Dolphin Emulator is a popular choice for gamers who want to play their favorite Nintendo GameCube and Wii games on a Windows 10/11 PC.
However, like any software, Dolphin Emulator can sometimes encounter crashes, freezes, and other problems. If you’re facing one of these issues, don’t worry!
This guide will walk you through the steps to fix Dolphin Emulator crashing problems and get the emulator working again so you can play your games smoothly.
Table Of Contents
How to Fix Dolphin Emulator Crashing
Below are different troubleshooting methods, that you can use to resolve the problem that you are having with the Dolphin Emulator.
1. System Requirements:
Check if your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Dolphin Emulator. Crashes can occur if your hardware does not meet the requirements.
So go ahead and ensure that your CPU, GPU, and RAM meet the recommended specifications listed on the Dolphin Emulator website here.
2. Update Graphics Drivers:
Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can lead to crashes. Visit the website of your GPU manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest drivers for your graphics card. Then of course install them and restart your computer, check out the guide below if you get stuck.
3. Update Dolphin Emulator:
Ensure you are using the latest version of Dolphin Emulator. If there is a new update it might have a fix for the bugs and crashing issues you are having.
Download and install the most recent version from the official website here.
4. Configure Dolphin Settings:
Improper settings can cause crashes in the Dolphin Emulator. Change your settings to the below:
Go to Options and select Graphics Settings.
Set the graphics backend to Direct3D or OpenGL, depending on your system.
Adjust the internal resolution to match your monitor’s resolution.
Check Enable Dual Core and Enable Idle Skipping in the General tab within Dolphin Emulator.
Check Game Compatibility:
Ensure that the game you are trying to run is compatible with Dolphin Emulator.
Visit the Dolphin Emulator Compatibility List on their website to verify if your game is supported.
Some games may require specific settings or workarounds to run correctly.
6. Disable Enhancements:
If Dolphin is still crashing, try disabling graphical enhancements such as Anti-Aliasing, Anisotropic Filtering, or other enhancements that may be causing instability.
7. Use a Different Game Version:
Sometimes, specific game ROM versions may have compatibility issues. Try different game versions or regional releases to see if the problem persists.
8. Monitor CPU and GPU Temperature:
Overheating can cause crashes and many other problems within Windows 10/11.
Use monitoring software to check the temperature of your CPU and GPU while running Dolphin Emulator.
If your hardware is running too hot, consider cleaning your computer and improving airflow, or if you know how then underclock your hardware.
9. Check for Background Applications:
Background applications/programs consuming system resources can lead to crashes.
Close unnecessary applications and processes while running Dolphin Emulator to free up system resources plus the background program could be conflicting with the emulator.
Dolphin Emulator Crashing Conclusion:
Dolphin Emulator crashing issues can be frustrating, but with the steps that I mentioned above, you can troubleshoot and resolve most problems with the emulator.
Remember to keep your system updated, use compatible settings, and if none of the methods have helped then you could always seek help from the Dolphin Emulator community if needed.
