FACEIT Error in CS2: What to Do and How to Fix It

If FACEIT gives an error, start with the exact message: almost every FACEIT AC error has its own cause. Four steps fix most of them: launch CS2 through Steam with the anti-cheat already running, close forbidden programs such as AutoHotkey, verify the game files, and update Windows and your drivers. The specific errors and their fixes are below.

FACEIT AC is the FACEIT platform's own anti-cheat (not Valve's). It looks for third-party software, modified files and other ways to gain an unfair advantage. It runs on 64-bit Windows 10 and 11 and requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to be enabled; Linux and macOS are not supported. To set it up from scratch, see our guide on how to enable FACEIT anti-cheat.

FACEIT anti-cheat error when launching CS2

Here is what to do when a FACEIT anti-cheat error keeps you out of the game.

Error: Ban

A fairly common situation in the game. It often occurs if you let a friend play, and they installed forbidden software. You might forget about it, but one fine day, FACEIT will register the modified files and issue a ban, possibly permanent.

In this case, neither reinstalling the game nor re-entering the client will help. Your only option is a ticket to FACEIT support explaining what happened. There is no guarantee, but before you send it, delete all questionable software from your PC first, so the reviewers have no reason to reject the request.

Error: You Need to Have the Anti-Cheat Client Running to Connect

This error means FACEIT AC was not running when you tried to join the match. It usually happens when the game was launched from a desktop shortcut or from the CS2 install folder instead of through Steam, or when the anti-cheat closed after launch.

Start FACEIT AC first, then launch CS2 through the Steam client. If you still cannot connect, follow the steps in what to do if you can't connect to FACEIT servers.

Launching CS2 through Steam with FACEIT AC

Error: AutoHotkey Is Forbidden, Please Close It and Restart FACEIT AC

A hotkey program is installed on the computer, which automatically presses a button or a combination to simplify gameplay. Close it, or better, uninstall it.

Examples of such programs include:

SBZ Switcher
TrayMenu
Menu.exe
Vibrancer

After closing potentially harmful software, restart the client. Ideally, restart the PC first, and then the game.

Error: The Service Cannot Be Started

The FACEIT service was previously manually disabled in the Task Manager. Or, while modifying the client, you might have accidentally deleted some executable files.

FACEIT service in the Windows services list

In this case, you need to either manually enable the anti-cheat or run a file integrity check through the Steam client.

This error may appear if you unintentionally deleted FACEIT or CS2-related files. Even a file integrity check might not fix it.

Try deleting the registry section:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{086D343F-8E78-4AFC-81AC-D6D414AFD8AC}_is1

Be sure to create a system restore point first so you can roll back if something goes wrong. Then reinstall FACEIT AC.

Error: Service Has Been Stopped

This problem is rare but does occur. To solve it, you will need to disable the operating system's debug mode. Follow these steps:

Press Start and find the Command Prompt (CMD)
Run it as administrator by right-clicking on the icon
In the "User Account Control" window, press Yes
Type the command bcdedit /debug off
Press Enter and restart your PC

Error: Forbidden Driver

This often happens with drivers that are not digitally signed. FACEIT may consider them a threat.

The simplest solution is to update or reinstall the original driver. If you cannot find a signed driver for a card reader, PCI card or USB adapter, disconnect that device.

If everything works out, reboot and try to run CS2 again. If not, disconnect the questionable hardware temporarily.

Forbidden driver error in FACEIT

Error: Failed to Load the Launcher DLL

This may occur due to an incorrect Windows update. Here's how to fix it:

Close FACEIT AC via Task Manager
Open Registry Editor (Win+R → regedit)
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\Root
Right-click on ProtectRoots → Permissions
Select your account and check "Allow Full Control"
In Task Manager, stop the service CryptSvc
Return to Registry Editor and delete the Root key

Error: Warning — Your System Hasn't Been Patched Against Critical Windows Security Vulnerabilities

This warning appears when Windows has not been updated for a long time or you run an outdated build. FACEIT AC works on 64-bit Windows 10 and 11 with current security updates.

Solution: install all updates through Windows Update and restart. If you run an unofficial or heavily stripped-down build, installing an official Windows 10 or 11 is the reliable fix. Also check that TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are on; see how to enable Secure Boot for FACEIT.

Error: FPS Drop and Other Problems at Launch

FACEIT AC uses some system resources, which can lower FPS on a weak PC. If FPS drops after enabling it, try this:

Launch CS2 and enter a non-FACEIT match (e.g., Deathmatch)
Check FPS

If performance improves, do the following:

Open msconfig via Windows search
Hide Microsoft services
Leave only Steam and FACEIT services enabled

Then open Task Manager → Startup and disable all items except for Steam/CS2. Restart your PC and test again.

Error: FACEIT.sys

This blue screen error may be caused by:

Faulty hardware
Overclocking
Buggy or outdated software
System overheating
Incorrect RAM timings

Reset BIOS settings to default, clean the system from dust, and update all drivers and software.

If nothing helps, open a ticket with FACEIT support and include the exact error text. Once the anti-cheat works, our complete guide to playing on FACEIT in CS2 covers the next steps. LIS-SKINS also has more guides on CS2 settings and optimization.