Last updated: 2026
Applies to: eFootball PES 2021 (Steam, DVD, Cracked versions)
One of the most frustrating issues for PC players is double-clicking the Settings.exe file—the application that lets you adjust resolution, graphics quality, and controller settings—and absolutely nothing happening. No error message, no window, no crash report. It simply refuses to open.
This guide provides a step-by-step fix for this common problem.
This is a weird but famous fix for PES. The Settings app sometimes fails if your system language is not fully supported.
If your PES 2021 Settings.exe is not opening, it is likely due to missing system requirements, security software blocking the file, or corrupted installation data.
Here are the most effective solutions to get the settings launcher working: 1. Update .NET Framework & DirectX
The settings application requires specific Windows components to run. Many users on Reddit have found that installing or repairing .NET Framework 4.8 or newer is the primary fix. You should also ensure you have the latest DirectX and Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables installed. 2. Configure Windows Security & Antivirus pes 2021 settingsexe not opening new
Your antivirus might flag Settings.exe as a false positive, preventing it from launching or making changes.
Exclusions: Add the entire PES 2021 installation folder to your antivirus exclusion list.
Controlled Folder Access: In Windows Security, check if "Controlled Folder Access" is on. If it is, manually allow Settings.exe through it.
Administrator Rights: Always try right-clicking the file and selecting "Run as Administrator". 3. Verify Game Files or Reinstall
If the file is missing or corrupted, use the verification tool in your game launcher:
Steam Users: Right-click the game, go to Properties > Local Files, and select "Verify integrity of game files". Last updated: 2026 Applies to: eFootball PES 2021
If verification fails, a clean reinstall of the game—while also deleting the KONAMI folder in your "Documents" directory—often resolves persistent issues. 4. Manual Configuration (Workaround)
If the executable simply won't open, you can bypass it by manually replacing the configuration files:
Download Settings Files: Some community members on RUTUBE and Linux Mint Forums provide pre-configured settings.dat files that you can place directly into your game's save folder.
Save Location: Move these files to Documents\KONAMI\eFootball PES 2021 SEASON UPDATE\.
For further help with general game stability, check for official updates on the KONAMI Official Site or look for community-driven fixes for specific hardware issues like e-core crashes.
Are you using any mods or patches (like SP Football Life) that might be affecting how the settings application loads? Missing Visual C++ /
PES 2021 Settings.exe Not Opening: A Comprehensive Guide to Fixing the Issue
Pro Evolution Soccer 2021 (PES 2021) is a highly acclaimed soccer simulation game that offers a realistic gaming experience. However, some users have reported encountering an issue where the settings.exe file, which is essential for configuring game settings, fails to open. If you're experiencing this problem, you're in the right place. This article provides a detailed guide on how to troubleshoot and fix the issue preventing settings.exe from opening in PES 2021.
You likely mean PES 2021's executable (settings.exe) not opening. Below is a structured, deep troubleshooting review with prioritized fixes and diagnostics.
You can manually edit the binary settings.dat file using a hex editor (HxD) or use a community script (PES_Settings_Editor.exe). Search on Evo-Web forums for "PES 2021 Settings File Editor"—it bypasses the .exe entirely.
If the above fails, you likely have "Software Interference." Third-party controller software (like DS4Windows, Xbox Accessories, or RGB software like Razer Synapse) can hook into the controller API and cause the settings app to crash before it even draws a window.
The Fix: Perform a "Clean Boot" of Windows to strip away the interference.
The Settings.exe attempts to enumerate display modes. Certain modern GPUs or drivers cause a silent crash.