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WAR DOGS / Launch & crashes

WARDOGS will not launch: WD-L014 and WD-L020 fixes

WARDOGS closes at launch with WD-L004, WD-L006, WD-L007, WD-L010, WD-L014 or WD-L020? These steps isolate anti-cheat startup problems. The number alone does not establish a confirmed cause.

Updated: ·2 min read·Windows / PC
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STRAIGHT TO THE SOLUTION

Start here

01Verify game files and repair Elytra↓02Check your Windows build and updates↓03Rule out software conflicts individually↓
01

Verify game files and repair Elytra

  1. Finish pending Steam updates. Close stuck WARDOGS or Elytra processes in Task Manager.
  2. Steam → WARDOGS → Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity of game files.
  3. Use Browse to open the game folder. Run the bundled setup inside Elytra and choose Repair if offered.
  4. Restart the entire PC. Do not download replacement anti-cheat files from unrelated sites.
02

Check your Windows build and updates

  1. Run winver to identify an Insider or preview build.
  2. Install pending regular Windows updates. Check anti-cheat compatibility if using preview builds.
  3. Do not remove security updates speculatively. If the issue began after an update, include its exact version in your ticket.
  4. Checked September 26, 2026: Team17 is investigating WD-L020 after KB5124010. If that exact update is installed and the failure began afterwards, see our dedicated KB5124010 guide; rollback is optional.
winver
03

Rule out software conflicts individually

  1. Temporarily disable Steam, Discord, NVIDIA, AMD and Xbox Game Bar overlays.
  2. Close Razer or other peripheral software and test again.
  3. Check other anti-cheat clients and VPN filters for conflicts. Compare one change at a time and restore the original state afterwards.
  4. Check whether an old separate WARDOGS Playtest installation is involved.
04

Check drivers and Windows system files

  1. Install a suitable stable graphics driver directly from the hardware vendor.
  2. If there are signs of damaged Windows files, open Command Prompt as administrator and run the commands below in order.
  3. Restart after repairs. Run sfc again if needed.
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
05

Do not disable security features indiscriminately

  1. Do not treat disabling Memory Integrity, Secure Boot, firewall or antivirus as a general fix. These changes can reduce system protection.
  2. If earlier steps fail, have support review the exact Windows build, error code and potential anti-cheat conflicts.
06

Prepare diagnostics for support

  1. Open DxDiag and choose Save All Information.
  2. Include the complete error message, Windows build, Steam ID and attempted steps. Review personal details before sending directly in a support ticket.
dxdiag

Related guide

Sources and current status

Frequently asked questions

What exactly does WD-L020 mean?

The individual number does not establish one confirmed cause here. Start with files, Elytra and the Windows build rather than inferring a system change from the code alone.

Do I have to disable Memory Integrity?

Not as a blanket first step. Start with file verification, Elytra repair, regular updates and targeted conflict checks.

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