Alex Ruben
How To Install Forza Horizon 5 Error-Free in 2025 (FitGirl Repack)
Trying to get Forza Horizon 5 up and running without hitting some kind of wall isn’t always straightforward. Among the most common headaches are ISDone.dll errors, black screens after launch, or outright crashes. These issues tend to pop up whether you’re on a beefy rig or a modest setup. The goal here is a clean, smooth install so you can just enjoy racing without fussing over technical stuff every five minutes. Basically, these steps should help you dodge most of those pitfalls and keep the game happy during setup.
How to Fix Common Forza Horizon 5 Installation Issues
Method 1: Disable Windows Security Real-Time Protection
Windows Defender’s real-time protection sometimes overreacts to game files and setup routines, causing the installer to choke or delete crucial components. Disabling it temporarily can help everything go more smoothly. On some setups, the protection kicks in just when the installer is about to finish, leading to corrupted files or incomplete installs. Just remember to turn it back on afterward, because Windows has to make it harder than necessary sometimes.
- Open the Start Menu and type
Windows Security. - Click on it and then go to Virus & threat protection.
- Select Manage settings.
- Switch off Real-time protection by toggling the switch.
Expect this to temporarily lift the antivirus’s guard so the installer can do its thing. On one setup, it failed the first time, then worked after a quick reboot. Not sure why it works sometimes and not others, but worth a shot.
Method 2: Add the Game Folder to Windows Security Exclusions
Even after the install, Windows Security might still spit out false positives when you try to run the game or update files. Adding the game folder as an exclusion can solve locked-up launching issues or save you from repeated false alarms about files being “dangerous.” Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
- Go to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
- Scroll down and click on Add or remove exclusions.
- Hit Add an exclusion and pick Folder.
- Navigate to your game install folder (probably something like
C:\Program Files\ForzaHorizon5) and select it.
This usually gets rid of random crashing or files disappearing after install. Some users report having to do this after every major Windows update, so keep it in mind.
Method 3: Reinstall with Elevated Permissions
If you’re still running into errors, especially those related to permissions—like “access denied” messages—try running the installer as administrator. Sometimes Windows’ security model just loves to get in the way if you don’t explicitly say “yes” to elevated privileges.
- Right-click the installer file and select Run as administrator.
- If prompted, click Yes on the UAC dialog.
- Proceed with the installation as usual.
Few things are more frustrating than permissions issues, and this step might just clear out some stubborn file locks or install failures.
Method 4: Check for Essential Updates & Extra Software
Sometimes, the setup fails because it’s missing core components like DirectX, Visual C++ redistributables, or .NET Framework updates. The good news is, the Forza installer usually prompts for these, but if it doesn’t, you might want to get them installed beforehand.
- Download and install the latest DirectX End-User Runtime.
- Update or install the latest Visual C++ Redistributables.
- Ensure your .NET Framework is up to date.
> Honestly, sometimes it’s just a minor update that fixes the install issues. On one machine, the game wouldn’t finish installing until I reinstalled Visual C++, which was kind of weird but worth it.
Method 5: Run the Installer in Compatibility Mode
If the installer keeps crashing or hanging, try running it in compatibility mode for an older Windows version. This might help if your system is weirdly incompatible or if recent updates broke some compatibility layer. Sometimes this is enough to bypass weird bugs or missing registry entries that the installer relies on.
- Right-click the setup file and select Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for: and pick a Windows version like Windows 10 or even Windows 8.
- Click Apply and try running the installer again.
This isn’t a guaranteed fix, but it’s one more thing that might make the installer behave.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Make sure your system actually meets the minimum specs—no point in trying if your GPU or RAM is barely on the edge. Closing background apps helps, especially resource hogs like Chrome or streaming apps. If errors keep popping up, a clean install from scratch might be necessary, or even trying on a different drive (preferably an SSD).
Wrap-up
Getting Forza Horizon 5 installed without errors can be a bit of a grind, but these approaches have helped others sort out the mess. Mostly, it’s about making Windows less aggressive with antivirus, ensuring permissions are tidy, and updating your essential software components. Once the install is clean and the game folder is whitelisted, launching should be smooth sailing. Fingers crossed this helps, and that the game runs like a breeze now.
Summary
- Disable Windows Security Real-Time Protection during install
- Add game folder to Windows Security exclusions
- Run installer as administrator
- Update DirectX, Visual C++, and .NET Framework
- Try compatibility mode if installer crashes
- Ensure system specs are sufficient
- Close unnecessary background apps