Helldivers 2 GameGuard Error 114 Fix (and 0x44415441)

To fix Helldivers 2 Error 114, run helldivers2.exe as administrator (on Windows 11 also in Windows 8 compatibility mode), reinstall GameGuard with gguninst and GGSetup from the game’s tools folder, and add antivirus and firewall exceptions for nProtect GameGuard and Helldivers 2. Error 114 comes from nProtect GameGuard, the anti-cheat Helldivers 2 uses on PC, and it blocks the game from launching when GameGuard can’t start cleanly. Every step below is from Arrowhead’s own support articles, in the order worth trying.

Error 114 is GameGuard failing to load, not a ban. The fixes are permissions, a clean reinstall and exceptions.

Which Helldivers 2 error do you have?

Error	What it means	First fix
Error 114	GameGuard failed to start	Admin + compatibility mode
0x44415441	Out-of-date files the game can’t load, usually old mods	Purge mods and delete the data folder
A few files fail to validate in Steam	Normal: authentication files rebuilt on every launch	Only act if 10+ files fail

Arrowhead says Error 114 “can trigger for various reasons”, so there isn’t one fix for everyone. The five steps below are the workarounds Arrowhead lists as confirmed to work for most players.

1. Run Helldivers 2 as administrator and in compatibility mode

GameGuard needs administrator rights to load. Set them on the game executable itself:

1. In Steam, right-click HELLDIVERS 2 → Manage → Browse Local Files.
2. Open the bin folder, right-click helldivers2 and choose Properties → Compatibility.
3. Tick Run this program as an administrator.
4. On Windows 11, also tick Run this program in compatibility mode for and select Windows 8.
5. Click Apply, then launch the game from Steam as usual.

2. Uninstall and reinstall GameGuard

A damaged GameGuard install is a common cause of Error 114, and Helldivers 2 ships its own uninstaller and installer:

1. In Steam, right-click HELLDIVERS 2 → Manage → Browse Local Files.
2. Open the tools folder.
3. Right-click gguninst → Run as administrator and let it finish removing GameGuard.
4. Right-click GGSetup → Run as administrator to install GameGuard again.
5. Launch the game.

Use the files in the game folder only. Third-party “anti-cheat repair tool” downloads aren’t needed and are a common malware lure; see anti-cheat repair tools explained.

3. Add antivirus and firewall exceptions (Windows Defender too)

Arrowhead’s advice is to disable your firewall or antivirus, or add an exception for nProtect GameGuard and HELLDIVERS 2. It notes this applies to Microsoft’s built-in Windows Defender as well, not just third-party antivirus. An exception is the better option because it keeps you protected.

For Windows Defender:

1. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings.
2. Under Exclusions, choose Add or remove exclusions → Add an exclusion → Folder.
3. Add the Helldivers 2 install folder (the one Browse Local Files opens), which contains the game and its GameGuard files.

If you use a third-party antivirus or firewall, add the same folder to its exclusion or allow list.

4. Close utility programs

Arrowhead says Error 114 can trigger on programs that have nothing to do with cheating. Close utilities one at a time until the game launches: RGB and fan control apps, hardware monitors and overlays, macro software, and system tweakers are the usual suspects. Once you find the program that causes it, Arrowhead asks players to report its name to support.

5. Disconnect older hard drives

In a few rare cases, Arrowhead says, older hard disk drives connected to the PC have made GameGuard’s registry setup hang. If nothing above worked and you have an old HDD connected, shut down, disconnect it, and try launching again.

Fix error 0x44415441 (out-of-date files and mods)

Error 0x44415441 means Helldivers 2 found out-of-date files it can’t load, and Arrowhead says mods incompatible with a new update are the main cause. It typically appears right after a patch.

1. Uninstall your mods and run your mod manager’s purge mods option.
2. In Steam, right-click HELLDIVERS 2 → Manage → Browse Local Files and delete the data folder.
3. Right-click the game → Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity of game files to download clean files.

If you have never installed mods and still get 0x44415441, Arrowhead asks you to submit a support ticket.

A few files always fail to validate: that’s normal

When you verify Helldivers 2 in Steam, a few files always fail. Arrowhead says these are authentication files generated and sent to its backend every time you launch, so it’s expected and not the cause of Error 114.

Only if 10 or more files keep failing does Arrowhead suggest more:

• Update your graphics drivers.
• Reinstall the game.
• Delete the contents of the Helldivers 2 AppData folder. Press Windows + R, type %appdata% and open the Helldivers 2 folder. This resets all your in-game settings.

If the game launches but crashes later

GameGuard errors stop the game at launch. If Helldivers 2 starts and then stutters or closes mid-mission, that’s a different problem. Start with the Helldivers 2 stuttering fix and best Helldivers 2 settings for FPS. If you have a crash log showing 0xc0000005, see the 0xc0000005 access violation fix.

Related guides

• Helldivers 2 Stuttering Fix
• Best Helldivers 2 Settings for FPS
• Anti-cheat repair tools explained
• EAC vs BattlEye vs Vanguard vs Ricochet vs VAC compared
• Is kernel-level anti-cheat safe?

Summary

Helldivers 2 Error 114 is GameGuard failing to start, and it usually comes down to permissions, a damaged GameGuard install, or security software blocking it. Run the game as administrator (Windows 8 compatibility on Windows 11), reinstall GameGuard from the tools folder, and add exceptions for GameGuard and Helldivers 2 in your antivirus, Windows Defender included. Error 0x44415441 is a separate problem: purge outdated mods, delete the data folder and verify files.