The short answer
Arrowhead lists workarounds involving launch permissions and compatibility, GameGuard reinstallation, utility conflicts, security software and unused drives. Review the steps and their cautions below. Error 114 alone is not a reason to weaken security or disconnect internal hardware.
Key facts
- Open the game folder
- Steam: right-click the game → Manage → Browse local files
- Game executable
- “helldivers2” in the bin folder
- Reinstall GameGuard
- Run “gguninst”, then “GGSetup”, from the tools folder as administrator
- On Windows 11
- Also turn on compatibility mode for Windows 8 (official)
Find your symptom
Start with your symptom. Skip steps that do not apply to your setup.
| What you see | What to check | Go to |
|---|---|---|
| Error 114 every time | Permissions or compatibility | Step 1 |
| Error 114 even as administrator | Damaged GameGuard installation | Step 2 |
| Only happens while certain apps are open | A utility or security software interferes | Step 3 |
Fixes, in order
Continue this issue
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Step 1|Run helldivers2 as administrator (plus compatibility mode on Windows 11)
This is the first workaround on Arrowhead’s list.
Time: About 3 min
- In your Steam Library, right-click HELLDIVERS 2 → Manage → Browse local files.
- Open the “bin” folder, right-click “helldivers2” → Properties → Compatibility tab.
- Tick “Run this program as an administrator”.
- On Windows 11, also tick “Run this program in compatibility mode for” and choose Windows 8.
- Click OK and start the game from Steam.
If this causes other problems, untick the boxes to undo it.
Step 2|Uninstall and reinstall GameGuard
Use the GameGuard tools that come with the game.
Time: About 5 min
- Open the game folder as in step 1.
- In the “tools” folder, right-click “gguninst” → Run as administrator.
- When it finishes, right-click “GGSetup” in the same folder → Run as administrator.
- Restart the PC and start the game.
Step 3|Close utility programs and review security alerts
Arrowhead notes that error 114 can be triggered by programs that are not cheats.
Time: About 10 min
- Close overlays, macro tools, RGB lighting software and monitoring tools one at a time, and check whether the game starts.
- If security software reports a detection involving an official GameGuard or HELLDIVERS 2 file, record the threat name and file path, then ask the security provider or Arrowhead before changing exclusions. Do not allowlist unknown files, modified files or whole folders automatically.
- Arrowhead also mentions old hard drives as a possible factor. Do not disconnect internal hardware while the PC is running. If you are unsure which drive is involved or whether it contains needed data, ask the PC manufacturer or a technician before making a hardware change.
If you find the program that causes it, Arrowhead asks players to report its name.
Avoid
- Keep security protection enabled. Review any relevant detection with the security provider or game support before considering an exclusion.
- Do not use modification or cheat tools; the anti-cheat will react to them.
Important cautions
- If none of these steps help, contact Arrowhead support.
FAQ
Should I add an exception in Microsoft Defender?
Not automatically. Arrowhead discusses exceptions for GameGuard and HELLDIVERS 2, including in Microsoft Defender. First confirm whether a detection refers to an official game file and ask the security provider or Arrowhead for guidance. Do not exclude an unknown file or disable protection.
Will reinstalling GameGuard delete my progress?
Reinstalling GameGuard only reinstalls the anti-cheat inside the game folder. Arrowhead’s steps do not include deleting any save data.
Sources
We checked these official pages and wrote the steps in our own words. Follow the publisher’s page if it has changed.
Microsoft: Virus and threat protection (exclusion risks)Arrowhead Support: I receive Error 114 when attempting to launch HELLDIVERS 2Steam store: HELLDIVERS 2HELLDIVERS 2Japanese version of this page