7 Ways to Fix Delta Force Not Launching on a Windows PC

Delta Force is a new game for which players have reported startup (launch) issues on Steam and Reddit. This is how a player’s Reddit post reported that game not starting: “I got the Steam key after watching ON1C for a hour or so on Twitch. I tried starting it up (Delta Force) and it won’t launch.” Delta Force can fail to launch in different ways, but the result of its startup issues is always the same. This is how you can fix Delta Force not launching on a Windows PC.

Repair the Delta Force Files

Start with the more straightforward troubleshooting methods, such as repairing the Delta Force files. This is an easy fix to apply because Steam includes a verification troubleshooting option for all games. You can scan and repair the files for Delta Force as outlined on this Steam verification page.

The Verify integrity of game files option

Start the AntiCheatExpert Service

A few players say they were able to fix Delta Force not launching by manually starting the AntiCheatExpert Service. The AntiCheatExpert Service detects cheating in multiplayer games. You can start that service like this.

1. To access Run, hold the Windows logo keyboard button and press R.
2. Enter services into Run and select OK.
3. Double-click the AntiCheatExpert Service to access its properties window.
   
   

   The AntiCheatExpert Service

4. Select Manual inside the Startup type drop-down menu.
   
   

   The Startup type drop-down menu

5. Click Start inside the AntiCheatExpert Service Properties window.
6. Select Apply > OK to save the new settings for the service.

Run Delta Force With Admin Rights

Running Delta Force with administrator rights will give that game elevated privileges for accessing whatever it needs. Some players have confirmed doing that can fix Delta Force not launching. This is how you can configure Delta Force to run as an administrator.

1. Open File Explorer and the Delta Force installation folder.
2. Right-click the Delta Force EXE file for running the game to select Run this program as an administrator.
3. Next, select Run this program as an administrator, which is on the Compatibility tab.
4. Click the Apply option for saving settings.
   
   

   The Run this program as an administrator option

5. Press the OK button to exit the window.

Enable DirectPlay

Sometimes Delta Force can fail to launch because required DirectPlay legacy components are not enabled. So enabling that legacy component could be the required solution for some players who need to fix Delta Force not launching. These are the steps for enabling DirectPlay.

1. Bring up Run, and input appwiz.cpl into that accessory.
2. Select OK to view Programs and Features in the Control Panel.
3. Next, click Turn Windows features on or off.
4. Click the + for Legacy Components.
5. Select the DirectPlay checkbox.
   
   

   The Windows Features window

6. Click OK to finish.

Add Delta Force to Antivirus Exclusions

Some players might be able to fix Delta Force not launching by adding that game to their antivirus apps’ exclusion lists. Doing this will ensure antivirus shields can’t block the game from starting. If you don’t have a third-party antivirus app, try adding the Delta Force installation folder to Windows Security’s exclusion list, as outlined on this Microsoft page. Those with third-party security apps will need to add the game to their antivirus exception lists.

The Add an exclusion option in Windows Security

Disable Software Overlays

Disabling software overlay features has worked for some players who’ve needed to fix Delete Force not launching. To be more specific, try disabling the MSI Afterburner, RivaTuner, Steam, GeForce Experience, and Discord overlays. Those software packages include options for disabling their overlays (on-screen displays), which can cause crashing issues when enabled.

The Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game option

Set a DirectX 11 Launch Option

Setting a DirectX 11 launch option will configure Delta Force to start with that API rather than the DirectX 12 alternative. Doing this can sometimes fix Delta Force not launching because DX11 is more suitable for PCs with older graphics cards. You can set a DX11 launch parameter for the Delta Force game like this.

1. Start Steam and go into the Library tab from there.
2. Right-click Delta Force to select Properties.
3. Enter -dx11 into the text box for launch options.

The launch parameter text box in Steam

Other Possible Ways to Fix Delta Force Not Launching

The possible solutions above are more confirmed ways to fix Delta Force not launching. However, these additional troubleshooting methods might also be worth a try:

• Reinstall the Delta Force game (preferably on an alternative drive if possible).
• Select to run Delta Force in compatibility mode for Windows 8.
• Download and install the latest available graphical driver for your PC’s graphics card, as outlined in this KeenGamer guide.
• If your PC has a couple of GPUs, make sure your dedicated NVIDIA or AMD graphics card is set for Delta Force.
• Try running the game from the Delta Force installation game rather than Steam.
• Perform a clean boot by going through the steps on this Microsoft page.

One of those troubleshooting methods above could fix Delta Force not launching on your PC. They’re worth trying because some have kick-started that game for other players. However, remember that technical issues will more likely occur for any beta game, which Delta Force currently is on Windows PCs.