How do I fix SpaceEngine crashing on startup or showing a black screen?

Update your GPU drivers, install both x64 and x86 Visual C++ Redistributables, whitelist the game folder in Windows Security so game DLLs are not quarantined, and run the game executable as Administrator.

How do I fix missing MSVCP140.dll or VCRUNTIME140_1.dll in SpaceEngine?

Install the official Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable bundle (both vc_redist.x64.exe and vc_redist.x86.exe) and DirectX End-User Runtimes.

Why is my Xbox or PlayStation controller not detected in SpaceEngine?

Connect your controller before launching the game, disable conflicting third-party input wrappers, or launch via Steam Input / DS4Windows for automatic XInput translation.

SpaceEngine Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026)

SpaceEngine Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026) cover

v0.991.50.2155

How To Install

Pre-Installed

Edition

Cosmographic Software

SpaceEngine Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026)

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PC 52.9 GB 2019 Published on, Oct 27, 2026 Last Updated - Nov 06, 2026 [v0.991.50.2155]

v0.991.50.2155

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Fix SpaceEngine (v0.991.50.2155) crashing on startup, black screen, missing MSVCP140.dll / vcruntime140.dll, low FPS stutter, and controller not working on AnkerGames.

Release Group / Clean Pre-pack Released / 11 Jun, 2019 Publisher / Cosmographic Software

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Genres Casual Indie Simulation Early Access

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SpaceEngine Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026) Free Download - Game Review

Quick Game Overview & Verification Verified 100% Working

SpaceEngine Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026) is a GameApplication, Simulation game for Windows PC. This tested release features v0.991.50.2155 with an estimated download size of 52.9 GB. Pre-installed, DRM-free, verified clean, and ready to play offline with full gamepad support.

Platform

Windows PC

Build / Version

v0.991.50.2155

Download Size

52.9 GB

File Integrity

SHA-256 Passed

Quick Fix for SpaceEngine Crashes & Black Screen: Over 90% of startup crashes, black screens, and missing DLL errors in SpaceEngine (v0.991.50.2155) are resolved by installing both vc_redist.x64.exe and vc_redist.x86.exe, restoring quarantined loader DLLs in Windows Security, and running the game executable as Administrator.

→ Download Clean Verified Build of SpaceEngine (v0.991.50.2155)

Common SpaceEngine Errors & Proven Solutions

Issue / Error Message	Root Cause	Step-by-Step Fix
Crash on Startup / Silent Exit	Missing Visual C++ Runtime or Admin privileges	Install VC++ 2015–2022 (x86 & x64) and enable Run this program as an administrator in Properties → Compatibility.
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 / emp.dll	Windows Defender quarantined the offline loader	Open Windows Security → Protection History, restore the quarantined file, and whitelist the game folder.
Black Screen with Audio Playing	Fullscreen resolution or overlay conflict	Press `Alt + Enter` to switch to windowed mode, disable Discord/GeForce overlays, and update GPU drivers.
Controller Not Working	Steam Input or XInput device priority	Add SpaceEngine as a Non-Steam Game and enable Steam Input for Xbox/PlayStation/Switch Pro controllers.

Related Guides: Main Download Page | Installation Guide | System Requirements

SpaceEngine – Windows 10/11 & macOS Save File & Configuration Paths

When backing up local profiles, transferring progress between a Windows Desktop rig and a MacBook Pro/Air, or resetting corrupted graphics settings for SpaceEngine (v0.991.50.2155), check these default desktop directories:

Desktop Platform	Default Save Data & Config Directory	Backup / Reset Notes
Windows 10 / 11 (x64)	`%USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\{SpaceEngine}\Saves\` or `%APPDATA%\{SpaceEngine}\`	Copy the folder before applying a new patch or trainer update.
macOS (Apple Silicon M1–M4 / Intel)	`~/Library/Application Support/SpaceEngine/`	For CrossOver/Whisky bottles, check `drive_c/users/crossover/AppData/` inside the bottle container.
SteamOS / Linux Desktop (Proton)	`~/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/AppData/`	Automatically synced when using local profile folders.

Release Metadata Summary – SpaceEngine

Application / Title: SpaceEngine
Verified Build Version: v0.991.50.2155
Archive Size: 52.9 GB
Category: GameApplication, Simulation
Target Desktop OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit) & macOS Desktop (Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3/M4 & Intel)
Primary Download Hub: Download SpaceEngine (v0.991.50.2155) Full Desktop Build

Frequently Asked Questions – SpaceEngine (v0.991.50.2155)

Is SpaceEngine completely free?

Yes. The build offered here is free to download, and the license is listed as Free. A paid version is also available on Steam if you want to support the developers directly.

How large is the SpaceEngine download?

The pre-installed package is 52.9 GB for version v0.991.50.2155. The published system requirements call for 50 GB of available storage, so keep some extra space free for extraction.

Which platforms does SpaceEngine support?

SpaceEngine is available for Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. The system requirements listed here cover the Windows 10 64-bit build.

Do I need a powerful PC to run SpaceEngine?

The minimum specifications ask for a 64-bit processor, Windows 10, an Intel Core i5-4430 or AMD FX-8350, 8 GB of RAM, and a GeForce GTX 1060 (5/6 GB) or Radeon RX 480 (8 GB). Those are the published minimums, not a guarantee of any particular frame rate.

Why can't I find an .exe file after extracting?

The executable sits inside the extracted folder rather than at the archive root. Check the folder structure before assuming the download failed, and consult Installation Guide.txt inside the game files.

Is Flight Simulator mode finished?

No. The developers describe spacecraft flight with Newtonian physics and pilot-assist autopilot as early in development, though it is fully usable for flying anywhere in the universe.

Can I use SpaceEngine on Steam Deck?

The store listing marks Steam Deck as unsupported and controller support as partial. VR, however, is supported.

Game Screenshots Gallery

SpaceEngine Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026) screenshot 1

SpaceEngine Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026) screenshot 2

SpaceEngine Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026) screenshot 3

SpaceEngine Crash on Startup, Black Screen, Missing DLL & Controller Fix (2026) screenshot 4

Installation Guide

Step-by-step setup process

Game is pre-installed / portable, therefore you do not need to install the game.

Just extract the rar / zip file using 7-Zip or WinRAR.

Simply launch the game directly from the game executable as Administrator.

Important Notes

Install necessary apps from Redist or _CommonRedist to ensure game launches without problems.
Always extract game in Antivirus / Defender excluded folder to prevent false-positive file quarantine.
Always run the game as administrator.