Windows Troubleshooting: How to run the game on Windows

Some Windows systems may encounter issues when launching the game.
This page lists the most common issues and how to fix them.

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1. 32-bit Windows

First thing to verify is that your hardware is compatible with the game. Lucid Lust requires a 64-bit version of Windows (preferably Windows 10 version 1909 or higher for full compatibility) to run. If you are using a 32-bit version, there is unfortunately no fix. Very old systems simply cannot run newer games.

2. Can't Extract the Game Archive

Some users may encounter errors when trying to extract the game's .zip file, such as CRC errors, corruption warnings, or extraction failures. This is often caused by insufficient disk space or Windows Defender/Antivirus interfering with the extraction process. You need enough free space for both the .zip file AND the extracted game, roughly 16 GB minimum for v0.5.6 (7.3GB + 8.15GB).

[Fix] Check disk space and temporarily disable antivirus.
  • Check your available disk space
  • If you have sufficient space, disable your Windows Defender/Antivirus completely
  • Delete any partially extracted game folders
  • Extract the archive again
  • Once extraction is complete, add the game folder to your antivirus exceptions/whitelist
  • Re-enable your antivirus

If the extraction still fails, the archive/download may be corrupted.
If you have an unreliable connection or the download was interrupted, consider using JDownloader or the official MEGA desktop app. Both tools perform integrity checks and can resume interrupted downloads, preventing corruption.

3. Missing .exe or .dll Files

Sometimes, antivirus software may mistakenly delete or quarantine essential game files, causing crashes or missing file errors.

[Fix] Make sure you have a legit version and restore missing files.
  • Make sure you have downloaded an official version of the game

Using leaked or pirated copies is extremely risky: these files may have been tampered with, replaced, or bundled with malware, viruses, or other harmful software. Running such versions can compromise your computer, steal personal data, or even render your system unusable. This is done entirely at your own risk.

  • Upon extracting the game, check your antivirus/quarantine folder and restore any deleted files
  • Add the game folder to your antivirus exceptions/whitelist
  • Reextract the game if necessary
4. Game Won't Launch

Some users may have trouble launching the main game executable, especially if their system or drivers have compatibility quirks with DirectX 12.

[Fix] Use the DX11 launcher.
  • Open the game's folder
  • Double-click Lucid Lust DX11.bat

The game will now start using DirectX 11, which is compatible with more hardware.

5. Windows SmartScreen Blocks the Game

Some Windows systems may prevent the game from launching and display a message like "Windows protected your PC" or warn that the app is from an unknown publisher. This is common with indie games and does not mean the game is unsafe.

[Fix] Allow the game to run.
  • When the SmartScreen window appears, click More info
  • Click Run anyway
  • If the game still does not launch, right-click the game .exe file
  • Select Properties
  • At the bottom of the General tab, check Unblock if available
  • Click Apply, then OK
  • Launch the game again
6. Game Launches Off-Screen / Wrong Resolution

If the game launches at the wrong resolution, appears off-screen, or doesn't fit your monitor properly, you may need to manually adjust the display settings.

[Fix] Edit the configuration file.
  • Close the game completely
  • If the game is completely off-screen and you can't close it normally, press Alt+F4 to force close
  • Navigate to the game's installation folder
  • Follow the instructions on the Advanced Settings page to edit your settings.cfg
  • Modify the Resolution line to match your monitor (e.g., "1920x1080" or "1920*1080")
  • Change WindowMode if needed (options: Windowed, Borderless, Fullscreen)
  • Save the file and launch the game again
7. Visual C++ Runtime Errors

Errors mentioning MSVCP140.dll, VCRUNTIME140.dll, or similar indicate missing Microsoft Visual C++ libraries.

[Fix] Install Visual C++ Redistributables.
8. Broken Gameplay

If the game stutters or shows broken graphical elements, it is often due to outdated graphics drivers.

[Fix] Update your graphics drivers.

Make sure your GPU drivers are the latest version for your graphics card. A simple driver update often resolves lag, crashes, and graphical glitches.

9. Laggy Gameplay

If the game runs slowly, stutters, or your FPS drops significantly, it may be because your GPU or CPU cannot handle the current graphics.

[Fix] Adjust graphics settings.
  • On the main menu, click the gear icon to open the settings menu
  • Lower Hair Quality, Texture Quality, and Shadow Resolution to Medium, while keeping other settings green if possible

These adjustments can significantly improve performance on older or less powerful hardware without affecting the core gameplay experience. After trying the game with these settings, if it works fine, you can stop there and enjoy Lucid Lust!

If the game is still laggy, try more aggressive settings adjustments:

  • Lower all Quality sliders and Shadows sliders to Lowest/None
  • Disable SSAO, SSR, SSS, and other post-processing effects

It is still highly advised to keep Eyes Depth active, as this is a core component of the eyes' appearance.

10. Very Low FPS on Laptop

On some laptops with both integrated graphics (Intel) and a dedicated GPU (NVIDIA or AMD), Windows may launch the game using the integrated GPU, causing extremely poor performance.

[Fix] Force the game to use the dedicated GPU.
  • Open your GPU control panel:
    • NVIDIA Control Panel
    • AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition
  • Go to application-specific or program settings
  • Add the game .exe if it is not already listed
  • Set the preferred graphics processor to the high-performance GPU
  • Apply the changes and launch the game again

Alternatively, you can force GPU selection through Windows:

  • Open Windows Settings → System → Display → Graphics
  • Add the game .exe
  • Set it to High performance
11. Stutter on Laptop Display After Disconnecting an External Monitor

On laptops whose internal display is driven directly by the NVIDIA GPU (no iGPU, or iGPU disabled), the game may run smoothly while an external monitor is connected, then stutter heavily on the built-in display once the external monitor is unplugged. This is caused by a conflict between GSYNC and the in-game VSync when both are active on the internal panel. Reported in both Fullscreen and Borderless modes.

[Fix] Disable either V-Sync or G-SYNC.
  • Open the in-game Main Menu settings and turn off VSync
  • or disable GSYNC in the NVIDIA Control Panel

Disabling either one on its own resolves the issue.