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How to Fix Football Manager Not Launching on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Football Manager is an exciting game that many enjoy playing on their PC. However, sometimes it might fail to launch on Windows 11. This can be frustrating, especially if you are eager to start managing your team.

Luckily, most launch issues can be resolved with a few simple steps. This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow solutions to get Football Manager running again.

Whether you are a beginner or have some experience troubleshooting games, these instructions are designed to be clear and straightforward. Let’s help you get back to the game quickly.

Read on to find solutions starting from the simplest checks to more advanced fixes if needed.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, make sure of the following:

  • Your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Football Manager.
  • Windows 11 is fully updated with the latest patches installed.
  • Your graphics drivers are up to date.
  • You have a stable internet connection if you use Steam or other online platforms.

These basic checks often solve many common problems without further action.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary glitches. Restarting clears the system memory and closes background apps that might interfere with the game.

How to restart:

  1. Click the Start menu in the bottom-left corner.
  2. Select the Power icon.
  3. Choose Restart.
  4. After your PC restarts, try launching Football Manager again.

Step 2: Run Football Manager as Administrator

Running the game with administrator rights ensures it has permission to access system files and network features, which Windows might block by default.

To run as administrator:

  1. Locate the Football Manager shortcut or executable file.
  2. Right-click on it.
  3. Select Run as administrator.
  4. If a User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears, click Yes.
  5. Check if the game launches properly.

Step 3: Verify Game Files Through Steam

If you use Steam to play Football Manager, corrupted or missing game files can prevent it from launching. Steam has a built-in tool to check and fix these files.

Steps to verify game files:

  1. Open the Steam client.
  2. Go to your Library and find Football Manager.
  3. Right-click the game and select Properties.
  4. Click the Local Files tab.
  5. Select Verify Integrity of Game Files.
  6. Wait for the process to complete. Steam will download any missing or corrupted files.
  7. Try launching the game again.

Step 4: Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily

Sometimes security software blocks the game from running correctly. Temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall can help determine if this is causing the issue.

Important: Only disable security software briefly for testing. Turn it back on afterwards to keep your system protected.

How to disable Windows Defender Firewall:

  1. Press Win + S and type Windows Security.
  2. Open Windows Security and select Firewall & network protection.
  3. Click your active network profile.
  4. Toggle off Windows Defender Firewall.
  5. Try launching Football Manager.

Step 5: Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can stop games from launching. Updating drivers ensures better compatibility and performance.

How to update drivers:

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

Step 6: Run the Game in Compatibility Mode

Running Football Manager in compatibility mode helps if Windows 11 is causing compatibility issues with the game.

To enable compatibility mode:

  1. Right-click the Football Manager shortcut or executable.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  4. Check Run this program in compatibility mode for:
  5. Choose Windows 10 from the dropdown menu.
  6. Click Apply and then OK.
  7. Try launching the game.

Step 7: Reinstall Football Manager

If none of the above steps work, reinstalling the game might fix corrupted installation files.

How to reinstall:

  1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
  2. Right-click Football Manager and select Uninstall.
  3. Confirm the uninstall and wait for it to complete.
  4. Restart your PC.
  5. Reinstall Football Manager through Steam.
  6. Launch the game to see if the issue is resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Football Manager not launch after Windows 11 update?

Windows updates can sometimes cause compatibility issues or reset permissions. Running the game as administrator or using compatibility mode often fixes this.

Can I run Football Manager on Windows 11 if my PC is older?

Check the minimum system requirements. If your PC barely meets them, performance may suffer, and launch issues can occur due to hardware limitations.

Is it safe to disable antivirus to run the game?

Disabling antivirus temporarily for troubleshooting is generally safe if done briefly. Always re-enable it afterward to protect your system.

What should I do if Steam verification doesn’t fix the problem?

Try updating drivers, running in compatibility mode, or reinstalling the game. If problems persist, check Steam forums or Football Manager support.

Does running in compatibility mode affect game performance?

Usually, no significant impact occurs. Compatibility mode is designed to help older programs run smoothly on newer Windows versions.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and Football Manager still won’t launch, consider these final options:

  • Visit the official Football Manager support page for specialized help: footballmanager.com/support
  • Check Steam community forums for similar issues and solutions shared by other players.
  • Contact your PC manufacturer if you suspect hardware issues.
  • Consider performing a Windows 11 system restore to a point when the game was working.

Conclusion

Not being able to launch Football Manager on Windows 11 can be annoying, but most problems have simple fixes. Start with basic steps like restarting your PC and running the game as administrator. Verify game files through Steam and update your drivers to ensure everything is up to date. Compatibility mode and reinstalling the game are good fallback options if needed.

Following this guide step-by-step will help you troubleshoot effectively without confusion. With patience and these solutions, you should be back to managing your football team in no time.

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