Resident Evil Requiem Unhandled Exception Error Fix Guide
If you are getting the “An unhandled exception occurred” error in Resident Evil Requiem on PC, the issue is almost always tied to DirectX 12 instability, Windows security blocking the game, unstable memory settings, or a corrupted config file. The fastest working fixes right now are forcing DirectX 11, allowing the game through Controlled Folder Access, and resetting unstable RAM or GPU settings.
This guide focuses only on fixes that have actually worked for players, not random guesswork.
What This Error Actually Means
An unhandled exception means the game tried to access memory or a system resource and Windows stopped it. The RE Engine then crashes to desktop because it cannot recover.
This usually happens during:
Launch
Scene transitions
Entering Raccoon City
High VRAM load moments
Loading specific saves
It is rarely a hardware limitation issue. Most affected players meet the system requirements.
Fix 1: Allow The Game Through Controlled Folder Access
This is one of the most common real fixes.
Even if you think Windows Defender is disabled, Controlled Folder Access can still block the game exe silently.
Steps:
Open Windows Security
Go to Virus and Threat Protection
Click Ransomware Protection
Open Controlled Folder Access
Click Allow an app through Controlled Folder Access
Add the Resident Evil Requiem exe file manually
Several players reported the game instantly launching after this.
If it worked once and stopped working, remove it from the allowed list and re add it.
Fix 2: Force DirectX 11
DirectX 12 has been unstable for some systems.
To force DX11:
Open Steam
Right click Resident Evil Requiem
Click Properties
In Launch Options type
-force-dx11
Then disable HDR in game settings if enabled.
This reduces VRAM spikes and driver level crashes.
Some players also manually changed config.ini:
Capability=DirectX12 to Capability=DirectX11
Note that config.ini may reset itself after launch.
Fix 3: Lower Upscaling Settings Manually
DLSS and FSR have triggered crashes for some users.
Open config.ini in the install folder and change:
UpscalingQuality_DLSS=Auto to Balance
UpscalingQuality_FSR1=UltraQuality to Balance
Then save the file.
If it resets on launch, set the file to read only after editing.
This reduces GPU load spikes during scene changes.
Fix 4: Disable XMP Or CPU Overclock
Even stable overclocks can trigger RE Engine crashes.
If you have:
XMP enabled
CPU overclock
GPU overclock
Disable them temporarily.
Several players stopped crashes instantly after disabling XMP in BIOS.
Unhandled exception errors are often memory instability, even if other games run fine.
Fix 5: Remove HDMI Splitters Or Signal Adapters
If you are playing on a 4K TV through an HDMI 2.1 splitter or capture device, remove it and connect directly to the display.
One player eliminated all crashes by removing an 8K HDMI splitter from the signal chain.
Signal instability can cause driver level crashes.
Fix 6: Verify Files And Reset Config
If you have not done this already:
Verify integrity of game files in Steam
Delete config.ini
Delete pipelinelist.bin
Relaunch game
Do not delete random dll files unless you know what they do.
Fix 7: Reduce VRAM Usage
If crashes happen mid gameplay:
Lower:
Texture quality
Ray tracing
Shadow quality
VRAM overload can trigger engine exceptions.
You can monitor VRAM usage in settings. Stay below your GPU limit.
If It Crashes After Loading A Specific Save
Some players report:
Grace sections load fine
Leon sections crash
Raccoon City triggers crash
If this happens:
Load an earlier save
Change graphics settings
Then load the newer save
Sometimes the crash is tied to a rendering state during that scene.
What Not To Do
Do not:
Randomly delete system dll files
Install sketchy third party tools
Reinstall Windows immediately
Most fixes are configuration or driver related.
Final Blurb
The Resident Evil Requiem unhandled exception error is usually caused by DirectX 12 instability, Windows security blocking the game, unstable RAM settings, or aggressive upscaling. Start with Controlled Folder Access and forcing DirectX 11, then check memory stability and VRAM load.
Most players fix it with one of these steps. If none work, the issue is likely driver level and waiting for a patch may be required.
FAQ
Why does Resident Evil Requiem crash with unhandled exception
The game attempted invalid memory access or was blocked by Windows security or driver instability.
Does forcing DX11 help
Yes, many players report fewer crashes using -force-dx11.
Can RAM instability cause this
Yes. XMP or overclocked memory can trigger RE Engine crashes even if other games run fine.
Why does it work one day and crash the next
Driver updates, Windows security changes, or memory instability can cause inconsistent behavior.
