[Updated April, 2021] MapleStory crash when logging in to character through Steam

[Update 4/6/2021]

Further review indicates that client crash may be related to using Windows 7 Compatibility Mode while playing through Steam. If you use Windows 7 Compatibility Mode for MapleStory, please disable compatibility mode and visit our companion article for alternative resolutions for game launch issues.

[Original Message]

We're currently investigating reports that the MapleStory client may crash when logging in to a character through Steam. This crash occurs after selecting character, but before the character enters the game world.

This crash may be related to the versions of Windows 10 installed on your computer or Windows Defender restricting programs needed to run MapleStory.

Option 1: Update Windows 10, 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.
7. Log in to character.

Option 2: Add MapleStory and Dwarfaxe 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 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. Repeat Steps 8 and 9 to add DwarfAxe.exe to allowed apps.
    It will be displayed as "DirectX Web Assistant Runtime Framework" when added.
11. MapleStory and DwarfAxe should now be listed as an allowed app.
    
    
    
    
12. Click OK to close the window.
13. Restart Nexon Launcher or Steam.
14. Launch MapleStory again.

If you continue to experience a crash before entering the game world, please submit a ticket for assistance and include the following information:

A screenshot that shows the current version of Windows. To view Windows Version:

1. Open Start menu and search for "winver"
2. Click Winver app to open it.
   
   
   
   
3. Take screenshot and attach to support ticket.

A screenshot that shows the current version of Windows Defender. To view Windows Defender version:

1. Open Start menu and search for "Windows Security"
2. Click on Windows Security app to open it.
3. In the bottom left corner of Windows Security window, click the Settings (gear icon) button.
4. Click on the About link.
   
   
   
   
5. Take screenshot and attach to support ticket.

Feel free to include any additional information about the issue that you believe may be helpful. We greatly appreciate your assistance in tracking down this issue.