6 Ways to Fix Fallout 4 if Mods Aren’t Working or Showing Up

Fallout 4 is a popular game that offers an immersive gaming experience, thanks to its vibrant modding community. However, many players have encountered issues where mods fail to work or show up in the game. If you’re facing this problem, don’t worry! In this article, we’ll explore several solutions to help you get your Fallout 4 mods up and running smoothly.

Why Aren’t My Fallout 4 Mods Working?

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the reasons behind Fallout 4 mods not working. There are several potential causes, including:

Misconfigured INI Files: Fallout 4 mods require proper configuration of certain INI files. If these files are not set up correctly, mods may fail to function.

Firewall or Antivirus Blocking: Windows firewall or antivirus software might be blocking Fallout 4 or its mod manager, preventing mods from working.

Lack of Admin Privileges: The mod manager for Fallout 4 may not have administrative privileges, which can hinder its ability to load mods properly.

Corrupted or Outdated Mods: Faulty or outdated mods can cause conflicts and prevent other mods from working correctly.

General Game Issues: Sometimes, mods can cause issues with the game itself, leading to crashes or even preventing the game from launching.

Now that we have a better understanding of the potential causes, let’s explore the solutions to fix Fallout 4 mods not working or showing up.

Solution 1: Run Nexus Mod Manager (or Vortex) as Administrator

Running Nexus Mod Manager or Vortex as an administrator can help resolve issues related to mod loading. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Locate the folder containing your Nexus Mod Manager or Vortex modding software for Fallout 4.
2. Right-click on the EXE file for your mod software and select “Properties.”
3. In the “Properties” window, click on the “Compatibility” tab.
4. Check the “Run this program as administrator” option.
5. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.

Running the mod manager as an administrator ensures that it has the necessary privileges to load mods successfully.

Solution 2: Configure INI Files for Fallout 4 Modding

Properly configuring the INI files is crucial for the functioning of Fallout 4 mods. Follow these steps to set up the INI files correctly:

1. Press the Windows + E keys to open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the Fallout 4 folder located atDocumentsMyGamesFallout4.
3. Right-click on the “Fallout4Custom.ini” file and select “Open With.”
4. Choose “Notepad” as the text editor to open the file.
5. Copy the following code:

[Archive]bInvalidateOlderFiles=1sResourceDataDirsFinal=

6. Paste the code into the “Fallout4Custom.ini” file.
7. Save the file and exit Notepad.
8. Right-click on the “Fallout4Custom.ini” file, select “Properties,” and uncheck the “Read-only” attribute checkbox.
9. Similarly, open the “Fallout4Prefs.ini” file within the same Fallout 4 folder using Notepad.
10. Add the following code beneathbEnableFileSelection=1 and save the file:

[Launcher]

By configuring the INI files correctly, you ensure that Fallout 4 recognizes and loads the mods effectively.

Solution 3: Enable Fallout 4 Through Windows Defender Firewall

Windows Defender Firewall can sometimes block Fallout 4 and its mod manager, causing mods to malfunction. To enable Fallout 4 through Windows Defender Firewall, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button, type “firewall,” and select the “Windows Defender Firewall” applet.
2. Click on “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.”
3. Click the “Change settings” button.
4. Check both the “Public” and “Private” checkboxes for Fallout 4 and your mod manager (Nexus Mod Manager or Vortex).
5. Click “OK” to save the changes.

Enabling Fallout 4 through Windows Defender Firewall ensures that the necessary communication between the game and the mods is not hindered.

Solution 4: Add a Fallout 4 Exclusion to Windows Security

Windows Security might flag Fallout 4 as a potential threat and block certain files, causing mods to stop working. Adding a Fallout 4 exclusion to Windows Security can help resolve this issue:

Click on the Start menu, type “Windows security,” and select the “Windows Security” applet.

Click the “Virus and threat protection” button on the left side of Windows Security, then select “Manage settings.”

Scroll down and click “Add or remove exclusions.”

Click the “+ Add an exclusion” button and select the “Folder” option.

Choose the Fallout 4 directory as the exclusion.

Click the Folder option again and select the Fallout 4 directory.

Adding a Fallout 4 exclusion to Windows Security ensures that the game and its mods are not mistakenly flagged as potential threats.

Solution 5: Disable and Re-Enable Mods One at a Time

If you’re still experiencing issues with your mods, it’s essential to identify any faulty or conflicting mods. You can do this by disabling and re-enabling mods one at a time. Here’s how:

Launch the Nexus Mod Manager or Vortex.

Select Fallout 4 to access the list of installed mods.

Right-click on each mod and choose the “Deactivate” option to disable them.

Play Fallout 4 after disabling all mods. If the game functions correctly, it indicates that at least one of the mods is causing issues.

Activate one mod at a time and test the game after enabling each mod. This way, you can identify the specific mod(s) causing problems.

Deactivate any corrupted or problematic mods you discover during this process.

By systematically enabling and disabling mods, you can pinpoint the ones that are causing conflicts and preventing others from working correctly.

Solution 6: Reinstall Nexus Mod Manager to Update It

If you’re using Nexus Mod Manager, reinstalling it can help update the software and resolve any compatibility issues. Follow these steps to reinstall Nexus Mod Manager:

Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run accessory.

Enter the command “appwiz.cpl” in the text box and click “OK.”

Select your Fallout 4 mod software from the list and click the “Uninstall” button.

After removing the mod software, restart your computer.

Visit the NMM download page and click the “Manual Download” button to obtain the latest version of Nexus Mod Manager.

Alternatively, you can download the setup wizard for Vortex from the Vortex page.

Install the downloaded mod manager software, ensuring that it is installed on the same hard drive as the Fallout 4 game.

Reinstalling the mod manager ensures that you have the latest version, which may have bug fixes and improvements that help resolve mod-related issues.

Conclusion

Fallout 4 mods not working or showing up can be frustrating, but with the solutions provided in this article, you should be able to resolve these issues and enjoy the game with your favorite mods. Remember to configure the INI files correctly, run the mod manager as an administrator, adjust firewall settings, and identify any problematic mods. By following these steps, you’ll ensure a smooth and enjoyable modding experience in Fallout 4.

If you encounter any other issues or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to the game’s support page for additional help. Happy modding!