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How to Fix Civ 5 Video Settings Not Saving Error on Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Steps

Civilization V (Civ 5) is a fantastic strategy game, but sometimes users face issues where their video settings do not save properly on Windows 11. This can be frustrating because adjusting graphics settings every time you launch the game disrupts the experience.

Fortunately, this problem can usually be fixed with a few straightforward troubleshooting steps. The key is to understand why the settings are not saving and resolve the common causes efficiently.

In this guide, we will walk you through the easiest to more advanced methods to fix the Civ 5 video settings not saving error on Windows 11. Each step is explained clearly to help you get back to smooth gameplay.

By following these instructions, you can prevent the game from resetting your preferences and enjoy Civ 5 with your desired video configuration.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, make sure you have completed these quick checks:

  • Run the game as Administrator: Sometimes, Civ 5 needs elevated permissions to write configuration files. Running the game as admin can solve this.
  • Ensure the game is fully updated: Check Steam or your platform for any available updates to Civ 5.
  • Verify Windows 11 updates: Keeping your system updated can fix compatibility issues.
  • Check disk space: Insufficient space on your drive may prevent saving files properly.
  • Disable any third-party antivirus temporarily: Some security software blocks changes to game files.

Step 1: Run Civilization V as Administrator

One of the simplest fixes is to run the game with administrator privileges. This allows Civ 5 to save configuration changes without restrictions.

  1. Right-click on your Civ 5 shortcut or Civ5.exe file.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  4. Check the box that says Run this program as an administrator.
  5. Click Apply and then OK.
  6. Launch the game and change your video settings to see if they save.

Why this matters: Without admin rights, Windows may block the game from writing changes to its configuration files, causing settings to revert.

Step 2: Check File Permissions for Configuration Files

Civ 5 stores its settings in specific files on your computer. If these files are read-only or lack proper permissions, the settings won’t save.

  1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder:
    DocumentsMy GamesSid Meier's Civilization 5
  2. Locate the file named GraphicsSettingsDX11.ini or GraphicsSettings.ini.
  3. Right-click on the file and select Properties.
  4. Make sure the Read-only attribute is unchecked.
  5. Go to the Security tab and ensure your user account has Full control permissions.
  6. If changes were made, click Apply and OK.
  7. Try changing your video settings again in the game.

Why this matters: If the .ini files are read-only or your account lacks permissions, the game cannot save your adjusted settings.

Step 3: Disable Steam Cloud Sync for Civ 5

Steam Cloud sync sometimes conflicts with local settings, causing them to revert after closing the game.

  1. Open your Steam client.
  2. Go to your Library and right-click on Civilization V.
  3. Select Properties.
  4. Under the General tab, find Keep games saves in the Steam Cloud and uncheck it.
  5. Close Steam and restart the game.
  6. Adjust your video settings and see if they now save properly.

Why this matters: Disabling Steam Cloud forces the game to save settings locally instead of syncing conflicting files from the cloud.

Step 4: Verify Integrity of Game Files via Steam

Corrupted or missing game files can cause unexpected behavior, including settings issues.

  1. Open Steam and navigate to your Library.
  2. Right-click Civilization V and select Properties.
  3. Go to Local Files tab.
  4. Click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
  5. Wait for Steam to check and repair files as needed.
  6. Restart the game and test video settings.

Why this matters: Fixing corrupted files can restore proper saving behavior.

Step 5: Manually Edit Graphics Settings File (Advanced)

If the game still does not save settings, you can manually edit the settings file.

  1. Navigate to DocumentsMy GamesSid Meier's Civilization 5.
  2. Open GraphicsSettingsDX11.ini with Notepad or any text editor.
  3. Locate the settings such as ResolutionWidth, ResolutionHeight, and FullScreen.
  4. Modify the values to your desired resolution and fullscreen/window mode.
  5. Save the file and make it read-only to prevent overwrites by the game.
  6. Launch the game to check if the changes apply correctly.

Note: Setting the file to read-only stops the game from changing it automatically, so only do this if you do not plan to adjust settings frequently.

FAQs

Why do my Civ 5 video settings reset every time I launch the game?

This usually happens because the game lacks permission to save changes, the configuration files are read-only, or Steam Cloud sync is overwriting local settings.

Can antivirus software cause Civ 5 settings not to save?

Yes. Some antivirus programs block write access to game files. Temporarily disabling your antivirus or adding exceptions can resolve this.

Does running Civ 5 in compatibility mode help?

In some cases, setting compatibility mode to Windows 10 or 7 helps if Windows 11 is causing permission or compatibility issues.

Where does Civ 5 save its video settings?

Settings are saved in DocumentsMy GamesSid Meier's Civilization 5GraphicsSettingsDX11.ini or a similar .ini file.

Will disabling Steam Cloud affect my saved games?

Disabling Steam Cloud disables syncing for saves and settings. Your data will be saved locally, so back up your save files if needed.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and Civ 5 still does not save video settings, consider these final options:

  • Reinstall the game: A clean installation can fix deeply rooted issues.
  • Contact Firaxis or 2K Support: Visit the official support page for Civilization V for personalized help: https://support.2k.com
  • Check community forums: Steam Community and Reddit often have user-shared fixes for similar problems.
  • Reset Windows permissions: Sometimes a system-level permission issue can block file writes. Running system file checks (sfc /scannow) or resetting user permissions might help.

Conclusion

Dealing with Civ 5 video settings not saving on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but the solutions are usually simple. Starting with running the game as administrator and checking file permissions often resolves the issue.

Disabling Steam Cloud sync and verifying game files add extra layers of troubleshooting if initial steps don’t work. For advanced users, manually editing the configuration file offers a workaround.

Remember to keep your game and system updated, and always back up important files before making changes. With these steps, you should be able to enjoy Civilization V with your preferred video settings saved consistently.

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