5 Ways to Fix Grand Theft Auto V Not Saving Graphics Settings on a Windows PC

Many players need to configure Grand Theft Auto V graphical settings to optimize that game’s performance on PCs. However, some players have reported they can’t change graphical settings in GTA V because settings don’t save. Some players see an error message that says, “Graphics settings could not be written to disk.” However, for other players graphical settings just don’t stick after applying them. These are some of the ways you can fix Grand Theft Auto V not saving graphics settings on a Windows 11/10 PC.

Read also: 8 Ways to Fix Grand Theft Auto V Not Launching on a Windows PC

Run a GTA V Benchmark Test After Changing Settings

Some GTA V players have said they were able to fix Grand Theft Auto V not saving graphics settings by running a benchmark test after changing them. First, adjust all the graphics settings as you want them set. Then press the Tab key to run the benchmark and wait for that to finish before selecting to save changes.

Deselect the Read-Only Checkbox for the Settings File

Unchecking the Read-only checkbox for GTA V’s settings XML is a potential resolution confirmed to fix the “Graphics settings could not be written to disk” error. You can change that file option as follows.

1. Open File Explorer from the taskbar (or you can utilize the Windows logo + E hotkey).
2. Go to this GTA V folder location: This PC\Documents\Rockstar Games\GTA V.
3. Right-click the settings file in the GTA V directory and select Properties.
4. Deselect (untick) the Read-only and Hidden checkboxes if they’re selected.
   
   

   The Read-only option

5. Click Apply to set the new file settings.
6. Select OK to exit the settings Properties window.

Delete the Commandline file

Commandline is a file with which users can set up command line parameters for GTA V. Many GTA V players confirm erasing the commandline.txt file can fix Grand Theft Auto V not saving graphics settings. So, try deleting the commandline file like this.

1. Bring up the Explorer folder navigation tool.
2. Open the Grand Theft Auto V installation folder. You can right-click a Grand Theft Auto V desktop shortcut and select Open file location to access that directory if you can’t find it in Explorer.
3. Right-click the commandline file and select Delete.
   
   

   The commandline file and Delete option

Turn Off Controlled Folder Access

Controlled folder access is a feature that often prevents games from saving by blocking their access to folders. Many users confirm that disabling that feature resolves the “Graphics settings could not be written to disk.” This is how you can turn off controlled folder access. 

1. Double-click the shield icon for Windows Security on the system tray.
2. Click the Virus & threat protection tab and select the Manage ransomware protection option.
   
   

   The Manage ransomware protection option

3. Toggle off the Controlled folder access option if it’s on.
   
   

   The Controlled folder access option

4. Now try changing Grand Theft Auto V settings with controlled folder access turned off.

Note that certain third-party security apps could have a similar controlled folder access feature. So, I recommend uninstalling third-party antivirus utilities to ensure they’re not causing any issues with GTA V saving settings.

Reinstall Grand Theft Auto V

If none of the above work for you, reinstalling Grand Theft Auto V is a potential solution you might have to apply. Doing so will likely fix that issue if caused by missing or corrupted GTA V files. You can uninstall GTA V like this.

Steam

1. Bring up in the Library tab in Steam.
2. Right-click Grand Theft Auto V to select Manage.
3. Click the Uninstall option.
   
   

   The Uninstall option in Steam

4. Select Uninstall to confirm the removal of the game.
5. Click the Install option for GTA V in Steam after uninstalling.

Epic Games

1. Open the Library tab in Epic Games.
2. Click the … menu button under Grand Theft Auto V.
3. Select the Uninstall menu option. 
   
   

   The Uninstall option in Epic Game

4. Press Uninstall again to confirm.
5. Click on Grand Theft Auto V in your game library.
6. Press Install to reinstall the game.

Those resolutions will probably fix Grand Theft Auto V not saving graphics settings on your PC since they’ve worked for a lot of other users who’ve needed to resolve the same issue. I can’t promise they’ll work for everybody, but they’re certainly worth a try. If you’ve found another way to fix GTA V not saving settings, you’re most welcome to share it in the comments below.