How to Fix Helldivers2.exe Application Error

In 2024, Arrowhead Game Studios and Sony Interactive Entertainment released Helldivers 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular online co-op third-person shooter. The game is set in a hostile galaxy where players engage in fast-paced, frantic, and ferocious combat for freedom. Despite its much-anticipated release, some players have reported encountering a frustrating issue with the PC version of the game: the “Helldivers2.exe – Application Error” when trying to launch the game.

This error has been reported by several members of the gaming community on platforms like Steam, and it is preventing players from accessing the game. It’s not uncommon for games to experience technical issues, even highly anticipated ones like Helldivers 2. The “Helldivers2.exe – Application Error” seems to be related to a problem with the game’s executable application file, causing significant inconvenience for players eager to dive into the gameplay experience.

1. Restart the PC

You’ll need to manually reboot your computer to refresh any kind of temporary system glitches or cache data issues. Make sure to follow the steps below to avoid the game running conflicts.

Open the Start menu > Click on the Power menu.
Click on Restart > Wait for the system to boot again.
Once done, run the game to check for the error.

2. Run Helldivers 2 as an Administrator

The second thing you’ll need to allow the system admin access to the Helldivers 2 executable manually on your Windows PC. Check the steps below to access the User Account Control (UAC) permission.

Head over to the installed game directory on the PC.
Right-click on the Helldivers2.exe application.
Click on Properties > Go to the Compatibility tab.

Enable the Run this program as an administrator option.
Click on Apply and select OK to save changes.
Then run the game again to check for the error.

3. Check for the Graphics Driver

We recommend you check for graphics driver updates on your computer and install the latest available version. Here we’ve provided both the recommended and manual methods so that you can go with your preferred one.

Recommended Update:

Open the Start menu > Search and open Device Manager.
Double-click on Display Adapters.
Right-click on the dedicated graphics card.

Click on Update Driver > Choose Search automatically for drivers.
If an update is available, the system will automatically download & install the latest version.
Once done, restart the computer to apply changes.

Manual Update:

In case, there is no update available, then go to the official website of the respective graphics card brand below and search manually for the latest update. Do remember that you’ll always have to search for the latest driver version and specific for the model you’re using. If a new version is available for the graphics card, download the driver and install it on your PC. You can jump to the link below to do so:

4. Update Helldivers 2

Sometimes an outdated game patch version can also cause several issues with the game application launching on the PC. It’s suggested to check for the available game updates by following the steps below.

Open the Steam client > Go to Library.
Right-click on the Helldivers 2 game.
Click on Properties > Click on Updates.
Now, go to Automatic Updates.
Choose Only update this game when I launch it.
Once done, reboot the system to apply changes.
Whenever the game update is available, it’ll be installed.

5. Verify the Integrity of Game Files

The chances are high that the corrupted or missing game files installed on the computer might cause the Helldivers2.exe application error while startup. Therefore, verifying the integrity of the game files can help in fixing multiple issues.

Open the Steam client.
Go to the Library.
Right-click on the Helldivers 2 game.
Go to Properties.
Now, click on Installed Files.
Click on Verify integrity of game files.
Wait for the process to complete.
Once done, restart the system to apply changes.

6. Install Pending Windows Updates

An outdated Windows version or pending updates can trigger multiple issues with the game launching at times. Well, installing the latest software version can help in fixing several bugs or stability issues.

Open Windows Settings by pressing the Win+I keys.
Click on Windows Update from the left side.

Click on the Check for updates button.
The available update will be downloaded and installed automatically.
Wait for the update to complete and reboot the PC.

7. Turn Off the Antivirus Protection

You’ll need to turn off the antivirus protection on your computer manually to prevent blocking issues with the game application from running. Sometimes antivirus programs can aggressively scan for the files and delete suspicious files. So, you should follow the steps below to disable the real-time protection option.

Press the Win+I keys to open Windows Settings.
Click on Update & Security.
Go to Windows Security.
Click on Open Windows Security.
Go to Virus & Threat Protection.
Next, click on Manage Settings.
Turn Off the Real-time Protection toggle.
Click on Yes to confirm if prompted by UAC.

Please Note: If you’re using a third-party antivirus program on your PC then disable the real-time protection feature temporarily and run the game.

8. Install Visual C++ Redistributable

It’s needless to say installing the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable on your PC will allow the Windows system to run specific programs properly. You should uninstall the previously installed Visual C++ Redistributable before installing a new one. Make sure to visit the Visual Studio 2012 Update 4 link and Visual Studio 2015 link respectively.

Head over to the official Microsoft website using the links.
Click on the Download button.
Select the VCRedist.exe option.
Then click on the Next button.
Now, click on the Run button.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install it.
Once done, restart your system to apply changes.

9. Run a SFC Scan

The chances are high that running the SFC scan on your PC by following the steps below which will find bad sectors on the disk drives. The System File Checker (SFC) tool is useful enough for detecting disk drive issues.

Open the Start menu > Search for cmd.
Right-click on Command Prompt from the search result.
Now, click on Run as administrator.
If prompted, click on Yes to give admin permissions.
Type the following command in the cmd window and hit Enter to execute it:

sfc /scannow

Now, wait for the process to complete it.
Once done, reboot the PC to apply changes.

10. Disable Steam Input

The Steam Input is a certain service that allows Steam client users to play any controller-supported games with the computer of their preferences. If the Steam Input option is enabled, follow the steps below to turn it off.

Open Steam > Go to your Library.
Right-click on Helldivers 2.
Select Properties > Go to Controller.
Then Disable Steam Input from the drop-down menu.
Once done, try launching the game to check for the error.

11. Reinstall Helldivers 2

If the above workarounds didn’t come in handy then make sure to uninstall and reinstall the Helldivers 2 game on your PC. You should check the steps below to do so. Any kind of game installation issues can cause multiple conflicts with the game startup.

Open Steam on your PC.
Go to Library > Right-click on Helldivers 2.
Hover to Manage > Click on Uninstall.
If prompted, click on Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete it.
Once done, restart the PC to apply changes.
Launch Steam and reinstall the Helldivers 2 game on another drive.
Wait for it to complete and then run the game again.

12. Contact the Steam Support

Last but not least, you’ll need to contact Steam Support and submit a support ticket for the same error. This will allow the game developers to investigate the problem further and you’ll be able to get further assistance on it.

Conclusion

The Helldivers2.exe Application Error can stem from a variety of causes, including corrupted game files, outdated software, or conflicts with background applications. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide—such as verifying game files, updating drivers, disabling overlays, and performing a clean boot—you can effectively resolve the issue. If the error persists, reinstalling the game or contacting the game’s support team may be necessary to get you back to your adventure in Helldivers 2.

How to Fix Helldivers2.exe Application Error