Why is Zbrush is Frequently Crashing?

At this time, there are two known causes for frequent random crashes:

Old System BIOS

Check with the maker of your computer's motherboard to ensure that you are running the most current BIOS version.  If not, follow the manufacturer's instructions to update your BIOS.  (This is especially common with users of first generation Threadripper processors.)

Antivirus Conflicts

Many antivirus applications are known to create issues with Maxon software.  In some cases, they interfere with successfully downloading or installing the software.  In other cases, they interfere with the actual operation of our software, causing frequent crashing.  This is because the antivirus application is either outright preventing our software from writing/modifying files that it needs to function or because it is constantly scanning our files, creating delays that lead to a crash.

Note: This applies equally to ZBrush, ZBrushCore and ZBrushCoreMini.

For these reasons, we recommend the following:

1. Temporarily suspend your antivirus software prior to starting a download of the installer (or prior to running ZUpgrader).  Leave it suspended while downloading, installing and activating.  Turn it back on again after you have activated.
2. Use your antivirus software's feature for whitelisting applications and directories.  You will want to whitelist the following:
   • The application itself (ZBrush, ZBrushCore or ZBrushCoreMini)
   • The directory where the application is installed.  (For example, C:\Program Files\Maxon ZBrush 2023)
   • The data directory.  (For example, C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\ZBrushData2023)

Whitelisting is important because it prevents issues caused after the installation, while ZBrush is being used.  For example, it has been discovered that some of the newest brushes will cause frequent crashes for some users unless they whitelist the ZBrush directory.

Note:  An antivirus program that has never had issues with Maxon software in the past can suddenly start creating problems due to an update in the antivirus program and how it functions.  

No antivirus software is perfect.  They are also typically slow to update their data files that they use to recognize both potentially dangerous behaviors and those that are safe.  This is why such security programs provide ways to override their behavior.

Unfortunately, we also cannot tell you specifically how to suspend an antivirus program or edit their whitelist.  This is unique to each individual product and often changes as new versions come out.  Please consult with their documentation for current instructions.

Happy ZBrushing!