Start screen flashing

[Kadikur]

When I start the game it loads in normally, but the start screen (where you choose your datacenter, or start playing) is in a state where it looks like it is constantly swithcing between focused and nonfocused modes. The buttons are barely clickable, and I can usually hit the exit button, but nothing I have tried seems to alleviate the problem.
It used to be that I could alt-tab out of the game to fix the problem, but even that has ceased working.
My drivers are all up to date, and so is my windows machine (I play on PC), so I don't know what else it could be, or what my next steps are.
Any advice is greatly appreciated... and sorry for the massive amount of text (at least it isn't a wall of text)

[Thampbayoyows]

Thank you for posting in the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums!

We apologize for any inconvenience experienced when trying to play Final Fantasy XIV.
For us to better assist you, please provide us with the following:

What Platform are you using? (Steam/Windows/Mac/PS4/XBox/Switch2 etc.)
At what point does the issue occur?
How often does the issue occur?

Steps taken before this issue occurs:
Are you on a Desktop or Laptop?
Does this only happen with Final Fantasy XIV?
Are you running any additional programs alongside Final Fantasy XIV?
Does the issue occur with one character or multiple characters?
Are the Controllers 1st party (Microsoft/Sony/Nintendo) or 3rd party (Off-Brand)?

All steps taken to resolve the issue:


Thank you for visiting the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums!

[Kadikur]

What Platform are you using? (Steam/Windows/Mac/PS4/XBox/Switch2 etc.) Windows 11
At what point does the issue occur? Right when I successfully log in, at the main menu
How often does the issue occur? Randomly, I'd say once a week.

Steps taken before this issue occurs:
Are you on a Desktop or Laptop? Desktop
Does this only happen with Final Fantasy XIV? Yes
Are you running any additional programs alongside Final Fantasy XIV? No
Does the issue occur with one character or multiple characters? Can't get to character selection screen.
Are the Controllers 1st party (Microsoft/Sony/Nintendo) or 3rd party (Off-Brand)? Keyboard and mouse (Alienware)

Note: All drivers are up to date for graphics card and windows itself.

[Thampbayoyows]

Thank you for posting in the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums!

There are a number of situations that can cause the error you are describing. Please try the following troubleshooting methods in order to resolve the issue:

- Check to make sure that your PC meets the minimum system requirements. Be aware that integrated graphics cards (e.g. Intel HD graphics) are not supported. If so, try adjusting various graphical settings, resolutions and switching between windowed and fullscreen to see if this affects the issue.

- Update your Windows Operating System using Windows Update. Make sure to install any optional updates as these aren't installed automatically.

- Update/reinstall your graphics card drivers (preferably a clean install)

- Disable all programs/overlays running in the background

- Make sure your anti-virus software has the appropriate exceptions for FINAL FANTASY XIV

- Make sure that your hardware is not overheating and remove any overclocks you may have on your GPU or CPU. Check that any fans or vents aren't being blocked.

- Remove any mods or injectors from the game or system (Reshade, Nvidia Freestyle, etc.). Also, remove any custom configurations made using driver-level programs (Nvidia Control Panel, Radeon Crimson).

- Turn off Fullscreen Optimizations. Find the executable file for the game (normally found in the install folder), right-click it and select 'Properties'. Under the 'Compatibility' tab, check the box labeled 'Disable Fullscreen Optimizations', then click 'Apply'.

- Perform a clean boot by doing the following: Open the Task Manager and select the 'Start Up' Tab. disable everything here and restart the PC.

Should the issue still persist after attempting all the listed troubleshooting, we advise that you reinstall the game (make sure to remove or rename the 'Final Fantasy XIV' folder in the 'My Documents' > 'My Games' folder). You can re-download the game client at the following link. : http://www.finalfantasyxiv.com/playersdownload/na

We recommend that the game be installed on the C: drive, as installing it on any drive that is not the default may cause more problems.

If the issue is still present after the reinstallation of the game, please respond to this thread with a FINAL FANTASY XIV System Report. On the game launcher, select 'Config' option and to the right of 'System Information' click on 'Display.'

We look forward to your response.


Thank you for visiting the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums!