How to Fix Horizon Forbidden West Won’t Preload Issue on Windows 11

Horizon Forbidden West is an exciting game that many players are eager to preload on their Windows 11 PCs. However, some users have reported issues where the game refuses to preload, causing frustration and delays. This guide will help you understand and fix the preload problem step-by-step.

Preloading allows you to download the game files ahead of the official release, so you can start playing immediately. When this feature doesn’t work, it can be due to several reasons related to your system or game platform settings.

Below, you’ll find simple and clear instructions to resolve the preload issue. These steps are arranged from easy fixes to more technical solutions.

By following these instructions carefully, you should be able to preload Horizon Forbidden West smoothly on your Windows 11 device.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Stable Internet Connection: Ensure you have a reliable internet connection. Preloading requires steady bandwidth to download large files.
Enough Disk Space: Verify that your PC has enough free storage for the game download. Lack of space can halt preloading.
Game Platform Account: Confirm you are logged into the correct account (Steam, Epic Games Store, or PlayStation PC app) where the game is purchased.
Windows Updates: Check that your Windows 11 is up to date. System updates can fix underlying compatibility issues.

Step 1: Check the Game Platform Status

The first and simplest step is to check if the game platform itself (Steam, Epic Games Store, or PlayStation PC app) is experiencing issues:

Visit the official status page of the platform (for example, Steam Status).
Look for any ongoing maintenance or server problems affecting downloads and preloads.
If issues are reported, wait until they are resolved before attempting to preload again.

This step is important because sometimes the problem is not on your PC but with the game servers.

Step 2: Restart Your PC and Relaunch the Platform

Sometimes, simple system glitches can prevent preloading:

Close the game platform application completely.
Restart your Windows 11 PC to clear temporary system files and refresh network connections.
After reboot, open the platform and try to preload Horizon Forbidden West again.

Restarting helps because it clears potential software conflicts and resets your network connections.

Step 3: Verify Game Preload Settings

Each platform has settings related to preloading. Confirm that preload is enabled:

For Steam:

Open Steam and go to Library.
Locate Horizon Forbidden West, right-click it, and select Properties.
Go to the Updates tab and check that Allow downloads during gameplay is enabled.
Also, check if there is a Preload button or option and ensure it is active.

For Epic Games Store:

Open the Epic Games Launcher.
Go to Library and find Horizon Forbidden West.
Check if there is an option to preload the game.
If preload is available but not starting, try toggling the pause and resume download buttons.

These steps make sure that preload is not disabled or paused on your end.

Step 4: Clear Platform Download Cache

Corrupted cache files can block the preload process. Clearing the cache can help:

Steam Cache Clearing:

Open Steam and click on Steam in the top-left corner.
Select Settings > Downloads.
Click the button labeled Clear Download Cache.
Confirm and log in again when prompted.

Epic Games Cache Clearing:

Close the Epic Games Launcher.
Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
Type %localappdata% and press Enter.
Find the folder named EpicGamesLauncher and delete the Saved folder inside it.
Restart the launcher and try preloading again.

Clearing the cache removes temporary files that might be causing download conflicts.

Step 5: Disable VPN and Proxy Connections

VPNs or proxy servers can interfere with the game platform’s connection to the preload servers:

Temporarily turn off any VPN or proxy services on your PC.
Restart the game platform.
Try to start the preload again.

Disabling these ensures your connection is direct and less likely to be blocked or slowed down.

Step 6: Run the Platform as Administrator

Sometimes permission issues prevent the platform from writing files:

Right-click the game platform shortcut (Steam, Epic, or PlayStation PC app).
Select Run as administrator.
Log in again and try preloading the game.

Running as administrator gives the platform elevated permissions to manage files and network operations.

Step 7: Check Windows Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Security software can block downloads unknowingly:

Open Windows Security > Firewall & network protection.
Click on Allow an app through firewall.
Make sure your game platform is allowed for both private and public networks.
If you use third-party antivirus software, check its settings to whitelist the platform.

Allowing the platform through firewall and antivirus prevents it from being blocked during preload.

Step 8: Change Download Region

The download server you connect to might be overloaded:

In Steam, go to Settings > Downloads.
Under Download Region, select a different, nearby region.
Restart the client and try preloading again.

This can improve download speed and fix preload stalls caused by busy servers.

Alternative Method: Use Command-Line to Clear Platform Data

If clearing cache via UI didn’t work, you can manually reset platform data using command-line instructions:

For Steam:
1. Close Steam.
2. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
3. Run: "steam://flushconfig"
4. Restart Steam and log in again.

This resets Steam’s download settings and can fix deeper preload issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Horizon Forbidden West not showing the preload option?

The preload option may appear only during a specific time frame before the game’s release. If it’s not visible, check the official release and preload dates or platform announcements.

Can a slow internet connection cause preload failures?

Yes, slow or unstable internet can interrupt downloads, causing preloads to fail or pause indefinitely.

Will disabling antivirus permanently affect my PC’s security?

No, disabling antivirus temporarily during preload is safe if you re-enable it afterward. Alternatively, whitelist the game platform in your antivirus settings.

Is it necessary to have the latest Windows 11 update to preload games?

While not always mandatory, having the latest updates ensures better system compatibility and fewer bugs with game platforms.

Can I preload Horizon Forbidden West on any Windows 11 PC?

Yes, but your PC must meet the game’s minimum system requirements and have the proper platform client installed.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still cannot preload Horizon Forbidden West, consider these final options:

Contact Platform Support: Reach out to Steam, Epic Games, or PlayStation PC support for personalized help.
Official Game Forums: Visit the official Horizon Forbidden West forums or Reddit communities to see if others have similar issues and solutions.
Reinstall Platform: As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall the game platform client to fix corrupt installations.
Check System Logs: Use Windows Event Viewer to check for errors related to network or disk that might affect preloading.

These resources can provide expert guidance or uncover rare problems affecting your preload.

Conclusion

Preloading Horizon Forbidden West on Windows 11 should be straightforward with the right setup. By verifying your internet connection, checking platform status, clearing cache, and adjusting settings, most preload issues can be fixed quickly.

Start with the simplest solutions like restarting your PC and verifying preload settings, then progress to more technical fixes if needed. Remember to keep your system updated and security software properly configured to avoid interference.

With patience and these detailed steps, you’ll be ready to jump into Horizon Forbidden West as soon as it launches, enjoying a seamless gaming experience.