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Football Manager 2018 is a popular game enjoyed by many fans around the world. However, some users have experienced issues running it on Windows 11. If you’re facing problems launching or playing Football Manager 2018 on your PC, you’re not alone.

This guide will walk you through simple and effective steps to get your game working again. No technical jargon—just clear instructions you can follow easily.

By the end of this article, you will know how to troubleshoot and fix common issues preventing Football Manager 2018 from working properly on Windows 11.

Let’s get started and have you back managing your favorite teams in no time.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

Before diving into fixes, it’s important to confirm a few things that can save you time:

• Check your system requirements: Ensure your PC meets the minimum specs for Football Manager 2018 and Windows 11 compatibility.
• Update Windows 11: Running the latest Windows updates can resolve many compatibility problems.
• Verify game installation: Make sure the game files are fully installed and not corrupted, especially if using Steam.
• Close other programs: Sometimes, background applications can interfere with the game’s launch.

Step 1: Run the Game as Administrator

Running Football Manager 2018 with administrative privileges can solve permission-related issues that block the game from starting.

1. Right-click on the Football Manager 2018 shortcut or executable file.
2. Select Properties from the context menu.
3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
4. Check the box labeled Run this program as an administrator.
5. Click Apply, then OK.
6. Try launching the game again.

This step ensures the game has full access to system resources, which is often needed for older games on newer operating systems.

Step 2: Use Compatibility Mode

Windows 11 might not fully support older games by default. Using compatibility mode helps by simulating an earlier version of Windows.

1. Right-click the game’s executable file and select Properties.
2. Open the Compatibility tab.
3. Check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for:
4. From the dropdown menu, select Windows 7 or Windows 8.
5. Click Apply and then OK.
6. Launch the game to see if it works.

This method often fixes issues caused by Windows 11’s newer architecture conflicting with older software.

Step 3: Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can cause crashes or prevent games from starting. Updating your GPU drivers is crucial.

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display adapters section.
3. Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
5. Follow prompts to install any updates found.
6. Restart your computer and try running Football Manager 2018 again.

Alternatively, visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) to download the latest drivers manually.

Step 4: Verify Game Files Integrity (For Steam Users)

If you purchased Football Manager 2018 through Steam, corrupted or missing game files can cause issues. Verifying the game files ensures everything is intact.

1. Open the Steam client and go to your Library.
2. Right-click Football Manager 2018 and select Properties.
3. Go to the Local Files tab.
4. Click Verify integrity of game files.
5. Wait while Steam checks and repairs any problematic files.
6. Once done, try launching the game.

This process can fix crashes caused by corrupted files without needing a full reinstall.

Step 5: Disable Fullscreen Optimizations

Windows’ fullscreen optimizations sometimes interfere with older games, causing crashes or black screens.

1. Right-click on the Football Manager 2018 executable and select Properties.
2. Navigate to the Compatibility tab.
3. Check the box Disable fullscreen optimizations.
4. Click Apply and then OK.
5. Launch the game again.

This disables Windows features that could conflict with the game’s display settings.

Step 6: Temporarily Disable Antivirus and Firewall

Sometimes, antivirus software or Windows Firewall blocks the game from running properly. Temporarily disabling them can help identify if they are the cause.

• Open your antivirus program and disable real-time protection temporarily.
• To disable Windows Firewall: Start > Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Firewall & Network Protection. Select your active network and turn off the firewall.
• Try launching Football Manager 2018.
• If it works, add the game folder as an exception in your antivirus and firewall settings.
• Remember to re-enable protection after testing.

Always be careful when disabling security software and only do so temporarily.

Step 7: Reinstall the Game

If none of the above solutions work, reinstalling Football Manager 2018 might be necessary. This can fix any corrupted installation files or misconfigurations.

1. Uninstall Football Manager 2018 from Settings > Apps > Installed apps or via Steam.
2. Restart your PC.
3. Reinstall the game either from your physical media or Steam.
4. Launch the game and check if the problem is resolved.

A fresh installation often cleans up hidden issues affecting the game’s operation.

FAQs

Why won’t Football Manager 2018 launch on Windows 11?

Compatibility issues, outdated drivers, or corrupted game files are common reasons. Following the steps above usually resolves these problems.

Can I play Football Manager 2018 on Windows 11 without issues?

Yes, but you may need to adjust compatibility settings or update system components to ensure smooth gameplay.

Is it safe to disable antivirus or firewall to run the game?

Disabling security features briefly for troubleshooting is generally safe, but always re-enable them afterward to protect your PC.

Will updating Windows 11 fix game problems?

Often, yes. Microsoft regularly releases updates that improve compatibility and fix bugs affecting games.

Where can I get official support if the game still doesn’t work?

You can visit the official Football Manager forums or the Steam support page for help from the community and developers.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and Football Manager 2018 still does not work on your Windows 11 PC, consider the following options:

• Contact official support: Use the Sports Interactive support site or Steam support for technical assistance.
• Check community forums: Other users may have posted solutions specific to your issue.
• Consider running the game on a virtual machine or dual boot with Windows 10: This can help if the problem is strictly Windows 11 compatibility.
• Wait for patches or updates: Developers sometimes release fixes for compatibility issues over time.

Conclusion

Fixing Football Manager 2018 on Windows 11 is often straightforward when following a step-by-step troubleshooting process. Starting with simple checks like running as administrator and using compatibility mode can quickly solve common issues.

Updating your graphics drivers and verifying game files ensure the software environment is stable. Disabling fullscreen optimizations and temporarily turning off antivirus can address more stubborn conflicts.

If necessary, a clean reinstall provides a fresh start. And if all else fails, official support and community resources are valuable for further help.

By following this guide, you’ll improve your chances of enjoying Football Manager 2018 smoothly on your Windows 11 system.