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PS5 on PC: Fix Crashes, Glitches & Poor Performance

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PS5 on PC: Fix Crashes, Glitches & Poor Performance

This guide walks you through diagnosing and fixing crashes, glitches, and poor performance when playing PS5 games or using PS5 features on a PC (via Remote Play, PlayStation Plus streaming, or emulation projects). You’ll learn step-by-step checks, from basic connection hygiene to advanced system tweaks, so you can get back to smooth gaming.

What You’ll Need

  • Your PC (Windows 10/11 recommended)
  • The PS5 game or app you’re trying to run
  • Stable internet connection (for streaming/Remote Play)
  • Up-to-date graphics drivers (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel)
  • Optional: external controller, USB cable, or Bluetooth adapter

Step-by-Step

  1. Check System Requirements – Verify your PC meets the minimum specs for the game or streaming app. For Remote Play, you need at least 8GB RAM, a 4-core CPU, and a GPU that supports hardware decoding (most modern ones do). For emulation, requirements are much higher—check the specific project’s documentation.
  2. Update Your Graphics Drivers – Outdated drivers are the #1 cause of crashes and glitches. Go to your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest driver for your model. Use the “clean installâ€� option if available.
  3. Close Background Apps – Before launching anything, close browsers, streaming apps, and other heavy programs. Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to end tasks that are using high CPU, GPU, or RAM.
  4. Adjust In-Game Settings – For PC-native PS5 ports, lower graphics settings: reduce resolution, disable ray tracing, set shadows to medium, and cap frame rate to 60 or 30 FPS. For streaming, lower the stream quality in the app settings (e.g., 1080p instead of 4K).
  5. Optimize Windows for Gaming – Turn on “Game Modeâ€� (Settings > Gaming > Game Mode). Disable fullscreen optimizations for the game’s .exe (right-click > Properties > Compatibility > check “Disable fullscreen optimizationsâ€�). Also, set the power plan to “High Performanceâ€� (Control Panel > Power Options).
  6. Check Network Stability (for Remote Play/Streaming) – Use a wired Ethernet connection if possible. If on Wi-Fi, ensure you’re on 5GHz and close to the router. Test your internet speed (at least 15 Mbps for 1080p, 40 Mbps for 4K). Also, check for packet loss using a ping test in Command Prompt (ping 8.8.8.8 -t).
  7. Update Firmware and Apps – Ensure your PS5 console (if using Remote Play) has the latest system update. Also, update the Remote Play app on PC, and any emulator or streaming client you’re using.
  8. Verify Game Files – If you’re playing a PS5 game ported to PC (e.g., via Steam), right-click the game in your library > Properties > Local Files > Verify Integrity of Game Files. This fixes corrupted data.
  9. Disable Overlays – Turn off Discord, Steam, NVIDIA GeForce Experience, and other overlays. They often cause crashes and frame drops. Disable them in their respective settings.
  10. Check Temperatures – Overheating causes performance drops and crashes. Use a tool like MSI Afterburner or HWMonitor to check CPU/GPU temps. If above 90°C (194°F), clean dust from fans, improve case airflow, or reapply thermal paste.
  11. Run as Administrator – Right-click the game/app executable and select “Run as administrator�. This can fix permission-related crashes.
  12. Reinstall the App or Game – If nothing else works, uninstall and reinstall the game or the PS5-related app (Remote Play, etc.). This clears any corrupted files.

Common Mistakes

  • Ignoring driver updates – Skipping driver updates leads to crashes and visual glitches.
  • Using Wi-Fi for streaming – Wi-Fi is prone to interference and packet loss, causing stutter and disconnects.
  • Overloading the system – Running too many background apps eats up RAM and CPU, causing frame drops.
  • Not checking temps – Dust-clogged fans cause thermal throttling, which looks like a performance issue.
  • Assuming the game is at fault – Sometimes the issue is your PC, not the game. Always check your system first.

Tips

  • Use a wired controller to avoid Bluetooth latency and disconnects.
  • For Remote Play, set your PS5 to “Performance Modeâ€� in its settings (Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Game Presets > Performance Mode).
  • If you’re using an emulator, use the latest nightly build—they often have performance fixes.
  • Keep your Windows installation updated (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update).
  • Consider using a frame limiter (like RTSS) to cap FPS at 60 for smoother gameplay.

Troubleshooting

If the steps above don’t fix the issue:

  • If the game still crashes – Look up the specific error code (e.g., “CE-108255-1â€� for PS5 errors). Search for that code online—it often points to a known fix.
  • If Remote Play is laggy – Try lowering the resolution to 720p and disable HDR. Also, restart your router and PS5.
  • If you get a black screen – Try switching between windowed and fullscreen modes (Alt+Enter). Update your GPU drivers again, as this often indicates a driver issue.
  • If the game freezes but sound continues – This is often a GPU issue. Lower your graphics settings and disable any overclocking (using MSI Afterburner, etc.).
  • If nothing works – Check official forums for the game or app. There may be a known issue with a workaround. Also, consider asking on Reddit communities like r/PS5 or r/PCGaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my PC run PS5 games?

Only if the game has a PC port (like God of War or Spider-Man). PS5 exclusives are not natively playable on PC unless streamed via PS Plus Premium or Remote Play from your own console.

Why does my PS5 Remote Play keep disconnecting?

Mostly due to network instability. Use a wired connection, close bandwidth-heavy apps, and ensure your PS5 and PC are on the same network if possible.

Is it safe to overclock my GPU for better performance?

Overclocking can improve FPS but increases heat and may cause crashes. If you do it, monitor temperatures and revert if unstable.

Why is my frame rate low even on high-end hardware?

Check if the game is CPU-bound (your CPU is maxed out) or if you have V-Sync enabled. Also, ensure your GPU drivers are installed correctly.

How do I fix screen tearing?

Enable V-Sync in the game or use a frame limiter. If you have a G-Sync/FreeSync monitor, enable that instead.

Do I need a PS5 to use Remote Play?

Yes, Remote Play requires you to own a PS5 console. For streaming without a console, you need a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription and a compatible device.

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