How to Fish Tips

💥 How to Fish Crashes - Fixes

If How to Fish crashes on launch or mid-session, run the official checklist first: verify game files, update GPU drivers and disable overlays. Launch error 0x11C7 relates to Windows Smart App Control.

Published August 26, 2026 · Last updated September 21, 2026

Quick Answer: How to Fix Crashes

Most How to Fish crashes and black screens resolve with four steps: run as administrator, update GPU drivers, verify game files on Steam (Properties → Installed Files), and disable overlays (Discord, GeForce Experience, Xbox Game Bar). Error 0x11C7 is caused by Windows Smart App Control — update Windows and verify files instead of disabling security features.

Error Code Quick Lookup

Error / Symptom

Error 0x11C7 (launch blocked)

Cause

Windows Smart App Control

Fix

Update Windows + verify game files; do NOT disable Smart App Control

Error / Symptom

Black screen on launch

Cause

GPU driver or overlay conflict

Fix

Run as admin + update drivers + disable all overlays

Error / Symptom

Black screen in multiplayer lobby

Cause

Version mismatch between players

Fix

All players: same game version; create new lobby or switch host

Error / Symptom

Gray screen after start

Cause

Corrupted game files

Fix

Steam → Verify Integrity of Game Files

Error / Symptom

Crash during boss fight

Cause

Insufficient VRAM or overheating

Fix

Lower resolution + monitor temperatures + close background apps

Error / Symptom

Crash on save load

Cause

Corrupted save after pre-1.0.6 crash

Fix

Load an earlier backup from the LocalLow\Dazed Games\How to Fish\Saves folder

Quick Fix: Crashes and Black Screens

Most launch crashes and black or gray screens clear with the first four steps below. Apply them in order before trying anything more invasive.

  • Run the game as administrator.
  • Update GPU drivers.
  • Verify the integrity of game files (Steam → Properties → Installed Files).
  • Allow the game through Windows Firewall.

Full Fix List for Black Screen / Crashing

If the quick fix did not help, work through the remaining community-verified fixes compiled from sources such as Sportskeeda.

  • Use compatibility mode or disable fullscreen optimizations.
  • Try Steam launch options: -dx11 or -dx12.
  • Force the dedicated GPU: Windows Graphics Settings → add the game → High Performance.
  • Disable the Steam Overlay.
  • Clear the Steam download cache.
  • Install or repair the Visual C++ Redistributables.
  • Last resort: reinstall the game.

Error 0x11C7: Smart App Control Blocking Launch

Meaning: Windows Smart App Control has blocked the game's executable from launching. This is a launch-policy interception — not an in-game crash, a save file problem, or a rendering issue.

  • Keep Smart App Control enabled — do not disable system security features right away.
  • Restart Windows and Steam.
  • Update Windows and Microsoft Defender (install all pending security updates, then restart).
  • Steam → verify the integrity of game files.
  • Remove any third-party modifications, replaced EXEs or custom launchers.
  • Re-verify the files afterwards.

💡 Microsoft states there is no official per-application bypass for Smart App Control — do not download unofficial EXEs.

Black Screen When Joining a Multiplayer Lobby

A separate case from launch crashes: the screen goes black when joining a lobby. Ensure all players run the same game version, create a new lobby, or switch to a different host.

What a Crash Does to Your Save (Patch 1.0.6+)

Since patch 1.0.6, crashes no longer write to new save files — a crash mid-session cannot corrupt a fresh save slot. Normal saves run an auto-save every minute plus manual saves whenever the player chooses Save / Main Menu / Quit. Manual saving after important progress is still recommended.