Helldivers2.exe Application Error: In 2024, Arrowhead Game Studios, in collaboration with Sony Interactive Entertainment, launched Helldivers 2, a sequel that many gamers had eagerly awaited. This title transports players to a perilous galaxy where they engage in intense and chaotic battles for survival.
However, some users have encountered a significant obstacle when attempting to play the PC version: an “Application Error” associated with the Helldivers2.exe file.
Reports of this error have surfaced across various gaming forums, including Steam, and it has hindered many players from accessing the game.
While technical difficulties are not unusual for newly released games, even those with high expectations like Helldivers 2, the “Helldivers2.exe – Application Error” appears to stem from issues with the executable file, causing frustration for those ready to immerse themselves in the action.
How to Fix Helldivers2.exe Application Error
Should you encounter a particular error, there are several possible explanations. These may include system malfunctions, outdated applications, missing files for the game, or potential interference from antivirus software.
Additional factors could involve insufficient administrative permissions, corrupted system files, or an outdated operating system.
To assist you in addressing these challenges, we’ve compiled a series of troubleshooting strategies. Please follow these methods until the error is rectified. Let’s begin.
1. Restart the PC
To resolve temporary system glitches or issues related to cached data, it’s essential to perform a manual reboot of your computer. Adhering to the following steps can help prevent any conflicts while running the game:
- 1. Access the Start menu and select the Power option.
- 2. Choose Restart and allow your system to reboot completely.
- 3. After the reboot is complete, launch the game to see if the error persists.
2. Run Helldivers 2 as an Administrator
To grant the system administrator access to the Helldivers 2 executable on your Windows PC, you’ll need to adjust some settings manually. Follow these steps to modify the User Account Control (UAC) permissions:
- 1. Navigate to the directory where the game is installed on your computer.
- 2. Locate and right-click on the Helldivers2.exe file.
- 3. Select ‘Properties‘ from the context menu, then switch to the ‘Compatibility’ tab.
- 4. Check the box next to ‘Run this program as an administrator.’
- 5. Click ‘Apply‘ and then ‘OK‘ to confirm and save your changes.
After completing these steps, relaunch the game to see if the issue has been resolved.
3. Check for the Graphics Driver
We highly encourage you to check for the latest updates for your graphics drivers on your computer. Below, you’ll find both an automated and a manual method to facilitate this process, allowing you to choose the approach that suits you best.
**Automatic Update Process:
- 1. Begin by opening the Start menu and searching for Device Manager, then select it from the results.
- 2. In the Device Manager window, locate and double-click on the Display Adapters section.
- 3. Identify your dedicated graphics card, right-click on it, and select the option to Update Driver.
- 4. Choose the option that says Search automatically for drivers.
- 5. If a newer version is found, your system will automatically download and install it.
- 6. After the installation is complete, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
**Manual Update Process:
If no updates are found through the automatic method, you can manually check for updates. Visit the official website of your graphics card manufacturer listed below. Here, you’ll need to search for the latest driver compatible with your specific model. If you find a new version available, download it and follow the installation instructions provided. You can access the links below for further assistance:
4. Update Helldivers 2
An obsolete game patch version may lead to various problems when launching the game on your PC. To resolve this, it is advisable to check for any available updates by following these steps:
- 1. Launch the Steam client and navigate to your Library.
- 2. Locate Helldivers 2 in your game list and right-click on it.
- 3. Select Properties, then navigate to the Updates tab.
- 4. Under Automatic Updates, opt for the setting that states ‘Only update this game when I launch it.’
- 5. After making these changes, restart your system to ensure they take effect.
Once a new game update is released, it will be automatically installed when you launch the game.
5. Verify the Integrity of Game Files
There is a significant likelihood that corrupted or missing game files on your computer could lead to an application error with Helldivers2.exe during startup. To resolve various issues, it is advisable to verify the integrity of the game files.
Here’s how to do it:
- 1. Launch the Steam client.
- 2. Navigate to your Library.
- 3. Locate and right-click on the Helldivers 2 title.
- 4. Select Properties from the context menu.
- 5. Click on the Installed Files tab.
- 6. Choose the option to Verify Integrity of Game Files.
- 7. Allow the verification process to complete.
- 8. Once finished, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
This process can help ensure that all game files are intact and functioning properly.
6. Install Pending Windows Updates
Having an older version of Windows or uninstalled updates can lead to various problems when trying to launch a game. Updating to the latest version of the software can address many bugs and enhance stability.
To ensure your Windows is up to date, follow these steps:
- 1. Access Windows Settings by pressing the Win+I keys simultaneously.
- 2. Select “Windows Update” from the menu on the left.
- 3. Click the “Check for updates” button.
- 4. Any available updates will be downloaded and installed automatically.
- 5. Allow the update process to finish, and then restart your computer.
7. Turn Off the Antivirus Protection
To ensure the game application runs smoothly, it’s essential to temporarily disable your computer’s antivirus protection, as it may interfere with the game’s files. Antivirus software can sometimes be overly sensitive, leading to the deletion of files it deems suspicious. To turn off the real-time protection, please follow these steps:
- 1. Press the Win+I keys to access Windows Settings.
- 2. Navigate to Update & Security.
- 3. Select Windows Security from the menu.
- 4. Click on Open Windows Security.
- 5. Go to Virus & Threat Protection.
- 6. Next, find and click on Manage Settings.
- 7. Switch off the Real-time Protection toggle.
- 8. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), select Yes to confirm.
Keep in mind: If you are using a third-party antivirus solution, ensure to disable its real-time protection feature temporarily while you play the game.
8. Install Visual C++ Redistributable
To ensure that your Windows system operates certain applications effectively, it is essential to install the most recent version of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. Prior to adding the new version, it is advisable to first uninstall any existing Visual C++ Redistributable versions on your computer. Be sure to access the links for Visual Studio 2012 Update 4 and Visual Studio 2015.
To proceed, follow these steps:
- 1. Navigate to the official Microsoft website using the provided links.
- 2. Click on the ‘Download‘ button.
- 3. Choose the ‘VCRedist.exe‘ option.
- 4. Click ‘Next‘ to continue.
- 5. Select ‘Run‘ to initiate the installation process.
- 6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
After the installation finishes, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
10. Disable Steam Input
Steam Input is a service that enables users of the Steam client to play games that support controllers on their preferred computers. If you wish to disable the Steam Input feature, please follow these instructions:
- 1. Launch the Steam application and navigate to your Library.
- 2. Locate Helldivers 2 and right-click on it.
- 3. Choose ‘Properties‘ from the context menu, then select the ‘Controller’ tab.
- 4. From the drop-down menu, select the option to disable Steam Input.
After completing these steps, try launching the game again to see if the issue persists.
11. Reinstall Helldivers 2
If the previous solutions haven’t resolved your issue, consider uninstalling and then reinstalling Helldivers 2 on your PC. This process can help eliminate any installation-related conflicts that may be affecting the game’s startup. Here’s how to do it:
- 1. Launch Steam on your computer.
- 2. Navigate to your Library and locate Helldivers 2.
- 3. Right-click on the game title and select “Manage.”
- 4. Choose the “Uninstall” option from the menu.
- 5. Confirm your choice by clicking “Uninstall” when prompted.
- 6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
- 7. After uninstalling, restart your PC to ensure all changes take effect.
- 8. Once your computer is back on, open Steam again and proceed to reinstall Helldivers 2, preferably on a different drive.
- 9. Wait for the installation to finish, then try launching the game once more.
This method can help clear up any persistent issues you may be experiencing.
12. Contact the Steam Support
Finally, it’s important to reach out to Steam Support by submitting a support ticket regarding the error you are experiencing. This step will enable the game developers to delve deeper into the issue, and you’ll receive more specialized help.
We hope you found this guide useful. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to leave a comment below.