Start with the two highest-value checks: install the latest Star Wars Outlaws update and your GPU maker’s current driver, then restart Windows. Confirm that the game is installed on a solid-state drive (SSD), that the PC has at least 16 GB of dual-channel memory, and that its processor and graphics card match Ubisoft’s target for your resolution and frame rate. After that, change one variable at a time—overlays, display mode, VSync, refresh rate, frame cap, graphics quality, and upscaling—so you can identify whether the problem is a crash, a frame-time spike, or simply hardware running below its target tier.
First identify the failure you are trying to fix
“Stuttering” can describe several different problems. A game that runs at a low but steady frame rate needs different treatment from one that reports a high average FPS but pauses every few seconds. A crash to desktop points to software, driver, memory, or compatibility trouble, while texture pop-in and long pauses during area changes often indicate storage or streaming pressure.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Consistently low FPS: the GPU or CPU is below the selected resolution and quality target. Lower the workload or use the appropriate upscaler.
- Large FPS swings: frame pacing is unstable. A frame-rate cap, matching refresh rate, and reduced settings can make motion feel smoother than a higher but erratic average.
- Brief hitches when turning or entering areas: investigate overlays, background recording, shader or asset streaming, and whether the installation is on an SSD.
- Crash during launch or play: update the game and driver, remove overlays, test a clean boot, and collect diagnostic reports if it continues.
- Display problems after changing settings: compare fullscreen, borderless, and windowed modes, and test VSync both on and off.
Ubisoft explains that lower or frequently changing FPS can make a game appear slow or stutter. Therefore, judge smoothness by frame-time consistency rather than the biggest number shown by an FPS counter.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsCheck Ubisoft’s PC requirements before changing settings
Ubisoft’s published targets assume Windows 10 or Windows 11 with DirectX 12, 16 GB of dual-channel RAM, and a 65 GB SSD installation. They are targets for particular resolutions and presets, not a guarantee that every PC with a similar part list will deliver identical results.
#1 Best Overall
- This product has been replaced by our latest generation. Please search for the SANDISK Optimus GX 7100 NVMe SSD
- HIGH-OCTANE GAMING. Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models), with up to 35% faster performance than previous generation.
- PURPOSE-BUILT. Designed for serious on-the-go gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and SANDISK’s next generation TLC 3D NAND.
- MORE TIME TO CLEAR THAT CHECKPOINT. Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- DO MORE WITH DASHBOARD. Ensure your drive is optimized for prime performance with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only).
| Target | Processor | Graphics card | Preset and upscaling |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p at 30 FPS | Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 6 GB, AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT 6 GB, or Intel Arc A750 8 GB with Resizable BAR enabled | Low, upscaler set to Quality |
| 1080p at 60 FPS | Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT | High |
| 1440p at 60 FPS | Intel Core i5-11600K or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT | High |
| 4K at 60 FPS | Intel Core i7-12700K or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX | Ultra |
These tiers also indicate where to begin troubleshooting. A system near the 1080p/30 minimum should not be tuned as if it were a 1440p/60 machine. If your hardware is below the listed tier, reduce resolution, preset, ray-tracing-related options, and upscaling quality before looking for a software fault.
Verify the SSD requirement
Open your platform’s installation settings and confirm that the game’s files are on an SSD, not an HDD. Leave more free space than the game’s 65 GB requirement so Windows and the game can work without a nearly full volume. An NVMe SSD is a sensible hardware remedy when the title is installed on an HDD or on a drive with very little free capacity; it is not a universal cure for driver or overlay crashes.
Check memory and Resizable BAR
Use Windows Task Manager or your motherboard firmware to confirm 16 GB of RAM is operating in dual-channel mode. Intel Arc A750 is listed with Resizable BAR enabled; verify that feature in the firmware and driver control panel when using that GPU.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchUse this troubleshooting order
Work through the following sequence. Change one item, reproduce the problem in the same location or activity, and record the result before moving on.
Rank #2
- Ideal for high speed, low power storage
- Gen 4x4 NVMe PCle performance
- Up to 6,000MB/s read, 4,000MB/s write
- Includes Acronis cloning software
- 5-year limited warranty
- Install the latest game update. Update Star Wars Outlaws through the launcher or store that owns it. Close the launcher after the update finishes and restart Windows.
- Update the graphics driver from its manufacturer. Install the current driver for your NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel card, then restart. Ubisoft specifically identifies an up-to-date graphics driver as a way to resolve persistent crashing.
- Confirm storage and requirements. Check the installation drive, available free space, RAM configuration, DirectX 12 support, and the CPU/GPU tier for your chosen target.
- Disable overlays and capture tools temporarily. Turn off Discord, Ubisoft Connect, Steam, NVIDIA or AMD overlays, Windows or third-party recording, RGB control utilities, and other on-screen monitoring. Test the game without them, then restore them one at a time if the issue disappears.
- Test display timing. In Windows display settings, select the monitor refresh rate you actually intend to use. In the game, compare fullscreen, borderless, and windowed modes. Test VSync on and off, restarting the game after each meaningful change.
- Stabilize frame pacing. Select the Quality upscaler mode recommended for the minimum target, lower settings that exceed your GPU tier, and cap FPS at a value the PC can sustain continuously. A stable 45 or 60 FPS can look smoother than a rate that repeatedly jumps between much higher and lower values.
- Isolate background software. If crashes or hitching remain, perform a Windows clean boot or temporarily disable nonessential startup and background programs. Re-enable them individually to find the conflict, and turn security software back on after testing.
- Escalate with evidence. If the fault is reproducible after these tests, contact Ubisoft Support with DxDiag and MSInfo reports. For a title-specific defect, use Ubisoft’s Bug Reporter and include the GPU model, driver version, Windows build, game version, location, and exact trigger.
Fix stuttering and poor frame pacing
Match the cap to the PC, not the monitor’s maximum
A 144 Hz monitor does not make a computer capable of delivering 144 consistent frames. Begin with a cap that your system holds during busy scenes. If the frame rate repeatedly falls below the cap, lower the cap or reduce the GPU-heavy settings. Keep the refresh rate fixed while testing so you can tell whether the cap or display timing changed the result.
Use upscaling deliberately
Ubisoft’s 1080p/30 minimum target specifies the Quality upscaler mode. Start there rather than changing several image-quality controls at once. If the GPU is still saturated, move to a lower internal resolution or preset; if the GPU has headroom but the CPU is limiting performance, lowering resolution may not help and a frame cap is more useful.
Test VSync and display modes separately
VSync can remove tearing but may expose uneven frame delivery when the system cannot maintain the display refresh interval. Compare VSync on and off at the same cap. Then compare fullscreen, borderless, and windowed modes without changing graphics quality. Record which combination produces the fewest frame-time spikes.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Remove resource competition
Overlays and recording tools consume CPU, GPU, memory, and capture bandwidth. Ubisoft notes that screen-capture and overlay applications can cause display problems. Disable them for diagnosis rather than assuming any particular overlay is always harmful.
Rank #3
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking
- Spacious 1TB SSD: Provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with standard Gen4 NVMe performance for casual gamers and home users
- Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with laptops, desktops, and select gaming consoles including ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and AYANEO Kun. Also backward compatible with PCIe Gen3 systems for flexible upgrades
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation. Improve performance for real world tasks like booting Windows, starting applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and working in applications like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance trusted by gamers and home users
Stop crashes to desktop
Establish a clean baseline
Apply the game patch and graphics driver update first, reboot, and launch with overlays and recording disabled. Avoid changing multiple driver-control-panel profiles at the same time; a baseline makes the next crash informative.
Check when the crash occurs
- Before the main menu: verify DirectX 12 support, driver installation, game files, and background overlays.
- When loading a save or entering a particular area: note the location and trigger, then test another save or a new game. Include the exact location in a bug report if only one scene fails.
- After changing graphics settings: return to a conservative preset, switch display mode, and test VSync. A setting that crashes repeatedly is useful evidence, not proof that the entire game is unstable.
- After a Windows update: record the Windows build and update date. Windows 11 version 24H2 received a specific compatibility acknowledgement from Ubisoft.
Use clean boot isolation
A clean boot starts Windows with nonessential services and startup items suppressed. If Outlaws is stable in that state, restore items in small groups until the crashing component is identified. Keep security protection enabled again once the test is complete.
Windows 11 24H2: what to record
Ubisoft’s Title Update 1.3.0 notes, published October 24, 2024, said the company was aware of an ongoing issue affecting PC players after the Windows 11 24H2 update. That statement does not mean every 24H2 crash has the same cause. It does mean the Windows version is important diagnostic information.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Write down the Windows edition and build, the date the crashes began, whether the game worked before 24H2, the game version, GPU driver, and the exact action that triggers the failure. Include those details with DxDiag and MSInfo when contacting support. Avoid repeatedly reinstalling Windows or drivers before collecting this information; doing so can erase useful timing clues.
Rank #4
- HUGE SPEED BOOST: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS, while sequential read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s reach near the max performance of PCIe 4.0*
- BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Use less power and get more performance; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO, plus optimal power efficiency with max PCIe 4.0 performance**
- SMART THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung's own nickel-coated controller delivers effective thermal control; With its slim size, 990 PRO is a perfect fit for desktops and laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard***
- THE CHAMPION MAKER: Up to 65% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games****
- SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Get the most out of your SSD with Samsung Magician's advanced yet intuitive optimization tools; Monitor drive health, protect valuable data, and receive important updates for your 990 PRO
Updates that changed PC performance
Make sure your installation includes the updates relevant to your hardware. The following are Ubisoft’s reported changes:
| Title update | Date | PC-related changes reported by Ubisoft |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1.2 | September 10, 2024 | Overall PC performance and optimization improvements, crash and stability fixes, FPS-drop improvements, and VRAM improvements. |
| 1.2 | October 3, 2024 | Improved stability and performance; fixed FPS drops with Intel Arc GPUs; improved VRAM, RTXDI, Frame Generation, and Ray Reconstruction performance. |
| 1.3.0 | October 24, 2024 | Fixed a crash when selecting New Game, improved stability and FPS drops, improved GeForce Now stability, and acknowledged the Windows 11 24H2 PC issue. |
| 1.5.1 | February 6, 2025 | Added RTX 50-series support and DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, plus updated DLSS models for RTX GPUs. |
These notes explain why an old troubleshooting guide can give the wrong starting point. Update first, then test; do not assume a launch-day behavior still applies to a patched installation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose the right remedy for the symptom
| Change | Best diagnostic use | What it can address | Reversibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Update game and GPU driver | Establishes a supported baseline | Known crashes, stability defects, and driver incompatibilities | High; the driver can be rolled back if necessary |
| Disable overlays and capture | Tests resource and hook conflicts | Crashes on launch, display glitches, and hitching during recording | High |
| Switch display mode or VSync | Separates presentation timing from rendering load | Tearing, uneven delivery, and mode-specific crashes | High |
| Cap FPS and lower settings | Tests whether the PC is exceeding its sustainable tier | Frame-time spikes and consistently low FPS | High |
| Clean boot | Finds background-service conflicts | Intermittent crashes and unexplained instability | High; restore startup items after testing |
| Move the game to an SSD | Tests storage throughput and streaming pressure | Long loads and streaming-related hitching when installed on an HDD | Medium; requires moving or reinstalling files |
No single item in this table is a universal cure. A driver update cannot raise a GPU to the next performance tier, and an SSD cannot fix a faulty overlay hook or an operating-system compatibility problem.
When a hardware change is justified
SSD upgrade
Prioritize an SSD when the game is on an HDD, the drive is nearly full, or storage activity coincides with pauses. The published requirement is a 65 GB SSD; an NVMe model with additional free capacity is a practical replacement path. Moving the installation will not correct every hitch, so retest with overlays disabled and the same frame cap.
Best Value
- SPEED UP PROJECTS. Launch creator applications fast with uncompromising PCIe 4.0 read speeds up to 7,100MB/s,[2] (1TB and 2TB[1] models) and write speeds up to 6,700MB/s[2] (1TB[1]-4TB[1] models).
- CREATE AND STORE MORE. Make more room for your 4K videos and high-resolution images with capacities from 500GB[1] up to 4TB[1] on M.2 2280 built with our trusted 8th generation SANDISK BiCS QLC 3D CBA NAND.
- IT GOES WHERE YOU GO. With an all-new power efficient design, your drive delivers high performance with low power, giving you more time to be productive while on the go.
- UNCOMPROMISED RELIABILITY. With up to 1,200 TBW[3] (4TB[1] model) endurance rating, your drive is designed for creators.
- KEEP YOUR DRIVE UPDATED. Monitor your SSD’s performance and check for updates with the downloadable SANDISK Dashboard application.[5]
GPU upgrade
Use Ubisoft’s tiers as anchors rather than promises. The RTX 3060 Ti or RX 6700 XT class is the listed 1080p/60 High target; RTX 4070 or RX 6800 XT is the listed 1440p/60 High target; RTX 4080 or RX 7900 XTX is the listed 4K/60 Ultra target. Match the card’s VRAM and feature support to the resolution and upscaling path you intend to use.
CPU and memory
If lowering resolution barely changes FPS while one or more CPU threads remain busy, the processor may be the limiting component. Compare it with the target CPU tier before buying a faster GPU. Keep at least 16 GB of dual-channel memory, and close unnecessary applications while testing to avoid confusing a memory shortage with a game defect.
Build a useful support report
A reproducible report shortens the path to a real fix. Capture:
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →- CPU model, GPU model and VRAM, system RAM amount and channel mode.
- GPU driver version, Windows edition and build, and Star Wars Outlaws version.
- Installation drive type (SSD or HDD) and available free space.
- Resolution, refresh rate, display mode, VSync state, FPS cap, upscaler mode, and major graphics preset.
- Whether Discord, launcher overlays, recording, RGB utilities, or other capture tools were enabled.
- The exact sequence that reproduces the problem, including save, mission, area, menu action, or time until crash.
- DxDiag and MSInfo reports requested by Ubisoft Support.
For an issue that happens only in a particular location or after a specific action, submit it through Ubisoft’s Bug Reporter as well as ordinary support. Include the reproduction steps instead of only reporting that the game “stutters.”
Quick Recap
Practical test plans
If FPS is low everywhere
- Confirm the CPU/GPU tier for the desired resolution.
- Set the recommended Quality upscaler mode and a lower preset.
- Cap FPS to a value the system holds in crowded scenes.
- Only then consider a GPU or CPU upgrade.
If stutter appears during recording or with overlays
- Disable every overlay and capture tool.
- Restart the game and reproduce the same route.
- Re-enable one tool at a time to identify the conflict.
If crashes began after 24H2
- Record the Windows build and update date.
- Update the game and GPU driver, then reboot.
- Test with overlays disabled and a clean boot.
- Send the timeline and diagnostic reports to Ubisoft, noting whether the game worked before the Windows update.
If pauses occur while traversing the world
- Verify the game is on an SSD with free capacity.
- Close capture and monitoring tools.
- Use a stable FPS cap and reduce settings that exceed the GPU tier.
- Compare the same route after each change so storage and frame pacing are not changed simultaneously.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
