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DaVinci Resolve Crashing on Startup

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Workaround available Windows, macOS, Linux Updated November 13, 2026Based on 5 user reportsHow we research

Quick answer

If Resolve closes or hangs at the splash screen, the usual culprits are a third-party OFX plugin, the Control Panels app, a driver problem or corrupt preferences. Remove the plugins folder and reset preferences first.

Most likely fix: Remove problem plugins

How to fix it

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

  1. 1. Remove problem plugins

    1. Temporarily move the OFX plugins folder (Windows: C:\Program Files\Common Files\OFX\Plugins) elsewhere
    2. Start Resolve; add plugins back one by one
    Did this fix it?

  2. 2. Update the graphics driver

    1. Windows: Win+X > Device Manager > Display adapters > right-click the active adapter > Update driver
    2. Make sure Resolve runs on the dedicated GPU
    Did this fix it?

  3. 3. Reset preferences

    1. Close Resolve, rename the Preferences folder so it is rebuilt on next launch
    2. Your projects stay in the database
    Did this fix it?

  4. 4. Uninstall Control Panels

    1. If you have no hardware panel, remove the DaVinci Control Panels app
    Did this fix it?

  5. 5. Repair or reinstall

    1. Run the installer's Repair option, then a clean reinstall if needed
    2. If it still fails, send Blackmagic support a Resolve log and system info file
    Did this fix it?

Symptoms

Resolve will not open, freezes on the splash screen, or closes a few seconds after launch.

Why it happens

  • Third-party OFX plugin crashing at load (Topaz Video AI has been named by Blackmagic support)
  • DaVinci Control Panels app looking for a missing hardware panel (some Windows systems)
  • Outdated or broken graphics driver
  • Corrupt preferences or database
  • Windows update incompatibility

This guide also covers

  • davinci resolve crashing on startup
  • davinci resolve won't open
  • davinci resolve not opening
  • davinci resolve stuck on splash screen

Still not working?

If DaVinci Resolve keeps failing, you're not alone. See every DaVinci Resolve problem users report or the alternatives people switch to.

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