Razer Peripheral loyalists often use the Razer Synapse software to configure their devices, such as keyboards, mice, headphones, etc. However, there have been many instances where the Razer Synapse crashes or fails to start. Some users have reported Razer Synapse not working or not opening errors on tech forums. We have listed the best possible solutions to fix this issue.
Why Does Razer Synapse Not Open?
Some users have often asked why Razer Synapse does not open. The answer is more complex because the problem has no definite reason. Razer Synapse crashes or fails to start due to corrupted installation files, conflicting programs, outdated software, etc. We have compiled a list of the best methods that have successfully resolved this issue for many Razer Synapse users. But before you put on your tech hats, you must verify the basic system requirements of Razer Synapse and compare them with your current system.
Operating System | Windows 10 or 11 (64 bit) |
Hard Disk Space | 500 MB |
Expert Recommended Methods to Fix Razer Synapse Not Opening
Fix 1: Run Razer Synapse In Compatibility Mode
The first method to fix the Razer Synapse not working error is to launch the Razer software in compatibility mode. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Make right-click on the Razer Synapse shortcut and choose Properties from the context menu.
Step 2: A new window will open where you must click the compatibility tab.
Step 3: Place a checkmark in the box next to Run This Program In Compatibility Mode.
Step 4: In the drop-down option below, select Windows 8.
Step 5: Finally, click the Apply > and the OK button.
Step 6: Reboot your PC and check if the issue persists.
Fix 2: Run Razer Synapse In Admininstrator Mode
Running Razer Synapse in an elevated or admin mode has fixed issues for some users. Here is what you need to do to achieve that.
Step 1: Right-click the Razer Synapse shortcut and select Properties from the context menu.
Step 2: Click on the compatibility tab in the new window.
Step 3: Check the box next to Run This Program As An Administrator.
Step 4: Click the Apply and OK buttons at the bottom of the window.
Fix 3: Repair Razer Synapse Software
If running the Razer Synapse software in compatibility and administrator mode does not work, the next step is to repair this program. Here is what to do.
Step 1: Press the Win + R keys to launch the RUN box.
Step 2: Type appwiz.cpl in the text space and hit OK.
Step 3: The Program and Features Control Panel window will now open. Locate the Razer Synapse app name within the list of installed apps and click on it.
Step 4: Next, click the Change link in the top row.
Step 5: A new window will open; press the Repair button.
Step 6: Wait for the repair process to complete and reboot your PC.
Fix 4: Restart Razer Services
The next method to fix Razer Synapse not working is to restart the services connected to Razer, such as the Razer Synapse Service and Razer Central Service. Here are the steps to restart services on a Windows PC.
Step 1: Press Win + X to launch the Windows Power menu and select Run.
Step 2: In the RUN box, type services.msc and press the OK button.
Step 3: The Windows Services box will now open. First, locate Razer Synapse Service and double-click on it.
Step 4: In the new box, select the Startup type as Automatic and then click on the Stop button followed by the Start button.
Step 5: Repeat steps 3 and 4 for Razer Central Service.
Step 6: Click on the Apply button, followed by the OK button.
Step 7: Reboot your PC.
Fix 5: Delete Razer Synapse Cache Data
The next step, as recommended by experts, is to clear the Razer Synapse Cache Data. This can resolve Synapse issues that arise from accumulated corrupted data. To clear Synapse’s cached data folder, follow these steps:
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the RUN box, then type %appdata% in the text space, followed by the Enter key.
Step 2: The Windows Explorer Roaming Folder window will now open.
Step 3: Locate the address bar on the top and click on Appdata.
Step 4: Next, double-click on the Local folder.
Step 5: Locate the Razer folder, right-click, and select Delete from the context menu.
Read Also: How to Restore Missing AppData Folder on Windows 11,10
Fix 6: Update Razer Device Drivers
The final method to fix Razer Synapse not opening is to update the device drivers on your PC. Here are the steps to update the drivers.
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the RUN box and type “devmgmt.msc” followed by a click on the OK button.
Step 2: The device Manager window will now open. You have to locate and click on three groups of drivers: Human Interface Devices, Keyboards, Mice, and other pointing devices.
Step 3: Next, you have to right-click on every driver listed under these three categories, one by one, to reveal the context menu and choose the Uninstall option.
Step 4: After you select uninstall, you will get a prompt asking you to check the box next to Delete the driver software for this device. Press the Uninstall button to continue the process.
Step 5: Remove all the Razer devices from your PC and reboot your PC.
Step 6: After rebooting, connect the Razer devices individually. The Windows OS will begin the automatic driver installation process and install drivers for your Razer devices.
Note : Windows OS only provides update drivers from Microsoft Servers. It would be best to use third-party driver updater software like Advanced Driver Updater to get the latest updated drivers for your hardware. This app scans your PC, identifies outdated, missing, and corrupt drivers, and downloads and installs the latest versions of drivers available on the internet. After you have completed the above steps, we recommend you scan your PC using Advanced Driver Updater to identify and fix driver anomalies, if any.
Learn here about Advanced Driver Updater
The Final Word On How To Fix Razer Synapse Not Opening
The above steps, including running the program in compatibility mode, as admin, running service, and more, will help fix the Razer Synapse not opening or not working issue on your PC. However, if the issue persists, you could contact Razer Support. Let us know which method worked for you in the comments section below.