Fix for startup crash issue (V 1.61 DLSS Update)

Fix / Workaround for: Cyberpunk crashes immediately with error "Whoa! Cyberpunk 2077 has flatlined." after DLSS update.

Stacktrace report:
Error reason: Unhandled exception
Expression: EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION (0xC0000005)
Message: The thread caused a user-mode data execution prevention (DEP) violation at 0x7FFE868A7200.
File: <Unknown>(0)

Solution Summary

Rename the "sl.common.dll" located in the game installation directory „\Cyberpunk 2077\bin\x64“ for example to "_sl.common.dll".

Solution

I was really frustrated after I recognized that the game no longer starts since the last update. Cyberpunk crashed immediately if I tried to start the game with the error "Whoa! Cyberpunk 2077 has flatlined".

My stacktrace report:
Error reason: Unhandled exception
Expression: EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION (0xC0000005)
Message: The thread caused a user-mode data execution prevention (DEP) violation at 0x7FFE868A7200.
File: <Unknown>(0)

I tried nearly every solution which I found in the internet. Nothing worked for me.

Finally, I found a solution for myself. By searching files which are modified since the last update in the installation folder I recognized the following sl.*.dll files in the „\Cyberpunk 2077\bin\x64“ directory.

Solution for me:
I renamed the following files in the „\Cyberpunk 2077\bin\x64“ directory:
sl.common.dll
sl.dlss.dll
sl.dlss_g.dll
sl.nis.dll
sl.reflex.dll

You could also move the files to another directory or delete them. However, I recommend renaming the files by adding for example a _ in front of the name, because if this solution doesn't fix your problem, you can simply rename the files back.
_sl.common.dll
_sl.dlss.dll
_sl.dlss_g.dll
_sl.nis.dll
_sl.reflex.dll

Don’t rename the sl.interposer.dll file! (game will not start)

Update 06.02.2023:
It seems to be enough to rename the "_sl.common.dll" only. Maybe you first try to rename only this file and if it is not working you can rename all files from the initial list.

After that the game starts without issues.

Attention: I don’t know what the files are for and if this adjustment has any other side effects. Depending on your hardware and configuration you maybe recognize side effects (for example, I don’t use AMD Fidelity, Raytracing or Mods). I would really recommend everyone first try the other solutions which you find in the internet (graphic driver update or reinstallation / update, start without Steam overlay / start without launcher / …)

I hope the solution helps you if you are also affected. I would be glad about feedback.

[Cedrinate]

Well this doesnt work at all. Game still crashses

[moyer4487]

how do i get to the .exe ? what folder?

[moyer4487]

how do i start without using the launcher?

[Blade]

This worked, thanks. The downside is that the dlss option is completely gone from settings.

[AlbertFrolov]

great job, legend

[4th]

An absolute legend

[Celty]

this worked, thank you.

[TIDO]

doest work for its just starts loading then quits

[Novimatrem]

This fix works for me, thank you, I can play again.

[KARMA]

your a legend