Quick Fixes for Fortnite Out of Memory Issues

Getting an Out of out-of-video memory error while playing Fortnite on your PC can be a frustrating experience. This error usually occurs when the video memory required for the game exceeds the capacity of your graphics card.

As a result, performance issues may arise, causing the game unplayable due to lag or crashes. The issue is often tied to not meeting the system requirements or conflicts within in-game settings or other applications running on your PC.

Troubleshooting the Error

To resolve the Out of out-of-video memory error, start by ensuring your hardware meets the minimum standards required for Fortnite. First, try updating graphics drivers to ensure your graphics card is running the latest software.

If that doesn’t help, you can attempt to verify game files to check for any corrupted data that might be causing the issue. Another common solution is to adjust game settings to lower resource usage and free up memory. If the problem persists, reinstalling Fortnite might resolve any underlying issues with the game’s installation.

Also Read: Laptop Gaming in 2025 Pros and Cons

By following these steps, you can reduce the chances of encountering the Out of Video Memory error and get back to playing Fortnite smoothly.

Understanding the Causes

Outdated Graphics Drivers: Outdated graphics drivers can lead to compatibility issues, making it harder for the game to run smoothly. Ensuring your graphics drivers are up to date can prevent these problems and improve performance.

Demanding Graphics Settings: Ultra-high settings in Fortnite can demand more from your system than it can handle, causing the “Out of Video Memory” error. Adjusting these settings to a more balanced level may help reduce the load on your graphics card.

Competing Background Apps: Running multiple programs at once can consume valuable video memory (VRAM), leaving less available for Fortnite. Closing unnecessary background applications can free up resources and improve game performance.

Insufficient VRAM: If your graphics card doesn’t have enough dedicated video memory (VRAM), Fortnite may struggle to run properly, leading to crashes or performance issues. Upgrading your hardware or lowering in-game settings can help alleviate this issue.

Troubleshooting Solutions

Here’s a table that highlights common solutions and provides steps on how to implement them:

Solution	How-to
Close other programs	Minimize or close unnecessary background applications before running Fortnite.
Lower in-game graphics settings	Access Fortnite’s graphics settings and reduce options like textures and shadows.
Update your graphics drivers	Visit your graphics card manufacturer’s website to find the latest drivers.
Verify game files	Use the Epic Games Launcher to verify Fortnite’s files (corrupted files can cause issues).
Force Fortnite to use DirectX 11	Find this option in your launcher settings – DirectX 11 may be more VRAM efficient.

Additional Considerations

If the “Out of Video Memory” error continues, here are a few additional steps to try:

• Checking system requirements: Make sure your PC meets the Fortnite minimum specifications to avoid performance issues. If your hardware doesn’t meet the requirements, it may cause the game to run poorly or fail to start.
• Restarting your computer: Sometimes, simply rebooting your system can resolve temporary glitches and free up resources that might be causing the issue.
• Seeking further help: If the problem persists, contacting Epic Games support or browsing online forums can provide tailored troubleshooting advice. Other players or official support may have specific solutions based on your setup.

Key Takeaways

• The ‘Out of Video Memory’ error suggests that your system doesn’t have enough video memory to run Fortnite properly, leading to performance issues or crashes.
• Updating drivers, verifying game files, and adjusting settings are key steps in troubleshooting and could resolve the issue by improving system compatibility and reducing resource demands.
• Ensuring hardware meets Epic Games’ recommendations is crucial to avoid this error in the future, as underpowered systems may struggle to run the game efficiently.

Understanding the ‘Out of Video Memory’ Error

Experiencing an “Out of Video Memory” error while playing Fortnite can be frustrating, especially when it disrupts gameplay. This error typically points to an issue with your graphics setup, where your system’s hardware may not meet the game demands for running smoothly.

The graphics card and VRAM (video memory) play a key role in rendering graphics properly, and if there’s insufficient VRAM for the tasks, you’ll likely face performance issues.

If your system fails to meet the minimum requirements, like having an outdated Nvidia GTX 960 or AMD R9 280, this can also trigger the error. Additionally, issues like corrupted game files or outdated graphics card drivers can contribute to the problem.

Causes of Video Memory Errors

There are several causes for video memory errors that can prevent Fortnite from running smoothly. The graphics card may not have enough VRAM to handle the intensive tasks of the game.

For example, if your card is underpowered or insufficient, the game will struggle to render graphics properly, leading to crashes. Not meeting the minimum system requirements is a common issue, especially if you’re using older hardware.

Outdated graphics drivers are another cause, as they can lead to incompatibility with the latest Fortnite updates. Lastly, corrupted game files can affect the smooth running of the game, and using tools to repair corrupted files is a vital step to resolve this issue.

Identifying Common Symptoms

If you’re encountering the Out of Video Memory error in Fortnite, several key symptoms can help you recognize the issue:

• Game Crashes: One of the most noticeable signs is sudden, unexplained crashes to the desktop while playing Fortnite. This typically happens when the game runs out of video memory.
• Error Messages: You may also see pop-up error messages indicating that there’s not enough video memory available to continue the game.
• Poor Performance: Before the crash, you might experience lag or stuttering. This can happen when your system’s graphics card is struggling to handle the game’s resource demands.

To help prevent these issues from happening, it’s important to perform regular maintenance on your system. This includes updating your graphics drivers and using the Epic Launcher to verify game integrity, which ensures that your game files aren’t corrupted.

Understanding the demands Fortnite places on your system will allow you to troubleshoot effectively and improve game performance, ensuring smoother gameplay.

Effective Solutions to the Error

When the Out of Video Memory error occurs in Fortnite, it can be frustrating. To resolve this issue and keep your game running smoothly, start by trying some basic troubleshooting steps. One of the first actions you can take is to restart both Fortnite and your computer, as this can often clear up temporary issues.

Afterward, check to make sure your system meets the minimum requirements for Fortnite, including having an Nvidia GTX 960, AMD R9 280, or Intel HD 4000 for integrated graphics. It’s also important to verify that you have enough RAM and sufficient hard drive space.

Initial Troubleshooting Steps

Once you’ve confirmed your system meets the necessary specifications, the next step is to ensure that everything is up to date. Updating your drivers and verifying the integrity of the game files can prevent many errors. These simple steps help maintain smooth performance and reduce the likelihood of encountering the out-of-video memory errors while playing Fortnite.

Advanced Troubleshooting Procedures

If the initial steps don’t resolve the issue, try updating your graphics driver. An outdated or corrupt driver can often cause errors, so make sure to download the latest version from the official websites for Nvidia or AMD cards. You can also use the Epic Games Launcher to verify the integrity of Fortnite’s game files, as corrupted files are a common cause of crashes.

Maintaining System Health

Regular maintenance is crucial to preventing errors. Ensure your operating system is up to date, particularly if you’re using Windows 10. It’s also important to clean up your hard drive to free up space and manage the applications running in the background. This will help guarantee that enough RAM is available for smooth gameplay.

Purchasing and Upgrading Hardware

If the error persists, it could be due to hardware limitations. If your GPU, RAM, or other critical components are outdated, it may be time to upgrade. Investing in a newer graphics card or adding more RAM can significantly improve your gaming experience and prevent future errors.

Reaching Out for Support

If you’ve exhausted all options and the error persists, it’s time to contact Epic Games for assistance. They provide a dedicated support system that may offer additional guidance. You can also check the Fortnite Status page or reach out through Epic Games’ official social media channels for real-time updates or help.

Avoiding Future Errors

To prevent encountering this issue again, make sure to keep your software updated and regularly review any changes to system requirements with each Fortnite update. Additionally, adjusting your graphics settings according to your system’s capabilities can help reduce the risk of running into the error again.

Using External Forums and Resources

External forums or resource sites can be valuable for troubleshooting and finding solutions from other players who have experienced similar issues. However, be cautious with the links you click and only rely on reputable sites. Sometimes, players discover workarounds that haven’t yet become widely known.

Navigating the Epic Games Launcher

The Epic Games Launcher serves as your central hub for managing Fortnite. It allows you to update the game, verify its files, or reinstall it if needed. Keeping the Epic Launcher up to date is also vital for ensuring optimal game performance and resolving potential errors.

Conclusion

Dealing with the “Out of Video Memory” error in Fortnite can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can resolve the issue and get back to gaming smoothly. Start by addressing basic fixes like restarting Fortnite, checking system requirements, and ensuring your graphics drivers are updated.

If those steps don’t work, dive into more advanced solutions, such as updating your graphics driver, verifying game files, and maintaining your system’s health. In some cases, upgrading hardware like your graphics card or RAM might be necessary for optimal performance. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to Epic Games support or explore solutions on online forums.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does the “Out of Video Memory” error mean in Fortnite?

The error indicates that your system’s graphics card doesn’t have enough video memory (VRAM) to handle Fortnite’s graphics, causing crashes or performance issues.

How can I fix the “Out of Video Memory” error?

Start by restarting Fortnite, checking that your system meets minimum requirements, and updating your graphics drivers. You can also verify game files through the Epic Games Launcher.

Why does my graphics card run out of video memory in Fortnite?

Your graphics card’s VRAM may be insufficient for the demands of Fortnite, especially with high graphics settings or other background applications consuming resources.

Can I avoid future “Out of Video Memory” errors?

Yes, you can prevent future issues by keeping your software and drivers updated, ensuring your system meets Fortnite’s requirements, and adjusting graphics settings to match your system’s capabilities.

Should I upgrade my hardware if the error persists?

If the error continues after troubleshooting, upgrading your graphics card, RAM, or other hardware components might be necessary for smoother gameplay and better performance in Fortnite.