?

If stability is your priority, WHQL or Studio drivers are recommended. They prioritize crash reduction over bleeding-edge features.

Lightworks won't launch even though I don't see it in Task Manager?

Check the Background processes or Services tab for related processes that may still be running. End all Lightworks-related processes before trying to launch again.

Final Checklist

• 5-step summary: Delete Templates.Cache → Preferences backup then regenerate (if needed) → Driver clean install → Reboot → Reinstall
• Quick fix: Templates.Cache / settings reset resolves many cases
• Check security software quarantine or block logs (add minimal exceptions if needed)
• Test if the same issue occurs under a different user account
• Verify you're running the latest version and patches
• Ensure Windows Update is current

FAQ

Where can I find the launch logs?

The default path is C:\Users\Public\Documents\Lightworks\Logs\ (e.g., error.log). After reproducing the issue, zip the Logs folder and attach it to your thread on the LWKS forum for faster triage.

What if reinstalling alone doesn't fix the problem?

Combine the effect templates cache removal with a driver clean install. If that still fails, test with a new local user account to isolate profile corruption.

Will this method also fix slow Lightworks performance?

Settings reset and driver updates can help. Additionally, optimize project files and clear media cache for better throughput.

What if Controlled Folder Access blocks execution?

Windows Security's Ransomware protection → Controlled folder access may block settings resets or file writes when enabled.

• Use Allow an app through Controlled folder access for the Lightworks executable only
• In managed environments, try Audit mode first to log blocks without enforcing

References

• Lightworks Official Site — Latest version and basic system requirements
• NVIDIA Driver Downloads — WHQL Studio and Game Ready drivers
• AMD Driver Downloads — Latest AMD GPU drivers (see AMD Cleanup Utility)