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Fortnite / Fortnite 'Out of video memory trying to allocate a rendering resource'

Fortnite 'Out of video memory trying to allocate a rendering resource'

✅ Verified on 2026-11-15 · Fortnite version Chapter 7 — v43.00 'Treasure Hunters' (Nov 1, 2026) · Platform: PC (Windows)

Quick fix

Force DirectX 11 by adding -dx11 to Fortnite's launch arguments in the Epic Games Launcher settings — DX12 instability is the most common trigger of this error.

Symptoms

Fortnite crashes with 'Out of video memory trying to allocate a rendering resource' — common at shader compilation or in DX12 mode, even on PCs with plenty of VRAM.

Fixes that work

Force DirectX 11 launch mode

  1. Open the Epic Games Launcher → Settings (gear icon) → scroll to 'Manage Games' → Fortnite.
  2. Enable 'Additional Command Line Arguments'.
  3. Enter -dx11 and launch Fortnite.
  4. If you were already on DX11, some players report the opposite works: add -dx12 to force DX12.

Source: https://www.epicgames.com/help/c-202300000001636/c-Trending_0/how-do-i-troubleshoot-crashes-errors-and-performance-issues-in-fortnite-on-pc-a202300000015914

Reduce VRAM pressure and verify files

  1. In Fortnite: Settings → Video, lower Texture Streaming Pool and resolution, and close background apps using VRAM.
  2. Verify the game files: Epic Games Launcher → Library → Fortnite three-dot menu → Manage → Verify.
  3. Update your GPU drivers and motherboard BIOS — both appear in common fix lists for this error.

Source: https://www.epicgames.com/help/c-202300000001636/c-Trending_0/how-do-i-troubleshoot-crashes-errors-and-performance-issues-in-fortnite-on-pc-a202300000015914

If you have a 13th/14th-gen Intel K-series CPU, check CPU stability

  1. Many 'out of video memory' errors during shader compilation on high-end rigs traced to degraded Intel 13900K/14900K CPUs, not the GPU.
  2. Update your BIOS to the latest Intel microcode fix, or run a stability test; if the CPU is degraded, an RMA is the real solution.

Source: https://steamcommunity.com/app/1928980/discussions/0/7221029098493967556

Frequently asked questions

Why does Fortnite say out of video memory when I have 8GB+ VRAM free?

It's usually not a true VRAM shortage — it's a DX12 rendering allocation failure. Forcing DX11 with the -dx11 launch argument is the most widely reported fix.