PC 5.00c rolled back HairWorks changes that affected performance. The earlier support advisory recommended disabling HairWorks. Read the two chronologically before applying a launch-day workaround.
Check what changed
Update through your PC launcher and read the full version in the main menu. The hotfix applies to the listed PC releases, not a claimed PS5 HairWorks toggle. It addresses the named change; it does not promise that every stutter, lighting or texture issue is fixed.
A controlled on/off comparison
- Choose a repeatable scene where you notice the slowdown. Note resolution, preset, upscaling and ray tracing.
- Measure or observe it with the current HairWorks setting.
- Turn HairWorks off and repeat the same camera movement or short route.
- Keep the better setting for your preference if the difference is repeatable. Do not change six other graphics settings during the comparison.
- If there is no meaningful difference, record that result and investigate the remaining symptom separately.
What to include if it still runs poorly
Provide the GPU, CPU, driver version, OS, full build, display resolution and whether the problem happens in one scene or throughout play. Mention the on/off result. A screenshot of settings helps distinguish your setup from another player’s launch report.
Check the updated system requirements, including the upscaling conditions for RT targets. Use file verification for suspected damaged files, without treating it as a guaranteed performance upgrade. The support notice and hotfix are sources for the action; this site has not benchmarked your hardware.
Sources and version limits
- CDPR HairWorks performance notice — Launch-era performance advisory; compare with the later 5.00c note.
- Official PC 5.00c hotfix — October 1, 2026; PC-only fixes and HairWorks rollback.
Sources checked October 4, 2026. This is an attributed guide, not a claim that we personally tested your save, hardware or game build.