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2026
Fix Factorio (v2.0.77) startup crashes, permission errors, missing dependencies, and desktop configuration issues on Windows 10/11 PC & macOS Desktop via AnkerGames.
Quick Fix for Factorio Crashes & Launch Errors: Over 90% of startup crashes, missing DLL errors on Windows, and Gatekeeper prompts on macOS in Factorio (v2.0.77) are resolved by installing vc_redist.x64.exe, whitelisting the folder in Windows Security (or running xattr -cr on Mac), and launching as Administrator.
| Issue / Error Message | Root Cause | Step-by-Step Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Crash on Startup / Silent Exit (Windows) | Missing Visual C++ Runtime or Admin privileges | Install VC++ 2015–2022 (x86 & x64) and enable Run this program as an administrator. |
| Missing MSVCP140.dll / VCRUNTIME140.dll | Corrupted Microsoft C++ runtime libraries | Reinstall the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package and reboot your PC. |
| Missing steam_api64.dll / Activation DLL | Windows Defender quarantined the offline loader | Open Windows Security → Protection History, restore the file, and whitelist the folder. |
| "App Is Damaged and Can't Be Opened" (macOS) | macOS Gatekeeper quarantine flag | Run sudo xattr -rd com.apple.quarantine "/Applications/Factorio.app" in Terminal. |
Related Guides: Main Download Page | Installation Guide | System Requirements
When backing up user profiles, presets, or local save data between a Windows Desktop workstation and a MacBook Pro/Studio for Factorio (v2.0.77), check these default desktop directories:
| Desktop Platform | Default User Data / Config / Preset Directory | Backup & Migration Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 / 11 (x64) | %APPDATA%\{Factorio}\ or %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\{Factorio}\ | Back up this folder before installing a newer version or resetting preferences. |
| macOS (Apple Silicon M1–M4 / Intel) | ~/Library/Application Support/Factorio/ & ~/Library/Preferences/ | Use Cmd + Shift + G in Finder to open hidden Library paths directly. |
The pre-installed v2.0.77 build offered here is free to download. Note that the developers sell the game on Steam, so consider purchasing it there to support ongoing development.
The download is pre-installed, so there's no setup wizard. Extract the archive to a folder excluded from your antivirus scan, then launch factorio.exe from the Factorio/bin/x64 directory. Run it as administrator the first time, and install any redistributables from the _CommonRedist folder if the game fails to start.
This is version v2.0.77, current build 23347942, with content updated September 7, 2026. The game version is confirmed up to date against the latest Steam build.
Yes. Factorio has built-in modding support, and you can add mods through the in-game mod browser or by placing them in the mods folder. Multiplayer servers sync mods automatically when you join.
Yes. Cooperative multiplayer lets you and friends build and manage the same factory together, splitting tasks like mining, power, and defense between players.
You'll need Windows 11 or 10, a quad-core 4 GHz processor from 2020 or newer, 16 GB RAM, a DirectX 11 GPU with 4 GB VRAM, and 10 GB of free storage.
Step-by-step setup process
Minimum specifications needed
Pre-installed direct download links, no installer or license keys needed.
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