3ds Max Crashes on Startup

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

1. 1. Remove recent or third-party plugins

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   1. Close 3ds Max fully
   2. Open C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\ApplicationPlugins and move recently installed plugin folders (for example MAXtoA or Datasmith) to the desktop
   3. Start 3ds Max again; if it loads, reinstall the plugin version that matches your Max year
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. 2. Update the Wacom driver

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   1. If you use a Wacom tablet, uninstall the current driver
   2. Install the latest driver from Wacom (6.4.1-3 or newer fixed the launch crash Autodesk documented)
   3. Restart Windows and launch Max
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. 3. Reset user settings

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   1. Close Max and open %LocalAppData%\Autodesk\3dsMax
   2. Rename the folder for your version (for example 2026 - 64bit) to .old
   3. Start Max so it recreates the folder; if the delete fails, a Windows file lock is the usual reason, so reboot first
   4. Some users report this alone does not help, so combine it with the steps above
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. 4. Roll back GPU driver or Windows update

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   1. Check Device Manager for a recent graphics driver update and roll back if the crash began right after
   2. If it began after a Windows update, check Autodesk forum threads for your Max version before uninstalling the update
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

The splash screen appears and Max closes, hangs on 'Not responding', or shows a startup failure dialog before the interface loads.

Why it happens

• A plugin built for a different 3ds Max year (MAXtoA, Datasmith, third-party scripts)
• Wacom driver 6.4.1-2, which Autodesk documented as crashing Max on launch
• Corrupted user settings in AppData\Local\Autodesk\3dsMax
• A Windows cumulative update or graphics driver change
• CPU not compatible with the Arnold plugin (older versions)

This guide also covers

• 3ds max crashes on startup
• 3ds max won't launch
• 3ds max not opening
• 3ds max stops working on launch

The same problem in other apps

All crashes, freezes & blank screens guides →

• How to Recover Unsaved or Crashed Blender Files (Blender)
• Cinema 4D Crashes on Startup (Cinema 4D)
• Maya Crashes on Startup or Won't Open (Maya)

Other 3ds Max errors

• 3ds Max License Error or Sign-In Failed
• 3ds Max Missing Textures and Maps (Missing External Files)
• 3ds Max Viewport Slow or Laggy
• 3ds Max Can't Open File From a Newer Version
• 3ds Max Arnold Watermark and MAXtoA Errors
• 3ds Max V-Ray Render Crash or Out of Memory
• 3ds Max Not Responding or Freezing When Saving
• How to Cancel 3ds Max Subscription (and Get a Refund)