Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) is one of the most popular tactical first-person shooter games, but like any software, it can encounter errors. Error 126 is a common issue that prevents players from launching the game, often seen messages like:
- “Unable to load module tier0 (Dependency of VApplication001), error 126”
- “A game file appears to be missing or corrupted”
This error typically occurs due to missing or corrupted DLL files, outdated drivers, or issues with Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables.
What Is CS2 Error 126 and Why It Happens
This error prevents the game from loading critical modules like tier0.dll and can be triggered by:
- Missing or broken Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables
- Corrupted DirectX files
- Outdated or misconfigured Windows or graphics drivers
- Steam launch-only errors (game may run via
.exebut not via Steam) - Conflicting antivirus software or broken system registry entries
- Modded/leftover custom game files causing load issues
How to Fix CS2 Error 126 – Step-by-Step
1. Run CS2 and Steam as Administrator
In some cases, missing privileges can stop CS2 from loading dependencies.
Steps:
- Right-click
cs2.exe→ Select Run as administrator - Do the same for Steam
- Optionally:
- Right-click Steam shortcut → Properties → Compatibility tab → Check “Run this program as administrator”
2. Verify Integrity of Game Files via Steam
Corrupted files (especially tier0.dll) can trigger Error 126.
Steps:
- Open Steam → Library → Right-click CS2
- Select Properties → Go to Installed Files
- Click “Verify integrity of game files”
Steam will automatically detect and fix broken or missing files.
3. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables (x86 and x64)
The most common root cause of Error 126.
Steps:
- Open Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program
- Remove all “Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable” entries
- Download the latest supported versions from Microsoft
- Install both:
- x86 (32-bit)
- x64 (64-bit)
- Restart your PC
This fix alone resolved the issue for the majority of Reddit and Steam users.
4. Update Windows to the Latest Version
CS2 performs best on Windows 10 22H2 or Windows 11 2022H2 and later.
Steps:
- Press Win + I → Windows Update → Click Check for Updates
- Download and install all pending updates
- Reboot the system
5. Update GPU Drivers
Outdated or buggy drivers can crash the module loading process.
Get the latest drivers:
- NVIDIA: Download GeForce Drivers
- AMD: Download Adrenalin Software
- Intel: Driver & Support Assistant
6. Copy Missing DirectX Files Manually (Advanced Fix)
If CS2 is looking for DXSETUP.exe in a non-existent folder, here’s a confirmed workaround:
Steps:
- Navigate to:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Steamworks Shared\_CommonRedist\DirectX\Jun2010 - Copy all contents of this folder
- Paste them into:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\directx_installer - Create the destination folder manually if it doesn’t exist
This solution helped several users launch CS2 successfully after DirectX dependency errors.
7. Install CS2 Workshop Tools (Steam DLC Workaround)
Some users report CS2 only works when launched through Workshop Tools.
Steps:
- Open Steam → Library → Right-click CS2 → Properties
- Go to DLC tab → Enable Counter-Strike 2 Workshop Tools
- Launch CS2 via the tools section in your Steam Library
8. Disable Antivirus & Check Firewall Settings
Sometimes antivirus software may block dynamic DLL loading.
Steps:
- Temporarily disable antivirus (e.g., Windows Defender, Avast)
- Add CS2.exe and Steam.exe to firewall and antivirus exclusions list
- Re-enable protection after testing
9. Remove Modded Files and Do Full Clean Reinstall
Custom maps or leftover configs from CS:GO might silently break CS2.
Steps:
- Uninstall CS2 from Steam
- Navigate to:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\and delete anyCounter-Strike Global Offensivefolder - Run Disk Cleanup (
cleanmgr) as Administrator - Reinstall CS2 from scratch
Reddit users confirmed this solved launch issues where normal reinstalls failed.
Still Not Working?
If none of these steps work, try:
- Contacting Steam Support
- Emailing
[email protected]with system specs and crash logs - Posting on the CS2 subreddit with your launch logs
Final Thoughts
Error 126 in CS2 is frustrating, but it’s almost always caused by dependency conflicts, especially with Microsoft Visual C++ or DirectX files. With the above guide, most users can get back into the game without reinstalling Windows or wiping their PC.
Feel free to drop a comment or share this article if it helped—so others can solve this without endless reinstall loops.
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