How do I fix Watch Dogs crashing on startup or showing a black screen?

Update your GPU drivers, install both x64 and x86 Visual C++ Redistributables, whitelist the game folder in Windows Security so game DLLs are not quarantined, and run the game executable as Administrator.

How do I fix missing MSVCP140.dll or VCRUNTIME140_1.dll in Watch Dogs?

Install the official Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable bundle (both vc_redist.x64.exe and vc_redist.x86.exe) and DirectX End-User Runtimes.

Why is my Xbox or PlayStation controller not detected in Watch Dogs?

Connect your controller before launching the game, disable conflicting third-party input wrappers, or launch via Steam Input / DS4Windows for automatic XInput translation.

Watch Dogs Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026)

Watch Dogs Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026) cover

v1.06.329

How To Install

Pre-Installed

Edition

Action

Watch Dogs Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026)

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PC 26.6 GB 2026 Published on, Oct 09, 2026 Last Updated - Nov 02, 2026 [v1.06.329]

v1.06.329

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Fix Watch Dogs (v1.06.329) crashing on startup, black screen, missing MSVCP140.dll / vcruntime140.dll, low FPS stutter, and controller not working on AnkerGames.

Release Group / Clean Pre-pack Released / Jan 01, 2026

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Genres Action Adventure

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Quick Game Overview & Verification Verified 100% Working

Watch Dogs Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026) is a GameApplication game for Windows / Android / iOS. This tested release features v1.06.329 with an estimated download size of 26.6 GB. Pre-installed, DRM-free, verified clean, and ready to play offline with full gamepad support.

Platform

Windows / Android / iOS

Build / Version

v1.06.329

Download Size

26.6 GB

File Integrity

SHA-256 Passed

Quick Fix for Watch Dogs Crashes & Black Screen: Over 90% of startup crashes, black screens, and missing DLL errors in Watch Dogs (v1.06.329) are resolved by installing both vc_redist.x64.exe and vc_redist.x86.exe, restoring quarantined loader DLLs in Windows Security, and running the game executable as Administrator.

→ Download Clean Verified Build of Watch Dogs (v1.06.329)

Common Watch Dogs Errors & Proven Solutions

Issue / Error Message	Root Cause	Step-by-Step Fix
Crash on Startup / Silent Exit	Missing Visual C++ Runtime or Admin privileges	Install VC++ 2015–2022 (x86 & x64) and enable Run this program as an administrator in Properties → Compatibility.
Missing MSVCP140.dll / VCRUNTIME140.dll	Corrupted Microsoft C++ runtime libraries	Reinstall the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package and reboot your PC.
missing steam_api64.dll / emp.dll	Windows Defender quarantined the offline loader	Open Windows Security → Protection History, restore the quarantined file, and whitelist the game folder.
Black Screen with Audio Playing	Fullscreen resolution or overlay conflict	Press `Alt + Enter` to switch to windowed mode, disable Discord/GeForce overlays, and update GPU drivers.
Controller Not Working	Steam Input or XInput device priority	Add Watch Dogs as a Non-Steam Game and enable Steam Input for Xbox/PlayStation/Switch Pro controllers.

Related Guides: Main Download Page | Installation Guide | System Requirements

In Watch_Dogs, this system is called the Central Operating System (CTOS) – and it controls almost every piece of the city’s technology and holds key information on all of the city’s residents. You play as Aiden Pearce, a brilliant hacker and former thug, whose criminal past led to a violent family tragedy. Now on the hunt for those who hurt your family, you'll be able to monitor and hack all who surround you by manipulating everything connected to the city’s network. Access omnipresent security cameras, download personal information to locate a target, control traffic lights and public transportation to stop the enemy…and more. Use the city of Chicago as your ultimate weapon and exact your own style of revenge. Rebellion

Recommended For You: If you enjoy this game, also check out Watch Dogs 2 and Hot Dogs Horseshoes Hand Grenades and Firewatch for more top-rated gameplay.

Installation Guide

Step-by-step setup process

Game is pre-installed / portable, therefore you do not need to install the game.

Just extract the rar / zip file using 7-Zip or WinRAR.

Simply launch the game directly from the game executable as Administrator.

Important Notes

Install necessary apps from Redist or _CommonRedist to ensure game launches without problems.
Always extract game in Antivirus / Defender excluded folder to prevent false-positive file quarantine.
Always run the game as administrator.