[Updated 4/6] MapleStory does not open when launched from Nexon Launcher or Steam

[Update 4/6/2021]

Further investigation determined this issue may occur on specific versions of Windows 10. Using Windows 7 Compatibility Mode can cause a client crash, so steps were updated to provide alternative resolutions.

For Steam users who can launch MapleStory after performing the below steps but crash when entering game world, please see our companion article for additional help.

[Original Message]

We are currently investigating an issue that may prevent MapleStory from opening when launched through Nexon Launcher or Steam. When this issue occurs, MapleStory does not load and does not appear in the Windows Task Manager process list.

Initial findings indicate this may be related to the current version of Windows or Windows Defender. To troubleshoot this issue, we recommend the following solutions.

Option 1: Enable Run as Admin for MapleStory

1. In Windows 10, navigate to the MapleStory installation folder.
   Nexon Launcher default folder: C:\Program Files (x86)\Nexon\maplestory\appdata
   Steam default folder: C:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\MapleStory
   • For the Nexon Launcher, you can also find this in the launcher by selecting the gear in the launcher->Game Configure->MapleStory->Open game location.
   • For Steam, you can right-click Maplestory in your library, select "Properties->Local Files->Browse"
2. Locate MapleStory.exe file.
3. Right-click on MapleStory.exe and select Properties from the menu.
4. In the Properties window, navigate to the Compatibility tab.
5. Click on the "Change settings for all users" button.
6. Add check mark next to Run this program as an administrator.
7. If Compatibility mode is enabled, remove check mark to disable it.
   
   
   
   
8. Click Apply to apply the changes, then OK to close the windows.
9. Make sure you right-click and select "Run as Administrator" when opening the Nexon Launcher or Steam.
10. Restart Nexon Launcher or Steam.
11. Launch MapleStory again.

Option 2: Add MapleStory to Windows Defender allowed apps

Note: If Windows Defender was disabled previously, please re-enable it within the Windows Defender Firewall window.

1. In Windows 10, click on the Start button.
2. Type "Windows Defender" to locate Windows Defender Firewall in Control Panel.
3. Click on Windows Defender Firewall to open it.
4. In Windows Defender Firewall window, click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
5. If needed, click Change Settings button in top-right corner.
6. In the Allowed Apps window, click Allow another app...
7. In Add an App window, click Browse.
8. Navigate to MapleStory installation folder, select MapleStory.exe program and click Open.
   
   
   
   
9. Verify MapleStory appears in list of apps, then click Add.
10. MapleStory should now be listed as an allowed app.
    
    
    
    
11. Click OK to close the window.
12. Restart Nexon Launcher or Steam.
13. Launch MapleStory again.

Option 3: Download Windows 10 Update, including optional updates

1. Click on Windows 10 start button and type "Windows Update" to search for updater.
2. Click on Windows Update Settings to open.
3. In the Windows Update menu, click on View Optional updates
4. Select any updates that appear in the Windows update section.
   
   
   
   
5. Click Download and install to begin the installation process.
6. Once the update is complete, relaunch Steam and open MapleStory.

If you are still unable to launch MapleStory after performing the above steps, submit a Player Support ticket for further assistance. Please include the troubleshooting steps attempted so far. This article will be updated with additional information when available.