While there isn't a famous "story" about this specific error, it is a well-known technical headache for many eFootball PES 2021 players. The issue typically involves the settings.exe
Whitelist in Security Software: Add both PES2021.exe and settings.exe to your antivirus and Windows Security exclusions. Specifically, ensure "Controlled Folder Access" is not blocking the app from editing files in your Documents folder. Manual Fixes & Workarounds
Here’s an interesting feature-style piece on the frustrating (and surprisingly complex) issue of PES 2021’s settings.exe refusing to open. pes 2021 settingsexe not opening new
In 2026, as we move further away from the "PES era" and deeper into the uncertain future of eFootball, the settings.exe problem stands as a strange monument. It’s a reminder of when PC gaming was less about seamless cloud streaming and more about wrestling with .dll files and hidden configuration menus.
Reset the Settings Folder: Delete the existing "Settings" folder located at %USERPROFILE%\Documents\KONAMI\eFootball PES 2021\ to clear potentially corrupted video/audio configurations. While there isn't a famous "story" about this
If settings.exe is truly corrupted, don't reinstall the whole 40GB game. That is a waste of time.
Check your Quarantine folder to see if settings.exe was moved there. Move the Folder Out of System Directories Reset the Settings Folder : Delete the existing
: Some users skip the launcher entirely by downloading a pre-made settings.dat
What didn’t work (for me):