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How to Resolve "The Application Encountered an Unrecoverable Error" in FIFA 23

As a hardcore FIFA gaming enthusiast, I know how frustrating it is to be blocked from launching the latest title in the franchise by a pesky error message. If you‘ve been getting "The application encountered an unrecoverable error" in FIFA 23, this comprehensive troubleshooting guide will help you squash that bug for good.

After analyzing the error‘s underlying causes and arming you with proven solutions, you‘ll be back to dominating the pitch in no time.

Why Does This Unrecoverable Error Occur in FIFA 23?

Based on investigations into FIFA 23‘s game files, mods, and community forums, I‘ve identified the main triggers for this error:

  • Conflicting Game Files: Corrupted or missing files prevent FIFA 23 from launching properly. This is the most common cause.

  • Third-Party Mods/Editors: Some mods or editors like FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) editors conflict with vanilla game files.

  • Graphics Drivers: Outdated Nvidia or AMD drivers can cause a clash with FIFA 23‘s rendering processes.

  • Windows Compatibility: FIFA 23‘s PC version may not be fully compatible with certain Windows builds.

  • EA App Issues: Problems with the EA app required to run FIFA 23 often lead to launch errors.

  • Antivirus Conflicts: Overzealous antivirus programs blocking FIFA 23 files or processes triggers the error.

So in most cases, it‘s not an issue with your PC hardware. It‘s just a matter of software conflicts, outdated files, and OS or driver incompatibilities causing FIFA 23 to trip up on launch.

Most Error-Prone FIFA 23 PC Specs

Through community reports, I‘ve identified some key PC components and specs more prone to the unrecoverable error:

Component Specs Prone to Error
OS Windows 11
Graphics Card Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti or Lower
CPU Intel i5 8th Gen or Lower
RAM 8GB or Lower

If your rig fits the above criteria, you may be more susceptible. But don‘t worry – the upcoming fixes will get FIFA 23 running smoothly regardless of your PC build.

Now let‘s get into the step-by-step solutions…

How to Fix "The Application Encountered an Unrecoverable Error"

Follow these top troubleshooting tips to nail down the unrecoverable error and seamlessly launch FIFA 23:

1. Update Your Game and Graphics Drivers

It‘s a basic fix, but also the fastest and easiest – ensure your Nvidia or AMD graphics drivers, as well as your FIFA 23 game files, are fully updated:

  • For Nvidia cards, open GeForce Experience and click "Check for Updates". Install any available driver updates.
  • For AMD cards, use the AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition to install the latest drivers.
  • In Origin or the EA app, right click on FIFA 23 and select "Check for Updates" to update game files.

Updating these drivers and the game itself can resolve any compatibility issues causing the error.

2. Add Exceptions in Your Antivirus Software

If you use antivirus programs like Norton, McAfee or Avast, add FIFA 23 as an exception to prevent conflicts:

  • Open your antivirus software settings.
  • Go to the Exclusions, Exceptions or Whitelist tab.
  • Click Add Exclusion and select the FIFA 23 app file and game folder location.

This stops the antivirus from scanning or blocking FIFA 23 files that may trigger the error.

3. Launch EA App as an Administrator

Try launching the EA app as an admin before opening FIFA 23:

  • Right click on the EA desktop app and select "Run as administrator".
  • Then open FIFA 23 through the app.

Running the app with admin access allows FIFA 23 to launch with the heightened privileges it likely needs.

4. Reinstall EA Anticheat in FIFA 23 Game Files

EA Anticheat is vital for FIFA 23 to run properly. If it gets corrupted, reinstalling can fix many errors:

  • Browse to Program Files(x86)\Origin Games\FIFA 23
  • Right click on EAAntiCheat folder and select Uninstall
  • Launch EA app as admin and open FIFA 23
  • A fresh version of EA Anticheat will automatically reinstall

This refreshes any damaged anticheat files that were triggering the error.

5. Add FIFA 23 Folder to Windows Defender Exclusions

If you use Windows Defender antivirus, make sure to exclude the FIFA 23 folder:

  • Open Windows Security
  • Go to Virus & Threat Protection > Exclusions
  • Click "Add an Exclusion" and select the FIFA 23 game folder

This will stop Defender from falsely detecting game files as threats and causing a crash on launch.

6. Toggle On Secure Boot in BIOS

Secure Boot checks that all software loaded during boot is trusted and authorized through cryptographic keys. Enabling this feature can fix compatibility issues with FIFA 23:

  • When your PC starts, press F2, F10 or Delete to access BIOS
  • Under the Boot tab, find Secure Boot and toggle it On
  • Click Save Changes and Exit to reboot

With Secure Boot enabled in BIOS, FIFA 23 will be forced to load properly at launch.

7. Temporarily Disable Third-Party Gaming Software

Some third-party gaming software like Razer Synapse, Logitech GHub or MSI Afterburner can clash with FIFA 23:

  • Before launching FIFA 23, close any third-party gaming apps with a system tray icon.
  • Open the Start Menu and type msconfig
  • Go to the Services tab and check "Hide all Microsoft services"
  • Disable any third-party gaming services like Razer or Logitech

This prevents any conflicts from software hooking into FIFA 23 processes and causing a crash.


By methodically applying each of these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to eliminate the unrecoverable error and enjoy uninterrupted FIFA 23 gameplay.

If you still see the message after trying all fixes, your only recourse is waiting for an official patch from EA. But they reportedly have a fix in the works, so hang tight.

Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to help fellow gamers squash annoying technical issues like this. Feel free to contact me if you run into any other problems getting FIFA 23 running smoothly. Game on!