Have you ever experienced frustration when trying to play The Lord of the Rings Online on your PC? Perhaps you encountered crashes, black screens, or the game simply refused to open or load. These issues can be quite disheartening for any avid player. But fear not! In this article, we will explore some simple solutions that can help you overcome these obstacles and get back to exploring Middle-earth in no time. So, grab your sword and shield, dear adventurers, as we embark on this troubleshooting journey together.
Solution 1: Restart the PC
When you experience crashing on Windows 11/10/7 or any bug in LOTRO, it’s recommended to start by restarting the computer before attempting any other fixes.
This is because restarting the computer can resolve any temporary errors caused by outdated cookies and cache or conflicts with other software on your system by simply restarting Windows 11/10.
Solution 2: Run the Program as an Administrator (Permanently) PC
When running The Lord of the Rings Online on PC, there may be times when you need to give the program administrative privileges in order to access certain features or settings and in our case to get rid of black screen on startup.
One way of doing it is by simply right-clicking on the program and selecting “Run as administrator”, but it may not always be enough, as you may need to grant these privileges permanently in order to avoid constantly having to repeat the process.
Here’s how to run a program as an administrator permanently on Windows 11:
- Go to the folder/Application
- Right-click on it
- A menu will open
- Select Properties
- A new window will open
- Navigate to the “Compatibility Tab“
- Under the Settings heading
- Find “Run this Program as an administrator“
- Check the box for this option
- Click “Apply“
Now your program successfully Runs as an Administrator on Windows 11/10/7 (Permanently) and you can easily open the program without repeating the steps.
Solution 3: Update The Lord of the Rings Online
For critical errors like black screen on startup, publishers release updates for an optimized and smooth gaming experience. It’s wise to check for any update released before troubleshooting other possible issues.
Playing with outdated versions can also lead to technical glitches, compatibility issues, or even missing out on new content. Here’s how to keep any game updated using its dedicated launcher:
Open the Game Launcher and from its settings locate “Update” Options. Either enable automatic updates or do a manual update if there are any. Restart the Launcher and check if you are still facing crashing.
Solution 4: Close Intensive/Unwanted Programs Or Settings
Your game/PC can be set to maximum performance, try running the game on lower settings to consume fewer resources. This can include:
- A lower resolution(From 4k to 1080p or 1080p to 720p)
- A lower frame rate (try playing at 60Hz)
If there are too many programs running in the background, using too much internet/RAM/Disk can cause HdRO shutdown on Windows 11.
Closing unwanted programs will help you eliminate the not loading issue on your PC as your game would be able to get the required resources from Windows 11/10.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + ESC keys to open Task Manager
- Now check which program is using more Resources, usually indicated by a darker background
- Right-click on that program and select End task
Now check if the black screen on startup is solved or not.
Solution 5: Try Enabling/Disabling VPN while playing LOTRO
Still running into shutdown error on Windows 11/10?
If you’ve got a VPN on, try turning it off to see if it makes a difference. If it’s off, switch it on and check again. But heads up! Don’t jump between too many regions; you don’t want to get blocked.
Remember, the right VPN can be a game-changer.
Solution 6: Add Game Exceptions on Antivirus PC
Sometimes antivirus thinks game files are bad guys and stops them, causing the shutdown.
To fix this, tell your antivirus that HdRO files are cool by adding them to the “exceptions” list. This way, you can play without the antivirus messing things up!
Follow the steps below to add an exception on Antivirus (This guide is for Avast, and would be similar for other antiviruses):
- Launch Avast on your PC.
- Select Menu at the top-right corner of Avast.
- Choose Settings from the menu.
- From the left sidebar, choose General > Exceptions
- Click ADD EXCEPTION and then type the URL you want to add to it.
- Click ADD EXCEPTION to save the URL and check if you can access the URL
If you are still facing Avast Blocking Websites, continue to the next solution.
Solution 7: Check if Windows or Any Driver is Outdated
Sometimes compatibility issues can be a reason for continuous LOTRO not opening on Windows.
Often, it’s all about the updates. First off, head to your Windows settings and see if there’s an update waiting. While you’re on this updating spree, dive into your device manager and update your Wi-Fi drivers and update graphics drivers making sure they are on the latest versions.
These updates can make a big difference, fixing a lot of errors.
Solution 8: Contact HdRO Support
Tried everything and that game error’s still bugging you?
As a last resort, head to the LotRO’s official website and click ‘Support’ or ‘Contact’. Send them an email, jump into live chat, or post in their official forums.
Share what’s happening and any error messages. Remember to double-check you’re on the official site. Sometimes, reaching out is the best way to get back to gaming!
Stay smart and game on!
Final thoughts
In conclusion, it is not uncommon for The Lord of the Rings Online to encounter various technical issues on PC. However, with the solutions presented in this article, you now have the power to overcome crashes, black screens, loading problems, and more. Whether it’s restarting your console, running the game as an administrator, updating the game itself, or seeking help from the game’s support team, there is a solution for every adventurer. Remember to always check for outdated drivers, close unnecessary programs, and consider enabling or disabling your VPN if needed. So, don’t let these technical hiccups prevent you from enjoying your epic journey through Middle-earth. May your path be free from crashes and your screen forever filled with the beauty of LOTRO’s landscapes. Happy gaming!
