Few games have captured the cyberpunk feel quite like Deus Ex: Human Revolution. With its thought-provoking narrative, slick visuals, and finely tuned stealth-action mechanics, it’s no wonder the game maintains a passionate following years after its release. However, nothing is more frustrating than trying to launch it on Steam and being met with… nothing. Whether you’re encountering error messages, crashes, or the game simply won’t start, this guide is your comprehensive solution to fixing Deus Ex: Human Revolution not launching on Steam.
TL;DR
If Deus Ex: Human Revolution won’t launch via Steam, the issue is often caused by missing software dependencies, corrupted files, outdated drivers, or system incompatibilities. Start by verifying the game files through Steam, then ensure your drivers and DirectX are up-to-date. Try launching the game in compatibility mode or disabling conflicting software like antivirus tools. Still stuck? Dive into the full guide below for step-by-step solutions.
Start with the Basics: Verify the Integrity of Game Files
Steam-based games sometimes suffer from corrupted or incomplete downloads. Your first step should be to let Steam check the game’s files and fix any inconsistencies automatically.
- Open your Steam Library.
- Right-click on Deus Ex: Human Revolution and select Properties.
- Go to Installed Files and click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
Give Steam a few minutes to inspect the installation. If it finds anything broken or missing, it’ll re-download just what’s needed—no full reinstall required.
Update or Reinstall Critical Software Components
Games like Deus Ex rely on several layers of behind-the-scenes software. If those components are outdated or missing, the game might fail to launch. Here’s what you should check:
- DirectX: Ensure you have the latest version. You can find the DirectX installer within the game folder, often labeled as DXSETUP.exe.
- Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables: Both 2008 and 2010 versions in 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) formats may be required. Reinstall them from the game’s _CommonRedist folder.
- .NET Framework: Some users have found success by reinstalling or updating their .NET Framework via the official Microsoft site.
Make sure these installations complete successfully, even if your system indicates they’re already installed.
Check GPU Drivers and Settings
Outdated or misconfigured GPU drivers can prevent the game from initializing correctly. Visit your graphics card manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers:
After updating, restart your computer. Also, check that there are no conflicting settings in your GPU’s control panel, especially if you’ve customized game profiles for Deus Ex.
Try Running as Administrator or in Compatibility Mode
Older games like Human Revolution occasionally require administrator privileges or compatibility tweaks to work correctly on modern systems. Here’s how to try both:
- Navigate to the game’s installation folder (you can find it by right-clicking the game in Steam, choosing Properties > Installed Files > Browse).
- Right-click on DXHR.exe or DeusExHumanRevolution.exe and select Properties.
- Under the Compatibility tab, check Run this program as an administrator.
- Also try checking Run this program in compatibility mode for Windows 7 or 8.
Apply these settings and try launching the game again from the executable file itself or through Steam.
Disable Conflicts from Antivirus or Third-party Software
Your antivirus or other background tasks could be interfering with the launch process. Some real-time protection software, especially free AV tools, can block the game silently.
Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall and then try launching the game. If it works, consider adding Steam and the game folder to the software’s exception list and turning protection back on.
Also, applications like MSI Afterburner, RivaTuner, or even Discord overlays have been known to cause conflicts with some older DirectX 9-based games. Disable these temporarily to test for improvement.
Switch Rendering Options or Launch Parameters
Deus Ex: Human Revolution supports multiple rendering APIs and resolutions, and launching the game with specific options can be a fix. Try setting a launch parameter in Steam:
- Right-click the game in your Steam library and select Properties.
- Under the General tab, locate the Launch Options box.
- Enter one or more of the following launch commands:
-dx9— forces DirectX 9 rendering mode.-w 1920 -h 1080— sets the game resolution manually.-windowed— launches the game in windowed mode.
These options can help bypass issues related to fullscreen conflicts or unsupported resolutions.
Run the Game Without Steam
Sometimes, bypassing Steam altogether can be a difference-maker. This isn’t a long-term solution, but it can help isolate what’s causing the problem.
- Navigate to the game’s installation folder via Browse on Steam.
- Locate the main executable file, usually named DXHR.exe or similar.
- Try launching it directly by double-clicking.
If the game opens this way but not through Steam, then the issue could be Steam overlay-related, or a more specific Steam-integrated problem. Try disabling the Steam overlay via the game’s properties tab.
Reinstall the Game (Last Resort)
If all else fails, it might be time to reinstall the game. Be sure to uninstall it cleanly to get rid of any problematic leftover files:
- Uninstall the game via Steam.
- Navigate to your Steam installation directory and manually delete the Deus Ex Human Revolution folder (usually in Steam/steamapps/common/).
- Reboot your computer before reinstalling.
Upon reinstalling, remember to verify game files immediately and reapply any fixes or preferences cautiously.
Final Tips and Community Fixes
The Deus Ex community is incredibly resourceful. Forums like the Steam Community, Reddit, and unofficial modding sites have a wealth of knowledge. A few additional tricks shared by other players:
- Install the game on a different drive, especially if your current one uses non-standard formatting or is nearly full.
- Turn off cloud syncing temporarily—sometimes conflicts occur with the config and save files saved in the cloud.
- Look for fan patches or unofficial fixes for DVD-based or early retail versions if that applies to you.
In Conclusion
Having Deus Ex: Human Revolution refuse to launch can be disheartening, especially when you’re eager to step back into the high-stakes cyberpunk world of Adam Jensen. But take heart—most issues stem from outdated drivers, missing dependencies, or simple compatibility quirks. By following the steps in this guide, you dramatically increase your chances of being able to dive seamlessly into the action once again.
Now go augment yourself… and save the world.