What to Do When Game Mode Does Not Detect Your Game

EXM Game Mode is designed to activate supported temporary gaming optimizations while a configured game is running.

If Game Mode does not activate when you launch a game, the most common cause is incorrect game detection or an incorrect executable being selected.

Step 1: Confirm Game Mode Is Configured

Open EXM and navigate to Game Mode.

Make sure Game Mode has been configured for the game you are trying to launch.

If the game is not automatically detected, manually add it.

Step 2: Make Sure You Selected the Correct Executable

Games can contain several .exe files.

You may see executables for:

  • The launcher

  • Anti-cheat

  • Crash reporting

  • Configuration tools

  • The actual game

Game Mode should be linked to the executable that remains running while you are actually playing.

The easiest way to find it is:

  1. Launch the game.

  2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

  3. Find the game in Task Manager.

  4. Right-click it.

  5. Select Open file location.

Use that executable when configuring Game Mode.

Step 3: Do Not Add the Launcher

Do not add applications such as:

  • Steam

  • Epic Games Launcher

  • Battle.net

  • Ubisoft Connect

  • EA App

  • Riot Client

These applications are launchers, not the game itself.

Game Mode should activate based on the actual game process.

Step 4: Restart EXM

Close EXM completely and reopen it.

Then:

  1. Open Game Mode.

  2. Confirm the game is configured.

  3. Launch the game.

  4. Check whether Game Mode activates.

Step 5: Run EXM as Administrator

Close EXM.

Right-click EXM and select:

Run as administrator

Then launch the game again.

Administrator permissions may be required for EXM to correctly interact with certain processes or system functions.

Step 6: Check Whether the Game Uses Multiple Processes

Some games launch through:

  • A bootstrap executable

  • Anti-cheat

  • A temporary launcher

  • A separate game executable

If Game Mode activates briefly and then stops, the executable selected may only be used during startup.

Use Task Manager while the game is fully loaded to identify the process that remains active.

Step 7: Update EXM

Make sure you are running the latest version of EXM.

Game detection and Game Mode behavior may be improved or updated between releases.

Still Not Activating?

If the issue continues, contact EXM Support and provide:

  • Game name

  • Game launcher

  • Selected executable

  • Screenshot of your Game Mode configuration

  • EXM version

  • Windows version