How to Run Pre-installed Games
Step-by-step instructions to extract, configure, and play games without error codes.
Step 1: Extract the Game Archives
Do not double-click the files inside the zip directly, and do not use the native Windows extraction utility (it often breaks links, skips files, or fails on long pathnames).
Step 2: Add Exclusion to Antivirus Shield
Antivirus software (especially Windows Defender) will frequently scan the extracted folders and delete the game's licensing files (cracks, steam emulators, steam_api64.dll), resulting in startup crashes or redirecting you to Steam.
1. Open **Windows Security settings** → **Virus & threat protection** → **Manage settings**.
2. Scroll to **Exclusions** and click **Add or remove exclusions**.
3. Select **Add an exclusion → Folder** and pick your extracted game folder.
Note: If a crack file was already quarantined, restore it from protection history.
Step 3: Run the Game as Administrator
Many games require write permissions to their folder directory to create save games, edit config files, or load settings. Running them without administrator permissions causes silent crashes or load screen loops.
1. Right-click the game's main executable (.exe file).
2. Choose "Run as Administrator".
3. To set this permanently: Right-click → **Properties** → **Compatibility tab** → check **"Run this program as an administrator"** → click Apply.
Step 4: Install Required Runtimes (Fix DLL Errors)
If you experience errors stating `MSVCP.dll`, `VCRUNTIME.dll`, or `D3DCompiler.dll` is missing, your system lacks the software runtimes games rely on.
1. Microsoft Visual C++ Runtimes (All-in-One)
Downloads all Microsoft C++ packages (2005 through 2022) in one package.
Download TechPowerUp Bundle →2. DirectX End-User Runtimes
Installs missing legacy DirectX files required for graphics processors.
Download from Microsoft Store →