Euro Truck Simulator 2 Won’t Launch After Update? (2026 Fix Guide)

Euro Truck Simulator 2 or American Truck Simulator crashing on startup right after a Windows Update or a new graphics driver installation is a common frustration in 2026. While updates aim to improve security and performance, they can sometimes break compatibility with older games or disrupt critical files. Don’t worry – this guide provides a structured troubleshooting approach to get your favorite truck simulator back on the road.

Immediate Action: Run as Administrator & Verify Files

Before deep diving, try these two quick fixes that resolve many launch issues.

• Run as Administrator: Right-click on the ETS 2/ATS shortcut or the game’s .exe file (e.g., eurotrucks2.exe), select “Properties”, go to the “Compatibility” tab, and check “Run this program as an administrator”. Apply and try launching.
• Verify Integrity of Game Files (Steam):
  1. Open your Steam Library.
  2. Right-click on Euro Truck Simulator 2 and select “Properties”.
  3. Go to the “Installed Files” tab.
  4. Click on “Verify integrity of game files”. Steam will check and replace any missing or corrupted files.

Fix 1: Roll Back or Update Graphics Drivers (2026 Method)

The most likely culprit. A new driver might have a bug, or the update process might have failed.

1. Clean Install with DDU: Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) [LINK TO GURU3D DDU DOWNLOAD] in Windows Safe Mode to completely remove your current driver. This is crucial for a clean slate. After that, install the latest recommended driver from your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA/AMD/Intel).
2. The “Studio” Driver for NVIDIA: If you have an NVIDIA card and the latest Game Ready driver causes issues, try installing the NVIDIA Studio Driver instead. It’s often more stable for creative and simulation applications like ETS 2.
3. Intel ARC Users: For Intel graphics, ensure you are on the absolute latest driver from 2025-2026, as compatibility for older DirectX titles has improved significantly in recent years.

Fix 2: Repair Microsoft Visual C++ & .NET Frameworks

Game dependencies can be damaged by system updates. A full repair is often needed.

1. Press Win + X and select “Apps and Features”.
2. In the search bar, type “Visual C++“.
3. For each version from 2005 to the latest 2022 Redistributable, select “Modify” and choose the “Repair” option. Do the same for any “.NET Framework” entries.
4. As a nuclear option, you can download and run the Microsoft Visual C++ All-in-One Repack [LINK TO TECHPOWERUP ALL-IN-ONE REPACK] or the official .NET Framework Repair Tool [LINK TO MICROSOFT .NET REPAIR TOOL].

Fix 3: Check Antivirus & Windows Security Exclusions

Overly aggressive security software in 2026 can mistake game files for threats.

• Add your main ETS 2/ATS game folder (usually in Steam\steamapps\common\) and your Documents folder (Documents\Euro Truck Simulator 2) to the exclusion list of your antivirus (Windows Defender, etc.).
• Temporarily disable your antivirus (with real-time protection) to test if it’s the cause. Remember to re-enable it afterward.

Fix 4: Disable Overlays and Conflicting Software

Background applications can interfere with the game’s launch process.

• Disable Steam Overlay: In Steam Library, right-click ETS 2 > Properties > under “General”, uncheck “Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game”.
• Disable Discord/GeForce Experience/Xbox Game Bar Overlays: Temporarily turn off overlays from any other software.
• Close RGB Control Software: Apps like MSI Afterburner, ASUS Armoury Crate, or Corsair iCUE have been known to cause conflicts. Close them before launching the game.

Fix 5: The Nuclear Option – Clean Profile Test

This determines if the problem is with your game installation or your personal profile/settings.

1. Navigate to Documents\Euro Truck Simulator 2.
2. Rename the entire folder to “Euro Truck Simulator 2_backup“.
3. Launch the game. It will create a brand new, clean profile with default settings.
4. If the game launches successfully, the issue is in your old profile (likely a corrupted config.cfg or save file). You can start copying back files from the backup one by one (like your save in the profiles folder) to identify the corrupt one.

Conclusion

When ETS 2 or ATS won’t launch after an update in 2026, the solution usually lies in managing driver compatibility, repairing system dependencies, or isolating conflicts from security/background software. Start with a clean driver reinstall using DDU and game file verification. If the issue persists, methodically work through the profile and software conflict checks. Following this structured guide will have a very high chance of resolving the frustrating crash-on-startup problem and getting you back to hauling cargo.