Borderlands 4 settings failed to save? Here's how to fix it

If you're encountering the "settings failed to save" Borderlands 4 error message, fear not, as there are some simple fixes you can try to resolve this issue without having to reinstall the chunky game file.

It's been a rough launch period for Borderlands 4 so far, with multiple reports of poor Borderlands 4 PC performance and a mixed rating on Steam. Despite the Borderlands 4 system requirements being reasonable, if a little high, the game also appears to be struggling, even on some of the best graphics card picks from our buying guide.

This Borderlands 4 error message appears to be an issue with permissions on your PC, or a potential missing file in the Borderlands 4 download. As such, there are a few different fixes you can try to get the problem sorted.

Verify the game files

First up is verifying the game download. Don't just uninstall and reinstall, as that's a much longer process, and the issue could persist. Instead, head into the game properties and check the game file for issues.

On Steam, head to the game in your library and click on the settings cog in the top right-hand corner. Select Properties, then Installed Files. Here, you have the option to "Verify integrity of game files." Perform this check and see if any additional files are downloaded.

If you're using the Epic Games Store, head to the installed games in your library. Select the three dots when you hover over the game's artwork. Select Manage, then Verify Files. Again, look out for any additional files being downloaded.

If a download is triggered, there is a good chance that this is what was causing the issue, so you can boot your game and try to change your settings once more. If not, move on to one of the next steps.

Adjust your firewall or antivirus settings

This "settings failed to save" error may also be down to incorrect permissions, which can be fixed in a couple of ways. One is to ensure that your antivirus or firewall trusts your Borderlands 4 game file.

Depending on which software you are using, the methods for fixing this problem may vary, but in each case, your goal is to add the Borderlands4.exe file to the list of trusted programs within your firewall or antivirus software.

A prompt sometimes triggers when you first boot the game to allow the game through your software, but in the event that it doesn't, or if you accidentally refuse permission, it can be fixed after the fact.

Run Borderlands 4 as an administrator

The final method to test in the event that the previous two haven't worked is to run Borderlands 4 as an administrator. To do this, you'll need to find the Borderlands4.exe file via the installation path used by Steam or the Epic Games Store.

If you're not sure where these files are, you can follow the same steps as the file verification phase, only instead, select the Browse option in Steam or select the small file and magnifying glass icon in EGS to be taken to the file's location. When you find the file, right-click on it and select "Run as administrator" from the options.

These are the most common fixes that have been verified by those who struggled with the problem right after Borderlands 4 launched.

Once you're in and playing, you can check out our Borderlands 4 class guide to help figure out how to take on this chaotic looter shooter. If you're after some freebies, you can keep up to date with the latest Borderlands 4 shift codes with our guide.

Are you enjoying your time in Borderland 4 so far, or are you waiting for the early technical issues to fade before jumping in? Let us know over in our community Discord server.