With Windows 10 and 11 updates, Microsoft introduced stricter checks on applications that try to manage hardware (like your GPU and controllers). PES 2021’s settings tool is essentially a legacy DirectX 9 wrapper, and modern Windows often silently blocks it to "protect" you.
Real-time protection modules, especially Ransomware Protection in Windows Security, can block or quarantine settings.exe .
Outdated display drivers can prevent the configuration utility from detecting your current hardware specifications, causing the application to crash instantly on launch.
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Alternative Quick Step : You can add the entire game folder to your antivirus exclusion list under > Exclusions . 2. Update or Repair Microsoft .NET Framework
Go to [PES 2021 install folder]/_CommonRedist/DirectX/Jun2010/ and run DXSETUP.exe . Even if you think you have DirectX up to date, this fixed the silent crash for me.
: Windows Security or third-party antivirus software may block the tool. Add both PES2021.exe and Settings.exe to your antivirus/firewall exceptions list. Core Software Requirements With Windows 10 and 11 updates, Microsoft introduced
If your monitor uses scaling (e.g., 125% or 150%), the window may fail to render. Properties Compatibility Change high DPI settings Override high DPI scaling behavior System (Enhanced) from the dropdown menu. Resolution Mismatch If you recently changed monitors, the configuration might be corrupted. Documents\KONAMI\eFootball PES 2021 SEASON UPDATE settings.dat
Here are the most effective fixes tested by the PES community. 1. Fix Windows Defender Ransomware Protection (Most Common)
Move that file into your system's folder path: Documents\KONAMI\eFootball PES 2021 SEASON UPDATE\ . If you share with third parties, their policies apply
Download and run the runtime installer for version 4.8 or the latest recommended version.
Windows user account controls can sometimes prevent secondary executables within game directories from writing data to system folders. Open your game installation folder. Right-click on Settings.exe and select Properties . Navigate to the Compatibility tab.