Cheat Engine Troubleshooting

Cheat Engine can manipulate other programs (including those running as administrator) and run scripts from .CT files. Antivirus software often flags it as a hacktool or potentially unwanted program rather than checking CE’s scripting language in detail.

What to do:

• Download only from trusted sources.
• Add an exclusion for the Cheat Engine folder (or the installer) in your antivirus.
• If installation fails or CE is removed, temporarily disable real-time protection during install, then add an exclusion and re-enable it.
• Only use .CT files from trusted sources; they are plain text XML and can contain scripts, so check them if unsure.

More: Forum thread on antivirus

If Cheat Engine can’t open the process or you get access denied:

• Run as Administrator: Right-click Cheat Engine → Run as administrator. Some games run elevated and CE needs the same.
• 64-bit vs 32-bit: Use the correct CE build. If the game is 64-bit, use 64-bit CE (default on 64-bit Windows).
• Anti-cheat: Games with kernel or strong anti-cheat may block CE. We do not support bypassing anti-cheat or using CE on online/multiplayer in a way that violates the game’s terms.
• Other tools: Close other debugging or injection tools that might lock the process.

Too many results: Use “Next Scan” after changing the value in the game (e.g. lose/gain health, spend gold). Narrow by value type (4 Bytes, Float, Double) and try “Exact value” if you know the number.

No results: Value might be stored as Float/Double, or in a different format (e.g. multiplied). Try Float, or “Unknown initial value” then “Changed value” / “Unchanged value” and change the value in game. For some games you need to use the Mono/.NET dissector (Unity, etc.).

Wrong process: Make sure you attached to the correct .exe (game process, not launcher).

Some games are sensitive to memory access or code changes. Common causes:

• Freezing or changing the wrong address (e.g. a display-only value or critical data).
• Code injection that breaks the game logic or overwrites wrong bytes.
• Anti-tamper or anti-debug in the game.

Try: only changing values (no code injection) first; using a pointer/address that’s known to work (e.g. from a working table); checking the forum for that specific game.

The installer may show optional third-party offers to support development. You can decline them. If you want an installer without these offers, you can:

• Compile from source: GitHub.
• Get an ad-free installer via Cheat Engine’s Patreon (still requires internet for download).

The server stores the real balance. You only changed the value in memory (what you see on screen). When you buy something or the game syncs, the server sends the correct value. Cheat Engine is not intended for online games and we do not support or condone using it to violate terms of service.