If you’re encountering freezing, stuttering, low FPS, or unexpected crashes while playing CONTROL Ultimate Edition, follow the steps below.

Each step escalates in scope and impact. If a quick tweak doesn’t resolve your issue, simply advance to the next step.

Game Mode

1. Configure Antivirus and Firewall Settings

Antivirus or firewall software can mistakenly block CONTROL Ultimate Edition executable or background processes, causing frame stutter or startup crashes.

Add CONTROL Ultimate Edition to Exceptions

  1. Open your antivirus program.

  2. Navigate to Settings → Exceptions / Allow List.

  3. Add the game executable:

    %LOCALAPPDATA%\Remedy\Control\

    or your installation folder (e.g.Control.exe).

Allow Through Windows Defender Firewall

  1. Press Windows key, type Windows Security, and open it.

  2. Go to Firewall & network protection → Allow an app through firewall.

  3. Click Change settings → Allow another app.

  4. Browse to the Control executable and add it.

  5. Check both Private and Public boxes, then OK.

For more info regarding you may visit Microsoft's How Do I Allow Games & Apps Through My Firewall?

Optional: Temporarily disable your antivirus to test performance. If the game runs smoothly, re-enable it and adjust its gaming or real-time scan settings.

2. Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated drivers can lead to compatibility issues, crashes, or subpar performance. Ensuring you have the latest drivers guarantees that your GPU can handle the game's demands efficiently.

  • Identify Your GPU:

    • Press Windows + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter.

    • Navigate to the Display tab to see your GPU details.

  • Download Latest Drivers:

  • Install and Restart:

    • Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.

    • Restart your PC after installation.

3. Perform a Clean GPU Driver Installation

Over time, graphics drivers can accumulate residual files or settings that may conflict with new updates. Performing a clean installation ensures that old data doesn't interfere with the new driver, leading to optimal performance.

  • Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU):

    • Download DDU from its official website.

    • Boot your PC into Safe Mode.

    • Run DDU to uninstall existing GPU drivers completely.

  • Install Latest Drivers:

    • Visit your GPU manufacturer's website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).

    • Download and install the latest drivers for your graphics card

4. Update DirectX

Keeping DirectX current ensures compatibility with the latest rendering features used by Control’s Northlight engine.

Download and Install:

Verify Installation:

  1. Press Windows + R, type dxdiag, press Enter.

  2. Check the DirectX Version line at the bottom of the System tab.

5. Advanced Optimization Tips

These optional steps can improve stability or performance on older systems:

  • Disable overlays (Discord, Steam, GeForce Experience).

  • Run Control as Administrator (right-click → Properties → Compatibility).

  • Ensure Windows Update and GPU control panels (NVIDIA / AMD) are up to date.

  • Limit background apps like Chrome or OBS while playing.

Contact Player Support

If you have questions or continue to encounter problems, and the issue persists, you can contact our support team for technical assistance.

  1. Open the Remedy Help Center. Go to remedy.helpshift.com and click the chat bubble in the lower‑right corner to start a ticket.

  2. Describe your issue. Select Bug Reports, Game Froze/Crash, or the most relevant option, and answer the bot’s questions. Be sure to include your email address, platform (Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, etc.), User ID, screenshot/video, and a clear description of what went wrong.

  3. Provide additional details. Player Support may ask you for additional files or info that may help with your issue, such as Error Code/Message, DxDiag, or MSInfo.

For comprehensive bug‑reporting instructions, refer to How to Report Bugs & Crashes - CONTROL Ultimate Edition in our Remedy Technical Support and Help Center.