How to fix Borderlands 4 ‘Your Settings Have Failed to Save’ error on PC

Allow Borderlands 4 Through Controlled Folder Access

1. Open Settings on Windows.
2. On Windows 11: go to Privacy & Security → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection.
3. On Windows 10: go to Update & Security → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection.
4. Scroll down and select Manage ransomware protection.
5. Click Allow an app through Controlled folder access → choose Yes if prompted.
6. Select Add an allowed app → Browse all apps.
7. Navigate to your Borderlands 4 install folder and select the main game .exe file. Click Open.
8. Repeat the process: Add another app → Browse all apps → open Game → Binaries → Win64 and select the second game .exe file. Click Open.

Allow Borderlands 4 Through Windows Defender Firewall

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Go to System and Security → Windows Defender Firewall.
3. Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
4. Select Change settings.
5. Click Allow another app → Browse, then select the main game .exe from the install folder. Click Add.
6. Click Allow another app again → Browse, then open Game → Binaries → Win64 and select the second .exe. Click Add.
   • Both .exe files must be listed in the allowed apps. If they already appear, no further action is needed here.

Add Exceptions in Third-Party Antivirus (If Installed)

If you use programs like Avast, Norton, Bitdefender, or McAfee, you’ll need to add both Borderlands 4 executables to their exceptions/allowed apps list. The process is similar: open the antivirus, find Exclusions or Allowed Apps, then browse to add:

• The main game .exe
• The Win64 .exe inside Game → Binaries → Win64

Run Borderlands 4 as Administrator

If the game still won’t launch after whitelisting, try running it with admin rights.

One-time admin run

1. In your launcher (Steam/Epic), right-click Borderlands 4 and select Manage → Browse local files.
2. Right-click the game .exe → Run as administrator.

Always run as admin

1. In the install folder, open Game → Binaries → Win64.
2. Right-click the game .exe → Properties.
3. Open the Compatibility tab.
4. Check Run this program as an administrator → Apply → OK.
5. Launch the game directly from this .exe or via your launcher.

Borderlands 4 PC Launching Troubleshooting FAQ

Do I need to add both .exe files?
Yes. Always add both the main game .exe and the one in Game → Binaries → Win64.

Where do I find the install folder?
In Steam or Epic, right-click Borderlands 4 → Manage → Browse local files.

What if I don’t see “Controlled folder access”?
It may be disabled in your version of Windows Security. Ensure Windows Security is turned on and you’re in Virus & threat protection.

Can I skip the firewall step if I already did the ransomware one?
No. Do both—ransomware protection and firewall exceptions handle different types of blocking