Windows can block a game from writing saves, config files, or crash dumps when the install folder sits under C:\Program Files or another protected path. Run as administrator elevates the process so those writes succeed. It also fixes some launch failures that show access-denied errors and no other message.

Elevation is a troubleshooting step, not a default for every title. It can break the Steam Overlay, store saves in a different user folder, or conflict with anti-cheat. Try it, confirm the issue is gone, and only leave it on if the game still needs it.

Set it permanently (recommended)

This is the method to use if a one-off launch already proved that admin rights fix the problem.

1
Right-click the game executable file .exe and choose Properties.
2
Open the Compatibility tab.
3
Check Run this program as an administrator.
4
Click Apply, then OK.
5
Launch from that same shortcut or .exe. Accept the User Account Control prompt if Windows shows one.

On Windows 11, if you do not see Compatibility, click Change settings for all users on that tab, then set Run this program as an administrator in the window that opens.

If a shortcut still has no Compatibility tab, it is probably an internet shortcut with a .url extension (common for desktop icons created by launchers), not a real program. A .url file only points at the launcher, so it cannot be elevated. Locate the actual game .exe in the install folder using the steps below and set administrator on that file instead.

Run as administrator once

Use this to test whether permissions are the cause before you change Compatibility settings.

1
Close the game and its launcher completely, including the system-tray icon.
2
Right-click the game .exe or desktop shortcut.
3
Choose Run as administrator.
4
Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt.

If the crash, save error, or launch failure disappears only in this session, apply the permanent Compatibility checkbox above.

How to find the game executable

Launchers often start a helper process. Set administrator on the game .exe, not on the store app, unless a section below says otherwise.

Steam

1
In Steam, right-click the game → Manage → Browse local files.
2
Find the main .exe (usually the game name, not UnityCrashHandler, EasyAntiCheat, or uninstall).
3
Right-click that .exe → Properties → Compatibility and enable Run this program as an administrator.

Do not set Steam.exe itself to run as administrator. That elevates the whole client, can break the overlay, and is harder to undo. Prefer the game executable.

Steam may still start the game without elevation. If the Compatibility flag on the game .exe does nothing, launch that .exe directly once to test. If the game requires Steam to be running, start Steam normally first, then launch the .exe as administrator.

Epic Games Launcher

1
Open the Epic Games Launcher, find the game, click the three-dot menu, and choose Manage.
2
Open the install folder from there, or look under C:\Program Files\Epic Games\.
3
Set Run this program as an administrator on the game .exe via Properties → Compatibility.

Xbox app / Microsoft Store

Store apps do not use a classic Run as administrator shortcut. If a Game Pass title cannot write saves, repair the app instead: Xbox app → My Library → game three-dot menu → Manage → Files → Verify and repair, or reset the app under Settings → Apps.

After you elevate the game

Confirm a User Account Control prompt appears. If it never does, Windows is not elevating that executable.
Create a save or change a graphics setting and quit cleanly, then check that the change persisted.
If the original crash continues, administrator was not the cause. Revert the Compatibility checkbox so you do not leave an unnecessary elevation in place.

Revert: right-click the .exe → Properties → Compatibility, clear Run this program as an administrator, then Apply.