F5F Stay Refreshed Software PC Gaming Fix: CS:GO freezes at the beginning?

Fix: CS:GO freezes at the beginning?

Fix: CS:GO freezes at the beginning?

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harrycool222
Member
50
06-09-2025, 04:31 PM
#1
I've invested 516 hours in this game and possess a high-performance computer capable of handling any title flawlessly. However, after reinstalling CS:GO via Steam to connect with friends, the game consistently freezes immediately upon launch—there are no error messages or alerts, and I can only terminate it using the task manager. As an IT professional, I find simplistic suggestions like “Update your drivers, man” and “Reinstall it, bro” unhelpful. I've performed a complete installation of CS:GO on five separate drives – one SSD and two HDDs. I've also attempted running the game with -autoconfig and -safe modes, alongside repeatedly verifying game files. For a brief period two days ago, I discovered a workaround: deleting csgo.exe, verifying files, and adding cl_disablehtmlmotd 1 to the launch options. This resolved the issue for a day; however, today it’s freezing again. I’ve attempted to replicate this solution without success. My system specifications are significantly superior to what the game requires. I would greatly appreciate genuine assistance from someone who has encountered this identical problem and successfully resolved it. Thank you.
H
harrycool222
06-09-2025, 04:31 PM #1

I've invested 516 hours in this game and possess a high-performance computer capable of handling any title flawlessly. However, after reinstalling CS:GO via Steam to connect with friends, the game consistently freezes immediately upon launch—there are no error messages or alerts, and I can only terminate it using the task manager. As an IT professional, I find simplistic suggestions like “Update your drivers, man” and “Reinstall it, bro” unhelpful. I've performed a complete installation of CS:GO on five separate drives – one SSD and two HDDs. I've also attempted running the game with -autoconfig and -safe modes, alongside repeatedly verifying game files. For a brief period two days ago, I discovered a workaround: deleting csgo.exe, verifying files, and adding cl_disablehtmlmotd 1 to the launch options. This resolved the issue for a day; however, today it’s freezing again. I’ve attempted to replicate this solution without success. My system specifications are significantly superior to what the game requires. I would greatly appreciate genuine assistance from someone who has encountered this identical problem and successfully resolved it. Thank you.

M
Meowables
Senior Member
608
06-09-2025, 04:31 PM
#2
Meanwhile, a solution emerged from my acquaintance that appears effective at this point; therefore, for those encountering this issue: verify whether you possess MSI Afterburner and/or RivaTuner Statistics Server. If so, close these applications and attempt to initiate CS:GO. It appears that these programs are causing conflict with the game.
M
Meowables
06-09-2025, 04:31 PM #2

Meanwhile, a solution emerged from my acquaintance that appears effective at this point; therefore, for those encountering this issue: verify whether you possess MSI Afterburner and/or RivaTuner Statistics Server. If so, close these applications and attempt to initiate CS:GO. It appears that these programs are causing conflict with the game.

R
Repertition
Member
186
06-09-2025, 04:31 PM
#3
Please verify whether your hard drive has undergone recent defragmentation. Additionally, consider performing a 'chkdsk' scan on your ‘C’ drive—or the volume where your game is located—to examine for any potentially damaged files.
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Repertition
06-09-2025, 04:31 PM #3

Please verify whether your hard drive has undergone recent defragmentation. Additionally, consider performing a 'chkdsk' scan on your ‘C’ drive—or the volume where your game is located—to examine for any potentially damaged files.

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tooturntbby
Junior Member
46
06-09-2025, 04:31 PM
#4
Meanwhile, my companion discovered a resolution that appears effective at this point; therefore, for those encountering this issue: examine whether you possess MSI Afterburner and/or RivaTuner Statistics Server. If so, close those applications and attempt to initiate CS:GO. It appears these programs are causing interference with the game.
T
tooturntbby
06-09-2025, 04:31 PM #4

Meanwhile, my companion discovered a resolution that appears effective at this point; therefore, for those encountering this issue: examine whether you possess MSI Afterburner and/or RivaTuner Statistics Server. If so, close those applications and attempt to initiate CS:GO. It appears these programs are causing interference with the game.

S
SlothManYT
Junior Member
43
06-09-2025, 04:31 PM
#5
Honestly, I’m puzzled by MSI Afterburner's widespread popularity. There are more reliable performance tracking tools available that tend not to cause problems with computers. I personally prefer utilizing the monitoring capabilities built into AMD and Nvidia’s systems. I combine these with a separate program named ‘Remote System Monitor’. The downside to the latter is that it doesn't display video memory utilization, so I continue to use AMD alongside it. You’ll need to install this app on your mobile device for it to function properly.

Link:
Remote System Monitor
S
SlothManYT
06-09-2025, 04:31 PM #5

Honestly, I’m puzzled by MSI Afterburner's widespread popularity. There are more reliable performance tracking tools available that tend not to cause problems with computers. I personally prefer utilizing the monitoring capabilities built into AMD and Nvidia’s systems. I combine these with a separate program named ‘Remote System Monitor’. The downside to the latter is that it doesn't display video memory utilization, so I continue to use AMD alongside it. You’ll need to install this app on your mobile device for it to function properly.

Link:
Remote System Monitor