Easy Anti-Cheat "Untrusted System File" Error: Causes & Proven Fixes

This guide explains what the Easy Anti-Cheat "Untrusted System File" error means, why it happens, and how to fix it safely. You’ll learn quick fixes, verified long-term solutions, and what to do when corrupted files prevent Easy Anti-Cheat from launching your game.

Getting blocked from a game by Easy Anti-Cheat can be extremely frustrating, especially when the error gives no clear explanation. The Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) "Untrusted System File" error usually appears when the system detects files that do not match its expected integrity checks. For many players, this happens suddenly after updates, driver changes, or software conflicts.

This guide breaks down what the error actually means, the real technical reasons behind it, and step-by-step fixes you can apply safely. You’ll also learn what to do when standard system tools fail due to file corruption.

Quick Answer: What Causes the Easy Anti-Cheat "Untrusted System File" Error?

The Easy Anti-Cheat "Untrusted System File" error occurs when EAC detects modified, corrupted, or unsigned system or game files—most commonly DLL files. It is often triggered by corrupted Windows components, outdated or broken drivers, modified game libraries, or software that injects overlays into games. In most cases, restarting the system, verifying game files, or repairing Windows DLLs resolves the issue. If the same file is repeatedly flagged after all fixes, the file itself may be corrupted and require advanced restoration.

How to Choose the Right Fix (Decision Guide)

• If the error appeared after a Windows or driver update → Run SFC scan and fully update Windows
• If only one specific game shows the error → Verify game files or repair Easy Anti-Cheat
• If the same DLL keeps getting flagged → Repair or replace the corrupted file
• If overlays or monitoring tools are enabled → Disable overlays and background hooks
• If multiple EAC games fail on the same PC → Reinstall Easy Anti-Cheat and check system integrity

Part 1. What "Untrusted System File" Means in Easy Anti-Cheat

The "Untrusted System File" error means Easy Anti-Cheat has detected a file that fails its integrity verification. EAC checks both game files and certain system libraries to confirm they match trusted versions. If a file is altered, corrupted, unsigned, or injected into memory, EAC blocks the game to prevent cheating or malicious behavior.

Why Easy Anti-Cheat Blocks System Files

• Signature Mismatch: Missing or broken digital signatures
• Corrupted DLLs: Damaged runtime or system libraries
• Modified Game Files: Replaced or injected modules
• Outdated Certificates: Prevent proper validation
• Disabled Security Protections: Causes EAC to fail trust checks

How Easy Anti-Cheat Integrity Checks Work

Easy Anti-Cheat scans executable code at a low level, comparing hashes of protected files against trusted references. It focuses on executable sections rather than writable data to reduce false positives. If even a small mismatch is detected, the file is flagged as untrusted and the game launch is blocked.

Games Where This Error Commonly Appears

This error is most frequently seen in famous multiplayer and online games:

Part 2. The Real Causes Behind Easy Anti-Cheat Untrusted System File

Despite the vague message, the error usually has a clear technical cause:

• Driver corruption: GPU drivers can damage their own DLLs
• Incomplete Windows updates: Leave system files in an invalid state
• Modified or injected DLLs: From mods, overlays, or hooks
• Disk errors: Bad sectors corrupt binaries randomly
• Overclock instability: Memory errors alter file data in runtime

Part 3. Fast Fixes to Try First (Low Risk, High Success)

Before moving on to deeper system changes, it’s best to start with a few low-risk fixes. These quick steps resolve a large percentage of Easy Anti-Cheat "Untrusted System File" errors without modifying system files or reinstalling anything.

Fix 1. Restart Your PC

Best for: Errors that appear after updates, crashes, or long uptime

A simple restart refreshes system services, reloads drivers, and restarts the Easy Anti-Cheat service itself. In many cases, the error occurs because a recent update or background service did not load correctly.

Instructions. Click the "Start" icon to press the "Power" option and opt for "Restart."

Fix 2. Run the Game as Administrator

Best for: Permission-related access issues during file verification

Easy Anti-Cheat needs sufficient permissions to scan game and system DLLs. Running the game as an administrator can prevent access-denied errors that trigger false integrity failures.

Instructions: Right-click the game shortcut → Properties → Compatibility → enable Run this program as an administrator → click OK.

Fix 3. Disable Overlays and Monitoring Tools

Best for: Errors caused by overlays, FPS counters, or system monitors

Overlays from Steam, NVIDIA, Discord, or similar tools hook into game processes. Easy Anti-Cheat may interpret these hooks as file tampering.

Step 1. To initiate, click the "Steam" tab and navigate to the "Settings" section.

Step 2. Following this, access the "In Game" tab and disable "Enable the Steam Overlay While In-Game."

Part 4. Verified Fixes That Permanently Remove the Easy Anti-Cheat "Untrusted System File" Error

If the quick fixes don’t work and the error keeps returning, the problem is usually related to corrupted files or mismatched system components. The following fixes address those deeper causes.

Fix 1. Run the Easy Anti-Cheat Repair Tool

Best for: Damaged or incomplete Easy Anti-Cheat installations

The built-in repair tool restores missing or corrupted EAC components and re-registers trusted modules.

Step 1. Head to the "Program Files (x86)" section from your device’s "File Explorer." Then, access the "EasyAntiCheat" folder and click on its executable file.

Step 2. Upon running, choose the file that shows "Untrusted System File" and press "Repair Service."

Fix 2. Verify Game Files (Steam / Epic / Ubisoft Connect)

Best for: Corrupted or modified game files

File verification compares installed files with official server versions and replaces anything missing or altered.

Step 1. Go to the "Library" tab of a game launcher like "Steam" and right-click the game. Upon seeing a new menu, opt for the "Properties" option for further tasks.

Step 2. Here, click "Verify Integrity of Game Files" from the "Installed Files" tab.

Fix 3. Run SFC Scan to Repair Windows System Files

Best for: Corrupted Windows system DLLs (e.g., vcruntime140.dll)

System File Checker repairs protected Windows components used during integrity checks.

Step 1. As you search for the "Command Prompt," opt for "Run as Administrator."

Step 2. Subsequently, type "sfc/scannow" and hit "Enter" to let the system scan and repair files.

Fix 4. Update Windows Fully

Best for: Errors caused by outdated system components

Incomplete or outdated Windows builds can fail Easy Anti-Cheat validation. Installing all updates ensures compatibility.

Instructions. Upon heading to the "Windows Update" tab on your device settings, press "Download & Install All."

Fix 5. Repair or Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributable

Best for: Runtime DLL integrity failures

Visual C++ packages provide essential runtime libraries required by many games.

Step 1. Access the "Installed Apps" section from the "Apps" settings. Next, click the "Three Dots" icon next to "Visual C++ Redistributable" and opt for "Modify."

Step 2. Following this, press the "Repair" button to initiate the task.

Fix 6. Reinstall Easy Anti-Cheat Service

Best for: Persistent service-level corruption

Reinstalling EAC resets all its core files to a trusted state.

Step 1. On "Steam," right-click the game that shows an error to access "Manage" and choose "Browse Local Files."

Step 2. Subsequently, navigate to the "Easy Anti-Cheat" folder and click the executable file.

Step 3. Afterward, press the "Uninstall" option to delete it.

Step 4. Later, restart the "Easy AntiCheat" executable file and then press "Install Easy Anti-Cheat."

Fix 7. Remove or Reset Mods

Best for: Games using unofficial mods or injected DLLs

Mods that replace or hook into core DLLs often trigger integrity failures.

Step 1. Upon right-clicking the game on "Steam," choose "Manage" and head to "Browse Local Files."

Step 2. Locate and right-click the DDL files, like dinput8.dll, to choose "Delete."

Fix 8. Clear TEMP and Cache Files

Best for: Errors caused by leftover temporary data

Corrupted temporary files can interfere with verification processes.

Step 1. To initiate, press "Windows + R" to type "TEMP" and hit the "OK" button.

Step 2. Once you access the temp folder, select all the files, right-click on them, and opt for "Delete."

Fix 9. Reinstall the Game

Best for: Deep corruption that verification cannot fix

A clean reinstall restores all original files and removes hidden corruption while keeping cloud saves intact.

Step 1. Right-click your game from "Steam’s Library" and head to "Manage" to select "Uninstall."

Step 2. As you see a small prompt, press the "Uninstall" button.

Step 3. Afterward, again access the "Library" section to choose your uninstalled game and click "Install."

Part 5. Still Getting "Untrusted System File"? The File May Be Corrupted

If the same file continues to be flagged after all repairs, it is often structurally corrupted. In these cases, Windows tools cannot reconstruct the file because internal data blocks are damaged.

A dedicated file repair solution can help rebuild damaged file structures without modifying the original source files. Repairit is designed for scenarios where files are unreadable, incomplete, or structurally broken, allowing users to restore functional copies for further verification and testing.

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Part 6. Still Blocked? Contacting Easy Anti-Cheat Support

If the Easy Anti-Cheat "Untrusted System File" error continues after trying all local fixes, the issue may require manual review. At this stage, contacting official support is often the most effective option. Easy Anti-Cheat itself does not offer direct user support; instead, game publishers such as Epic Games or EA handle technical cases through their own help systems.

When submitting a support request, clearly explain what you have already tried, which file is being flagged, and when the issue started. This helps support teams avoid repeating basic steps and speeds up investigation. If the error is incorrectly associated with a security block, publishers can also guide you through the appeal process.

When You Should Escalate

You should contact support if one or more of the following situations apply:

• The same file keeps getting flagged even after running SFC, repairing Easy Anti-Cheat, and verifying game files
• Multiple Easy Anti-Cheat games fail with similar integrity errors on the same system
• The problem began after a major system change, such as a Windows upgrade or GPU driver update
• All local repairs completed successfully, but the exact untrusted file path still appears
• Different launchers show the same block, suggesting a system-wide compatibility issue

These signs usually indicate deeper compatibility or validation problems that require manual review.

What Information to Include in Your Support Ticket

Providing the right information upfront greatly improves your chances of a fast resolution. Include the following where possible:

• Game logs from the game’s Logs folder or Documents directory
• Launcher logs, such as gamelauncher.log (commonly requested by Epic Games)
• Easy Anti-Cheat service logs, if available
• Windows Event Viewer entries from the time the error occurred
• Screenshots of the error message, showing the full untrusted file path

The more complete your report, the less back-and-forth is required.

How to Reduce the Risk of False Flags in the Future

While Easy Anti-Cheat is strict by design, the following habits can reduce the chance of similar errors returning:

1. Keep Windows fully updated to prevent outdated or incomplete system files
2. Use clean GPU driver installations to avoid mismatched runtime libraries
3. Remove cheat tools and trainers, even from unrelated games
4. Stick to trusted, official mods that do not replace core DLL files
5. Limit overlays and background hooks that inject code into game processes

These steps help maintain file integrity and reduce conflicts during Easy Anti-Cheat verification checks.

Conclusion

The Easy Anti-Cheat "Untrusted System File" error is not a ban, but a file integrity issue. In most cases, it can be resolved by repairing system components, verifying game files, or restoring trusted runtime libraries. When corruption prevents standard fixes from working, repairing the damaged file itself becomes necessary. With the right approach, you can restore system trust and return to smooth gameplay.