Roblox won't open when you click the icon? This guide covers all the proven fixes for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users experiencing launch failures.
When Roblox fails to launch, it's usually caused by corrupted cache files, antivirus interference, outdated graphics drivers, or Windows permission issues. The game might show nothing after clicking, briefly appear then close, or get stuck on a loading screen.
This issue commonly occurs after Windows updates, Roblox updates, or when security software blocks the game. The good news is that most launch failures can be fixed in under 10 minutes using the steps below.
If Roblox won't launch on Windows 11, this is usually caused by compatibility issues or corrupted system files that prevent the game from initializing properly. The issue affects both the Roblox Player and Roblox Studio applications.
When Roblox is not opening after clicking the icon, the most common culprit is antivirus software blocking the executable or Windows permissions preventing file access. You may see a brief loading cursor before nothing happens.
Many users report Roblox not launching after recent Windows updates, particularly when graphics drivers become outdated or when Windows Defender flags the game as potentially unsafe. This problem has been especially prevalent following major Windows 11 feature updates.
Corrupted cache is the #1 cause of launch failures. Clearing it forces Roblox to rebuild fresh files.
1. Press Win + R, type: %localappdata%
2. Find and delete the Roblox folder
3. Also delete from %temp% and %appdata%
Permission issues can prevent Roblox from accessing required system resources.
1. Right-click the Roblox shortcut or .exe file
2. Select "Run as administrator"
3. Click "Yes" on the UAC prompt
Security software often blocks Roblox by mistake. This is especially common with Windows Defender, Norton, McAfee, and Avast.
1. Temporarily disable your antivirus
2. Try launching Roblox
3. If it works, add Roblox to your antivirus exceptions list
4. Re-enable your antivirus
See our detailed guide: Roblox Firewall & Antivirus Blocking
Outdated GPU drivers can cause Roblox to crash on launch or show a black screen.
NVIDIA: Download from nvidia.com/drivers
AMD: Download from amd.com/support
Intel: Download from intel.com/support
Network configuration issues can prevent Roblox from connecting to servers during launch.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
Restart your computer after running these commands.
Running Roblox in compatibility mode can fix launch issues on some systems.
1. Right-click Roblox > Properties > Compatibility tab
2. Check "Run this program in compatibility mode"
3. Select Windows 8 or Windows 7
If nothing else works, a clean reinstall often fixes persistent launch issues.
1. Uninstall Roblox from Settings > Apps
2. Delete remaining files from %localappdata%\Roblox
3. Restart your computer
4. Download fresh from roblox.com
Having trouble with installation? See: Roblox Stuck on Installing
Additional solutions for Windows 11 users
Windows 11's Smart App Control may silently block Roblox from running. This is a common issue on new Windows 11 installations or after feature updates.
1. Open Windows Security (search in Start Menu)
2. Click "App & browser control"
3. Click "Smart App Control settings"
4. Set to "Off"
⚠️ Note: Once turned off, Smart App Control cannot be re-enabled without reinstalling Windows.
Memory Integrity can interfere with Roblox's anti-cheat system. Temporarily disabling it may resolve launch issues.
1. Open Windows Security
2. Click "Device security"
3. Click "Core isolation details"
4. Toggle "Memory integrity" to Off
5. Restart your computer
💡 Tip: After Roblox works, you can try re-enabling Memory Integrity - it may work after updates.
VBS can cause conflicts with some games including Roblox. This is an advanced fix for persistent launch failures.
Method 1: Via Group Policy (Pro/Enterprise only)
1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc
2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Guard
3. Set "Turn On Virtualization Based Security" to Disabled
Method 2: Via Registry (All editions)
1. Press Win + R, type regedit
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard
3. Set EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity to 0
4. Restart your computer
Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can fix app launch issues automatically.
1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot
2. Click "Other troubleshooters"
3. Find "Windows Store Apps" and click Run
4. Follow the on-screen instructions
If you installed Roblox from Microsoft Store, resetting Store components can fix launch issues.
Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:
wsreset.exe
Wait for the Store to open, then close it.
Then run:
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.GamingServices | Remove-AppxPackage -allusers
start ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=9MWPM2CQNLHN
This reinstalls Gaming Services which Roblox depends on.
All-in-one repair hub for any Roblox issue
Roblox launches but shows a blank white screen
Roblox opens briefly then crashes immediately
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