Programs like RivaTuner, MSI Afterburner, or Discord overlays can conflict with the app. Comprehensive Solutions to Fix the Error
PES 2021, for all its grace on the pitch, uses a graphics detection system that is fundamentally brittle. It scans your system for DirectX 9 and 11 capabilities, enumerates your GPUs, and then decides what options to show you. If it gets confused—if it sees an integrated Intel GPU alongside a dedicated NVIDIA RTX card, or if it detects a monitor with a weird refresh rate—it panics. And instead of showing an error, it simply commits digital seppuku.
If it works, add the PES 2021 folder to your Antivirus . 4. Bypass via Compatibility Mode
Are you running the or a total conversion modpack like SP Football Life ?
After doing steps 1 & 2 (and a restart), settings.exe finally opened. pes 2021 settingsexe not opening new
Windows security permissions often prevent old configuration tools from executing properly. Giving the file administrative privileges usually bypasses this.
: These files should be placed in your save folder, typically found at: Documents\KONAMI\eFootball PES 2021 SEASON UPDATE\ Common Causes & Compatibility
Sometimes the application fails to fetch the current hardware profile because Windows restricts its user privilege levels. Right-click on settings.exe inside your game directory. Select and move to the Compatibility tab. Check the box for Run this program as an administrator .
If you are using Steam, the installation might be corrupted. Open . Right-click on eFootball PES 2021 . Go to Properties > Installed Files . Click Verify integrity of game files . What to do if settings.exe still doesn't open? If it gets confused—if it sees an integrated
PES 2021 – “Settings.exe” not opening? Here’s what finally worked for me
Launch the main game directly; it will load with those resolution targets automatically active. 🐧 For Linux, Proton, and Steam Deck Users
If the tool still won't open, you can manually edit your settings: settings.dat with a Hex Editor (advanced). Alternatively: Use a third-party tool like the PES 2021 Settings Modifier
The Settings.exe tool relies on the version of Visual C++, while the main game might require the x64 version. You need both to ensure everything runs smoothly. run as admin
: If you are using a laptop with dual graphics, the settings tool may not open if it can't detect the GPU. Manually set settings.exe to "High performance" in Windows Graphics Settings . Advanced Compatibility Fixes
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Download pre-made setups from the eskay993 Gamefiles GitHub Repository. How to use a pre-made settings.dat : Visit the repository link above.
I ran into a frustrating issue with today – the settings.exe file simply wouldn’t open. Double-click, run as admin, nothing. No error message, no crash report, just… nothing.