Today we will explain How to fix Lost Ark not launching error. Published for free, Lost Ark is an RPG game where you can explore new lands, define your character’s fighting style, and customize your weapons and gear.
Some players are facing Lost Ark not launching error. So how to fix Lost Ark not launching error? A software or game may be unable to launch because it cannot access specific files due to a lack of administrative rights. You should run Lost Ark as an administrator as instructed below to prevent permission problems like this.
There’s a big hype, only 24 hours after its release Lost Ark has become the second most played in Steam history. If you want to play this trending MMORPG you can check system requirements here. Plus, if you want to know which classes are the best in the game right now, we’ve got you covered. You can download the game here. If you don’t have a Windows 11 PC, it is possible to play Lost Ark on Mac.
How to fix Lost Ark not launching error?
- Navigate to the installation folder for Lost Ark, which is located at C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteamapps\common\Lost Ark\Binaries\Win64. Launch the Steam client, right-click the game, and choose Properties > Local Files > Browse Local Files if it isn’t already there.
- LOSTARK.exe should be right-clicked, then Properties should be selected.
- The Compatibility tab should be chosen. Tick the boxes for Run this software as an administrator and Disable full-screen optimizations.
- Click “OK”.
- Try starting the game.
If this method doesn’t work, try updating your video card or turning it off if you’re using Firewall. Another method is to verify the integrity of the game’s files on Steam. If you don’t know how, try the following steps:

- Open the Library tab on the Steam client.
- Right-click Lost Ark in the game list and choose Properties.
- Verify the integrity of the game files by selecting the Local Files tab.
The procedure can take a few minutes to finish. Restart the game thereafter to check for problems. If the problem persists, try selecting DX9 as well. How Does?
- Open Steam, then select the Library tab.
- From the game list, right-click Lost Ark and choose Properties.
- Type -force-d3d9 under Launch Options, then shut the window.
- Restart Lost Ark and Steam now.
Bonus methods: How to fix Lost Ark not launching error?
If the method we explained above did not work, maybe you might have some other problems on your PC. Check out every step and try these solutions to fix Lost Ark not launching error.

Allow your game through Windows Firewall
Lost Ark won’t launch correctly if your computer can’t connect to the Internet. You need manually enable the game to go over the firewall to ensure uninterrupted play. Follow these steps:
- In the Windows search box, enter “windows firewall,” and then choose Windows Defender Firewall from the list of results.
- In the left pane, choose Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
- Select Modify settings.
- To find the Lost Ark, scroll down. To save the settings, tick the boxes next to the Domain, Private, and Public tabs.
- Click Allow another app if you can’t locate the game on the list.
- Click Browse, find the LostArk.exe file in the Lost Ark installation folder, and then click Open. Next, choose Add.
- Verify that Domain, Private, and Public access is permitted for the game, then click OK to finalize the changes.
Check to see whether you can now begin the game. If not, try the following strategy.

Verify game files
One of the most frequent causes of a game’s smooth operation ceasing is a missing or damaged game file. Try to check the game files’ integrity to determine if it applies to Lost Ark.
- Open the Library tab on the Steam client.
- Right-click Lost Ark in the game list and choose Properties.
- Verify the integrity of the game files by selecting the Local Files tab.
The procedure can take a few minutes to finish. Restart the game thereafter to check for problems. Continue with the subsequent solutions if the issue doesn’t go away.

Update your GPU driver
Driver-related problems frequently affect games. Lost Ark might not start properly if your graphics driver is damaged or out-of-date. You should constantly upgrade your graphics drivers for the optimum in-game performance.
Major graphics card producers frequently release updated drivers for the newest games. You may go to AMD’s or NVIDIA’s official websites, find the driver that matches your operating system, download it, and then manually install it.
You may update your graphics drivers automatically with Driver Easy if you lack the time, patience, or technical knowledge to do it manually. Driver Easy will automatically detect your system, locate the proper drivers for your specific GPU and Windows version, and download and correctly install them:
- Download and set up Driver Easy first.
- Launch Driver Easy and select Scan Now. After that, Driver Easy will scan your computer to find any problematic drivers.
- To automatically download and install all of the out-of-date or missing drivers on your system, click Update All (this needs the Pro edition; you’ll be requested to upgrade when you click Update All).
- The required drivers are also available for free, but you will have to manually install them after downloading each one separately.
Your gaming experience should be substantially enhanced with a driver upgrade. But if it doesn’t work, go on to the next suggestion.

Run Lost Ark as an administrator
A software or game may be unable to run because it cannot access specific files due to a lack of administrative privileges. You should run Lost Ark as an administrator as instructed below to prevent permission problems like this.
- Go to the Lost Ark installation folder, which you can find at C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Lost Ark\Binaries\Win64. If it’s not there, launch your Steam client, right-click the game, select Properties > Local Files > Browse local files.
- Right-click the LOSTARK.exe file and click Properties.
- The Compatibility tab should be chosen. Tick the boxes for Run this software as an administrator and Disable full-screen optimizations.
- Click OK.
To see how things work, try starting the game. Still no success? Look at the following approach.

Turn off unnecessary programs
Too many background processes can consume system resources (CPU and bandwidth), which will prevent the launch or operation of your Lost Ark. Simply close all unneeded apps besides Steam and the game launcher to fix this.
- To launch the Run command, simultaneously press the Windows logo key and R on your keyboard. Then hit Enter after typing taskmgr.
- Select the program and click End taskuntil you close all the unneeded applications.
Check the game after a restart. Try the next method if it is still unable to pass the loading screen.

Switch to DX9
When playing Lost Ark on DX11, several gamers reported crashes or stuttering as performance difficulties. Launching the game on DX9 could help you if you’re experiencing the same issue.
- Launch Steam and go to the Library
- Open Steam, then select the Library tab.
- From the game list, right-click Lost Ark and choose Properties.
- Type -force-d3d9 under Launch Options, then shut the window.