Alex Ruben
How To Fix RDR2 Not Launching After Installation Using FitGirl Repack (2025)
If you’ve recently installed the FitGirl Repack of RDR2 and found it refuses to launch, you’re not alone. It’s kinda frustrating, especially if everything else seems fine – the game’s files are in place, but something about Windows or antivirus gets in the way. This guide lays out some practical steps to hopefully get that game running again. No, it’s not just about rebooting—I’ve been there, done that, and here’s what’s usually worked (sometimes after fiddling a bit). By fiddling with system settings, file placements, and exclusions, you’ll likely unstick whatever’s blocking the launch. It’s mostly about finding the sneaky interference or missing tweaks that Windows or security tools can’t seem to handle smoothly.
How to Fix RDR2 Launch Issues on a Typical PC
Fix 1: Disable Real-Time Protection
Antivirus programs often mistake game files for threats, especially after custom installs or repacks. Turning off real-time protection might seem drastic, but it’s sometimes the only way to see if that’s the cause. When the game bombs out on launch, it’s worth checking this first.
- Open Windows Security by searching for it in the Start menu.
- Click Virus & threat protection.
- Under Virus & threat protection settings, click Manage settings.
- Turn off the toggle for Real-time protection — it might pop up a confirmation. Do that.
This step helps because Windows sometimes blocks or quarantines game files during the install or patching, which prevents them from working properly when launched.
Fix 2: Grab the Required Fix Files
Sometimes, launch issues come down to missing or corrupted runtime files. Found these files from a trusted source like GitHub: Winhance? That’s a common fix for certain errors. It’s kind of weird, but installing the right runtime or patchers can solve a bunch of mysterious crashes or black screens.
- Download the archive from the link provided.
- It should contain DLLs, configs, or patches needed for the game to cooperate better with Windows.
Fix 3: Extract and Safeguard Your Files
Once you have the fix files, you’ll need to extract them carefully. Right-click the downloaded zip or archive, choose Extract All…, pick a folder—probably somewhere easy to find like Desktop—and then extract. After that, you’ll copy those files into the game’s folder.
- Locate your RDR2 install directory – likely
C:\Program Files\Rockstar Games\Red Dead Redemption 2. - Open the extracted folder, select all files inside, right-click, and choose Copy.
- Paste them into your game folder, replacing existing files if prompted.
Fix 4: Add the Game Folder to Windows Exclusions
This is where Windows security can be a pain, because it might monitor or block game files even after you’ve disabled real-time protection. Adding the folder to the exclusions list helps prevent that.
- Go back to Windows Security.
- Click on Add or remove exclusions.
- Press Add an exclusion, then pick Folder.
- Navigate to your RDR2 folder, select it, and confirm.
And yes, it’s kinda annoying, but this step often prevents Windows from constantly interfering with your game files during launch attempts.
Fix 5: Re-enable Real-Time Protection
Because of course, Windows has to make this more complicated than it needs to be. After adding your game folder to exclusions, re-toggle Real-time protection back on. That way your PC stays protected, but the game isn’t being watched like a hawk.
- In Windows Security, toggle it back on under Manage settings.
Fix 6: Try Launching the Game
With all the above done, it’s time for the moment of truth. Find your RDR2 shortcut (on desktop or in the start menu) and double-click it. Sometimes, it takes a little longer to load if it’s first time after these fixes—so be patient. Hopefully, the game loads normally now. If not, maybe try launching as administrator, or from the Rockstar launcher if you’re using that.
Extra Tips & Common Pitfalls
Before blaming everything on your system, make sure:
- The PC meets the specs needed for RDR2 (not always obvious, but check the Rockstar website).
- Your Windows is up to date—sometimes these launch issues are just outdated system files.
- If problems persist, a quick reinstall might fix corrupted files or bad patches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the game still won’t launch?
Best bet then is verifying game files if you’re using Steam or Rockstar Launcher, or doing a clean reinstall. Sometimes, the repack itself can have issues, or your Windows might be blocking something in the background. Also, check if your graphics drivers are current—outdated drivers can cause launch failures too.
Is this fix okay for other games?
Mostly, yeah. If other games are crashing on launch due to antivirus or missing runtime files, you can try similar steps—add game folders to exclusions, update or replace DLLs, etc. Just watch out for game-specific quirks.
Does disabling security pose a big risk?
Temporarily, it’s generally okay—just don’t forget to turn everything back on afterward. If you’re paranoid, only disable protection during that specific fix, then re-enable. Windows isn’t perfect, but it’s better safe.
Fingers crossed this gets you back into RDR2. Sometimes, it’s just about catching the tiny detail causing the crash — a missing DLL, a security block, or a simple setting tweak. Hope it works as it did for others, and you’re back to riding the open plains soon.
Summary
- Disable real-time protection temporarily
- Download and extract necessary fix files
- Copy files into the game folder, replacing if needed
- Add the game folder to Windows exclusions
- Re-enable real-time protection
- Try launching again, and tweak as necessary
Wrap-up
This wasn’t exactly a walk in the park, but messing with antivirus and ensuring the right files are in place usually does the trick. Missed a step? Sometimes it’s a matter of running the game as administrator or updating graphics drivers. Either way, it’s a bit of trial and error—Windows can be stubborn. Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Good luck, and happy gaming!