Screen minimize during game, Mostly in VR. Any progress?

[mustng2]

This continues to be a major problem for me and I am assuming others.  The game randomly minimizes which means removing the headset, bringing the mouse over the minimized game icon, left click on it and then put the headset back on, usually with a you have crashed or been shot down message waiting for me.  This does not happen in other VR games like I-racing so I am assuming unless some one has some information to the contrary, it is an AH III issue.  Oculus rift VR.  It also happened in non VR, but frequency seemed to be less.

[Bizman]

Usually it means that some other program is active and changes the window. The reason why it happens more often with VR is that the VR version of the game runs in windowed mode unlike the screen version (that is if I have understood and remember it correctly).

Anyhow, it can be a Windows update, a Windows Store update (supposing you have Win10 or 8.1), the active screen of Store Apps or any other program at least checking for update - it can be your anti-virus, Flash Player, Java or anything set up to check for updates on a regular basis and run the update in the background. Since we can't see what's running while you're playing all we can do is guess. Other potential auto-updaters: The updater of your computer brand, Skype, Real Player (and especially the news section of it!), the updater of your printer, Windows 10 Mail app getting a new message... There's a ton of programs and apps that would like to get your attention no matter what you're doing unless you have told otherwise in their settings!

[The Fugitive]

I have never had this happen to my Oculus. It is more likely as Bizman said an issue on your computer. Nobody is going to be able to fix it but you. Its going to take some detective work on your part to track down what program is kicking the game out .

[mustng2]

So why doesn't it happen in other games?  If it is another app trying to get my attention, why isn't there a window etc visible when the game minimizes?

[Bizman]

I can't tell why it doesn't happen with other games, it may be related to how aggressively they (are allowed to) take command of your computer. AH runs on the surface so it can't break your Windows. Big money games may have more privileges to modify how Windows behaves in the background.

For the question why there's no visible marks about the background activity, well, it's supposed to happen in the background. If you know anything about computing some decades ago, there was an operating system called DOS which worked by typing commands on a black screen. Those commands could include parameters like -h for "hidden" or -y for "Yes, I allow any procedures to be executed". It may surprise you that the very same is happening all the time under the hood! You may have noticed that sometimes right after startup black command line screens flash for a split second on the desktop. That's where a hidden command has a delay in hiding. The reason for "hiding" is that you certainly don't want to constantly see tiny windows saying "Checking for possible updates --------- No updates available. Click OK to close this window. [OK]".

[Skuzzy]

The game does not have the ability to minimize itself unless Windows tells it to do so.  It is a Windows event we honor.  Not all games will do that.  Any program can chose to ignore the event.

There does not have to be a visible dialog/window.  If it is malware/spyware/virus initiated then there will be no Window.  Another example; if it is a bluetooth driver assertion due to a device being recognized, there will be no dialog and not even the audio beeps will be heard as the game has exclusive use of the sound device.

The only way to correct it would be for us to ignore the Windows event request, which is not something programs are supposed to do.

[mustng2]

so is there a way to find out what this event is that only seems to effect AHIII?

[atlau]

What about preventing the game from shutting down if the headset goes to sleep? For when people take the headset off to cruise in bluffs or to GV?

[1stpar3]

While having performance issues in DCS, I was pointed towards "Project Lasso" program. Its an performance enhancement program. It prioritizes for only the programs needed for a game and shuts down/stops interference by un needed programs. So far, it has reduced a lot of my "minimize to desk top" problems. I still get them, but usually it is within the first 10 minutes or so of starting AH. Figure it is an issue with not letting everything get preloaded..before I log in? Any way, its worked for me

[Bizman]

so is there a way to find out what this event is that only seems to effect AHIII?

Yes, sort of, and you don't like it.

The Event Viewer is one built-in tool to tell what has been going on: https://www.howtogeek.com/123646/htg-explains-what-the-windows-event-viewer-is-and-how-you-can-use-it/

Some preemptive procedures will also help. Start by uninstalling every program and app you never use. Continue by checking and modifying the start and update settings of every single third party program installed on your computer. There's good reading in the Hints and Tips, but this one has a couple more: https://www.windowscentral.com/12-days-tech-tips-how-optimize-windows-10-pc-gaming. This one has some good ideas for taming Windows10, too: https://www.gamingfactors.com/optimize-windows-10-for-gaming/. Be cautious with the Power Shell script, though, I've read that removing the apps Windows has greyed out in the Apps and Features may have some negative consequences in later updates.

Instead of relying on de-crapifying software (some of which can be worse than the bloatware they cure!) I'd recommend to study the programs in Apps and Features one by one and really get rid of the unnecessary ones: https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/uninstall-programs-windows-10