Launch problems and crashes
SA-MP does not start on Windows 10 or 11
SA-MP or GTA San Andreas closes or does nothing on Windows 10/11. Folder permissions, compatibility settings, DirectX and antivirus are the usual causes.
Sources checked: · SA-MP 0.3.DL-R1
What could cause it?
GTA San Andreas is an old game. On new Windows versions the most common causes are installing into Program Files (no write permission), fullscreen optimisations, a missing DirectX 9 runtime or antivirus blocking samp.dll.
Try these steps in order
- Right-click samp.exe and choose Run as administrator.
- If the game is under Program Files, move or reinstall it to a folder such as C:\Games.
- Open gta_sa.exe properties, Compatibility tab, and tick Disable fullscreen optimisations.
- Install the DirectX 9.0c runtime (June 2010).
- If your antivirus quarantined samp.dll or gta_sa.exe, restore it and add an exception.
Check the result
If SA-MP opens and shows the server list, and the game loads when you connect, the problem is solved. If it crashes while loading, see the crash articles.
Sources and scope
These steps are written for Vice. External documents may also contain older or other-version advice; follow the steps on this page.
- Vice check: current 0.3.DL configuration and support procedure.