Some players report that they can’t play Borderlands 4 or change in-game options because of a B4 settings failed error. For example, a player said this about that error: “I just downloaded Borderlands 4 and attempted to play. I can’t even get to the main menu. I keep getting an error saying ‘your settings have failed to save.'” This is how you can fix the Borderlands 4 settings failed to save error on Windows PCs.
Set Borderlands 4 to Run With Admin Permissions
First, try setting Borderlands 4 to run with administrator rights. Doing this will ensure that the game has full permissions for access to folders and files. You can configure Borderlands 4 to run with elevated rights like this:
- Open the installation folder for Borderlands 4 in File Explorer. If you’ve installed that game with Steam, the default path will be Program Files (x86) > Steam > steampps > common > Borderlands 4.
- Next, open the OakGame > Binaries > Win64 subfolders within the game’s installation directory.
- Click the Borderlands4.exe file with your right mouse button to select a Properties option.
- Select Compatibility within the tab bar.
- Next, select Run this program as an administrator to enable that setting.
The Run this program as an administrator
- Press Apply to save the options as configured.
- Click OK to exit the Borderlands4 Properties window.
Turn Off Controlled Folder Access
Controlled folder access is a feature that can block games from making changes to folders and files. Thus, this can cause the Borderlands 4 settings failed to save error by blocking the game from accessing required configuration files. So, try turning off Controlled folder access like this:
- Double-click the shield icon for Windows Security in the system tray.
- Click Virus & threat protection > Manage ransomware protection in Windows Security.
- Turn off the Controlled folder access setting.
The Controlled folder access option
Add Borderlands 4 to the Allowed List for Windows Defender Firewall
2K Support recommends players add B4 to the allowed list for Windows Defender Firewall to fix the Borderlands 4 settings failed to save error. Doing that will ensure the firewall doesn’t block Borderlands 4 from writing data through it. This page on Microsoft’s site explains how users can add apps to the allowed list for Windows Defender Firewall. Add the Borderlands 4.exe game file to that list and select the Private and Public checkboxes for it.
The allowed apps list for Windows Defender Firewall
Unlink OneDrive
Unlinking OneDrive is another troubleshooting method for the Borderlands 4 settings failed to save error that 2K Support recommends applying. Unlinking OneDrive, if installed on your PC, may address potential Borderlands 4 conflicts caused by that app. Go through the steps on this Microsoft OneDrive page to apply this potential resolution.
Exclude the Borderlands 4 Game From Windows Security
To eliminate potential Windows Security antivirus interference, try adding the Borderlands 4 game folder to its exclusion list. The exclusions part on this Microsoft page tells you how users can add folders to Windows Security’s allowed list. Click Add an exclusion > Folder and select the Borderlands 4 installation directory.
The exclusion settings
This troubleshooting method for fixing the Borderlands 4 settings failed to save error also applies to users with third-party antivirus tools. If there is a third-party security app on your PC, add the Borderlands 4 game folder to its exclusion list. Then, try playing Borderlands 4 again to see if the error persists.
The potential resolutions covered above are some of the best ways to fix the Borderlands 4 settings failed to save error. They are troubleshooting methods that players confirm to work, which 2K Support also recommends applying. If you need more potential remedies, though, try sending a help ticket to 2K Support from this Borderlands 4 page.
