How to Fix NBA 2K26 Crashing Issues

Have you experienced crashes in NBA 2K26? You thought it was a random error, but it doesn’t seem to be the case. It occurs without any pattern, yet always manages to interrupt your gameplay at just the wrong moment. Do you think it’s a game bug or a device issue? No, not necessarily. In today’s guide, we will delve into the causes of NBA 2K26 crashes and the different solutions.

Why Does NBA 2K26 Keep Crashing?

The causes of crashes are myriad. In most cases they are related to your hardware, system, drivers, or software, but there are also other factors, such as the network:

• Hardware limitations or overheating (CPU/GPU not meeting specs or thermal throttling)
• Outdated or faulty GPU/CPU drivers
• Corrupted or missing game files
• Conflicting background software (overlays, antivirus, VPNs, mods)
• Insufficient RAM or storage space
• Network issues during online play (lag, packet loss)

In what situations do 2K26 crashes most commonly occur?

• On startup/launch (crashes on boot)
• During loading/transition screens (between menus or before matches)
• During online play/matchmaking (joining matches or intense network activity)

Steps to Fix NBA 2K26 Crashes

Check Hardware

Hardware issues typically occur in the PC version. Confirm whether your device meets the system requirements — refer directly to the game's recommended requirements so your device has more performance headroom and can avoid crashes in extreme situations:

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• Operating system: Windows 11 64‑bit (latest update)
• Processor: Intel® Core™ i5-10600 or AMD Ryzen™ 5 3600X
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 2070 (8 GB) or AMD Radeon™ RX 5700 (8 GB) or Intel® Arc™ A770
• DirectX: Version 12
• Network: Broadband internet connection
• Storage: 110 GB of available space

At the same time, monitor temps (CPU/GPU) with HWMonitor/MSI Afterburner or console temp tools; address overheating (clean fans, improve airflow, reapply thermal paste, remove overclock).

Check Drivers

• Do a clean GPU driver install (use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) then install latest stable driver from NVIDIA/AMD/Intel).
• Update chipset, audio, and network drivers from motherboard/OEM site.
• Install latest OS updates and optional stability fixes.
• If a new driver causes crashes, roll back to a known stable version.

Note: Please be sure to pay attention to your DirectX version; it is often a key cause of many game crashes.

Check Game Files

• Use the launcher’s “Verify integrity / Repair” option (Steam, Epic, or console repair options).
• Remove any mods or custom files and test with a clean install/profile.
• If issues persist, reinstall the game.

Check Network Connection

Network faults are very likely to be overlooked by players. They do not necessarily manifest as obvious stuttering; a crash can very well be caused by a sudden blockage in data transmission at some moment, so maintaining connection stability is very important. You can try using GearUP to repair the network, because manually intervening in the network is extremely difficult, but GearUP has intelligent node-switching technology that can help you connect to the most stable route in real time, reducing crashes while also significantly lowering lag in 2K26.

Also, if you are a PC player, you only need a few simple steps:

1. Search for 2K26.
   
2. Choose a server — you can connect to any server in the world.
   
3. Start the boost, then launch the game; you can check the real-time network connection status at any time to promptly learn about network fluctuations.
   

If you are a console player, there is an even simpler solution: HYPEREV. This is a gaming router launched by GearUP, plug-and-play, so when you play the PlayStation or Xbox version in the living room you no longer need to turn on a PC.

Conclusion

As many players think, 2K26's frequent crashes are related to software, hardware, and device drivers, but network issues are easily overlooked. If you find after checking that it is a network problem, GearUP can provide very efficient help, easily resolving network issues and reducing the disruption that crashes cause to your gameplay.