If ARC Raiders fails to launch with a “Failed to install Easy Anti-Cheat” error, the game cannot load its required anti-cheat service. This issue usually appears on PC when Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) conflicts with other background services or fails to install correctly during launch.
This guide explains exactly how to fix the error step by step, using methods confirmed by ARC Raiders support and proven player fixes.
What Causes the Easy Anti-Cheat Install Error in ARC Raiders?
ARC Raiders uses Easy Anti-Cheat as a mandatory security layer. The error appears when:
- Another anti-cheat system runs in the background
- Easy Anti-Cheat files install incorrectly or corrupt
- Windows blocks the installer due to permissions
- Leftover services from other games interfere
The game will not start until Easy Anti-Cheat installs correctly.
Fix 1: Manually Reinstall Easy Anti-Cheat (Most Reliable Method)
ARC Raiders includes its own Easy Anti-Cheat installer. Running it manually resolves the issue in most cases.
Steps:
- Open Steam
- Go to Library
- Right-click ARC Raiders
- Click Manage → Browse local files
- Open the Installers folder
- Locate the Easy Anti-Cheat installer and uninstaller batch files
- Right-click the uninstaller → select Run as administrator
- After it finishes, right-click the installer → select Run as administrator
- Restart the PC
- Launch ARC Raiders again
This process forces a clean Easy Anti-Cheat installation.
See also: NBA 2K26 Easy Anti-Cheat Error 11 Fix: How to Resolve Error 10009 on PC
Fix 2: Close All Other Anti-Cheat and Game Services
Easy Anti-Cheat cannot install if another anti-cheat system runs at the same time.
Do this before launching the game:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Close all running games
- End background services related to:
- Riot Vanguard
- BattlEye
- FACEIT
- Other Easy Anti-Cheat instances
- Launch ARC Raiders again
A full PC restart clears hidden background services more reliably.
Fix 3: Restart the PC Before Launching ARC Raiders
If another game ran earlier, Windows may keep its anti-cheat service active.
A restart:
- Clears locked Easy Anti-Cheat services
- Removes temporary driver conflicts
- Allows a fresh install attempt
Restart the system, then launch ARC Raiders immediately without opening other games.
Fix 4: Run Steam and the Game as Administrator
Windows permission restrictions often block anti-cheat installation.
Steps:
- Close Steam completely
- Right-click Steam
- Select Run as administrator
- Launch ARC Raiders from Steam
This ensures Easy Anti-Cheat installs with full system access.
Fix 5: Verify ARC Raiders Game Files
Corrupted or missing files can break the Easy Anti-Cheat setup.
Steps:
- Open Steam
- Right-click ARC Raiders
- Click Properties
- Open Installed Files
- Select Verify integrity of game files
- Wait for Steam to repair missing data
- Restart the PC
- Launch the game again
Fix 6: Check for Blocked or Unauthorized Software
Easy Anti-Cheat blocks installation when certain tools run in the background.
Make sure none of these programs are active:
- Cheat Engine
- Auto-clickers
- Macros or scripting tools
- Trainers or DLL injectors
Close them fully, including system tray processes, before launching the game.
Common Error Messages You May See
Players often report these related errors:
- Easy Anti-Cheat is not installed
- CreateService failed (Error 30005)
- Installation folder encrypted (Error 20010)
- Maximum simultaneous game instances reached
- Unknown file version
All of these point to the same root issue: Easy Anti-Cheat did not install correctly.
When to Contact ARC Raiders Support
Even if you see one of the following error messages while launching ARC Raiders, they all indicate the same issue.
- Easy Anti-Cheat is not installed
- CreateService failed (Error 30005)
- Installation folder encrypted (Error 20010)
- Maximum simultaneous game instances reached
- Unknown file version
All of these errors point to a single root cause: Easy Anti-Cheat did not install correctly on the system.
The “Failed to install Easy Anti-Cheat” error in ARC Raiders does not indicate hardware failure. The issue comes from service conflicts or blocked installation. A manual reinstall combined with a clean restart fixes the problem for most players.
Once Easy Anti-Cheat installs successfully, ARC Raiders launches normally without recurring errors.
