Reinstalling is the last step, not the first. Work through how to fix app not installed in the order given and the reinstall almost never becomes necessary.
Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. One clean run beats five rushed ones, both for results and for your patience. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update.
The short answer
Verify the files, restart fully, and only then start changing settings — reversing that order is what turns ten minutes into an evening.
Fixes that require more patience
If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. It helps to know why a step exists, because then you can adapt it when your situation differs slightly. Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. Nothing below requires mods, paid tools or an account on some sketchy site.
It helps to know why a step exists, because then you can adapt it when your situation differs slightly. Nothing below requires mods, paid tools or an account on some sketchy site. One clean run beats five rushed ones, both for results and for your patience.
If it is still broken
Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. People often blame the game when the actual cause is a setting they changed weeks ago. Start with the simplest option before touching anything that is hard to reverse.
- Check the version you are running before following any step-by-step advice.
- Back up your save if the game gives you the option.
- Write down what you changed, so you can undo it if the result gets worse.
- Test one change at a time instead of five at once.
- Restart fully after a change rather than trusting a quick reload.
When it is not your problem at all
Start with the simplest option before touching anything that is hard to reverse. Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. One clean run beats five rushed ones, both for results and for your patience.
If you are short on time, the first section alone is usually enough. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. The difference between a smooth run and a frustrating one usually comes down to preparation, not skill.
Mistakes worth avoiding
- Changing several settings at once, then having no idea which one helped.
- Following a guide written for an older version and assuming nothing moved.
- Skipping the preparation step because it looks boring, then repeating the hard part four times.
- Giving up one attempt before the point where it usually clicks.
Frequently asked questions
Will reinstalling fix it?
Sometimes, but it is slow and it hides the cause. Work through the checks above first; reinstalling is worth trying only after they fail.
Could a mod be causing this?
Very likely, if you have any installed. Disable all of them, confirm the problem is gone, then re-enable in batches.
Is there a faster method?
Usually yes, and usually it is riskier. The route above trades a little speed for a much lower chance of having to start over.
Bookmark this if you expect to look up how to fix app not installed again after the next update.