Try the new Overwolf Troubleshooter now!


Windows OS Updates ▾

Overwolf may fail to launch or crash if your Windows installation is out of date. We highly recommend installing all available Windows updates many system components required by Overwolf (such as the .NET Framework) depend on them.
To check for available Windows updates click here.


If updates are available, install them, restart your PC, and try launching Overwolf again.

If Overwolf still won’t start, please try the solutions below.


"Failed to start application" ▾



First, try reinstalling Overwolf (Make sure to backup any app data such as recordings first! If you're unsure on how to back up the app data please reach out to the app developers Here.) 

  1. Uninstall Overwolf using the steps Here.

  2. Reinstall Overwolf to the default directory:
    C:\Program Files (x86)\Overwolf\


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This issue may also be caused by a missing Windows component: Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (Read more about it here).
Download it from Here and install it, restart your system, and try launching Overwolf again.

If this does not help, proceed to the System File Checker section below.

System File Checker ▾

Running a system file check can repair faulty Windows files required for Overwolf to run.

Run the System File Checker

  1. Open CMD as Administrator.


  2. Enter the following command and press Enter:

    sfc /scannow

  3. Wait for the process to finish — this may take a while.

  4. Check if Overwolf works.

If not, run the following commands in order:

sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /restoreHealth
sfc /scannow

If the issue persists, open:
C:\Windows\Logs\CBS
Send us the CBS.log file along with your Overwolf logs so our team can investigate further. You can contact the Support team Here.

Antivirus Software ▾


If Overwolf is stuck on "Preparing for first launch..." or you get the error “Failed to start application” the issue may be caused by an antivirus blocking Overwolf. 
 

Even though Overwolf is completely safe, some antivirus programs may incorrectly block it. If you use any antivirus software besides Windows Defender (for example, 360 Total Security) temporarily disable it and run the Overwolf Troubleshooter.


If Overwolf launches successfully afterward, please let us know the name of the antivirus so we can follow up with them.


If you don’t have an antivirus or the steps above didn’t help, try this:

  1. Download chrome_elf.dll.

  2. Place it inside your Overwolf version folder:
    C:\Program Files (x86)\Overwolf\*version*

  3. Launch Overwolf again.


If Overwolf doesn’t launch (no dock, no Appstore window, etc.) try this:

  1. Press Windows Key + R.

  2. Type regedit and click Yes.

  3. Navigate to:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE → SOFTWARE → Microsoft → Windows NT → CurrentVersion → Image File Execution Options

  4. On the left panel, look for folders named:

    • overwolf.exe

    • overwolflauncher.exe

  5. If they exist, right-click and Delete them.

  6. Try launching Overwolf again.


We've also seen this issue being caused by an antivirus program called SAntivirus / Segurazo. Disabling it often resolves the problem. More information is available Here.

.NET Framework ▾

Overwolf relies on .NET Framework 4.8 (and later versions). If the installation is corrupt or incomplete, Overwolf may fail to run.

To reinstall .NET Framework 4.8:

  1. Press Windows Key + R.

  2. Type: appwiz.cpl

  3. Click Turn Windows features on or off.

  4. Find .NET Framework 4.8 and uncheck it.

  5. Click OK and wait for changes to apply.

  6. Restart your PC.

  7. Repeat steps 1–4 and re-check the .NET Framework 4.8 box.

  8. Restart again and try launching Overwolf.


machine.config file ▾

Corrupted machine.config files may also prevent Overwolf from running.

To fix them:

  1. Go to:
    C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\Config\

  2. Find machine.config and delete it.

  3. Locate machine.config.default.

  4. Create a backup copy.

  5. Rename the original machine.config.default → machine.config.

  6. Repeat steps 2–5 for:
    C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\Config\

  7. Relaunch Overwolf.

"Could not find essential Overwolf files..." ▾

If you encounter this error:

  1. Open:
    C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Overwolf\0.xxx.x.xx
    Check if OverwolfHelper.exe and OverwolfHelper64.exe are present.

    If missing, reinstall Overwolf using our installer.

  2. Open:
    C:\Program Files (x86)\Overwolf
    Ensure:

    • Overwolf.exe exists

    • It is not set to “Run as administrator”

  3. If the file is missing or quarantined, check your antivirus software and reinstall Overwolf.

Overwolf Setup Installer ▾

If the above-mentioned solutions did not help you overcome the issue, please try to run the setup installer. It comes in a zipped file, so you will first need to extract it by using any program like WinZip, WinRAR or 7-Zip.

Issue not resolved? Try running the Overwolf Troubleshooter!

If the problem persists:

  1. Click Create Logs Zip.

  2. Click Contact Support to open a ticket and attach your logs.

We’ll investigate further and help you get Overwolf running again.