The "Requested Operation Requires Elevation" error (0x2E4) has been a persistent and frustrating technical hurdle for many PC players trying to launch the highly anticipated 6v6 superhero shooter, Marvel Rivals. As of December 2025, this issue remains one of the most common launch problems reported by the community, particularly on systems running Windows 10 and Windows 11. This error is a specific security prompt from the operating system, indicating that the game—or more accurately, its core components like the anti-cheat system—requires higher-level administrative permissions (known as "elevation") to run properly, a request that Windows security features often block by default.
Developed by NetEase, Marvel Rivals uses a proprietary launch and anti-cheat system that demands a level of access many other modern games do not, leading to the 0x2E4 error code when the User Account Control (UAC) or Controlled Folder Access features interfere. Fortunately, the community and technical experts have identified a comprehensive, multi-step solution. This guide provides the most current and effective methods to permanently resolve the elevation requirement and get you back into the fast-paced action with heroes like Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Magik.
The Core Cause: Why Marvel Rivals Demands Administrative Elevation
The root of the "Requires Elevation" error is almost entirely tied to how the Marvel Rivals anti-cheat system interacts with the Windows operating system. Unlike many other titles that utilize standard, less intrusive anti-cheat solutions, the NetEase-developed security software appears to require kernel-level access or specific permissions to modify or access files within protected system directories, such as the 'Program Files' folder where the game is typically installed.
This demand for elevated permissions triggers two key Windows security mechanisms:
- User Account Control (UAC): This feature is designed to prevent unauthorized changes to the operating system. When Marvel Rivals attempts to run its executables, UAC intercepts the request and asks the user for permission, which can sometimes fail or loop, resulting in the 0x2E4 error code.
- Controlled Folder Access (CFA): Part of Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender), CFA protects key folders—like Documents and desktop directories—from unauthorized changes by applications. If Marvel Rivals is installed in a protected location, or if its anti-cheat attempts to write logs or temporary files there, CFA will block it, leading to the elevation error.
The problem is exacerbated when users play on a non-administrator account, as the game constantly requests permissions that a standard user cannot grant, breaking the launch sequence.
Five Definitive Steps to Fix the Marvel Rivals Elevation Error
To permanently solve the "Requested Operation Requires Elevation" issue, you must systematically address the permissions conflict between the game's anti-cheat and your Windows security settings. Follow these steps in order for the highest chance of success.
1. Run the Game Executable as Administrator
The most straightforward and often successful fix is to force the game's main executable to always run with administrator rights. This bypasses the UAC prompt on launch and grants the necessary "elevation" immediately.
- Navigate to the game's installation folder (e.g.,
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Marvel Rivals). - Locate the main game executable file (often named
MarvelRivals.exeor similar). - Right-click the executable file and select Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box that says "Run this program as an administrator."
- Click Apply and then OK.
- Repeat this process for the game's launcher executable (if applicable) and the anti-cheat executable (look for a file in a sub-folder, sometimes named
AntiCheatLauncher.exeor similar).
2. Disable Controlled Folder Access (CFA) or Whitelist the Game
If running as administrator doesn't work, Controlled Folder Access is likely the culprit. This feature is very strict and often blocks game executables from writing files, even when run with admin rights.
Option A: Whitelist the Game (Recommended)
- Go to Windows Security (search for it in the Start Menu).
- Select Virus & threat protection.
- Under Ransomware protection, click Manage ransomware protection.
- Click Allow an app through Controlled folder access.
- Click + Add an allowed app, then Browse all apps.
- Navigate to the Marvel Rivals installation folder and add both the main game executable (
MarvelRivals.exe) and the anti-cheat executable.
Option B: Temporarily Disable CFA
- Follow the steps above to reach the Ransomware protection screen.
- Toggle the Controlled folder access switch to Off.
- Test the game. If it launches, you know CFA was the issue. Re-enable CFA and use Option A (whitelisting) for permanent security.
3. Adjust User Account Control (UAC) Settings
While running as administrator should bypass UAC, sometimes the UAC security level itself is too high, causing conflicts. Adjusting it can help the game's launcher run more smoothly.
- Search for "Change User Account Control settings" in the Windows Start Menu.
- A slider will appear. Drag the slider down one notch from the top (usually from "Always notify" to "Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my desktop (default)").
- Click OK and restart your PC to apply the change.
Note: Do not set the slider to the lowest setting ("Never notify"), as this significantly reduces your system's security against malicious software.
4. Verify Game Files Integrity via Steam or Epic Games
Corrupted or missing files can sometimes lead to a failed launch attempt that manifests as a permissions error, especially if the anti-cheat files are incomplete.
- Open the Steam client.
- Go to your Library.
- Right-click on Marvel Rivals and select Properties.
- Go to the Installed Files tab.
- Click Verify integrity of game files...
Steam will check all game files against the official server versions and automatically replace any that are missing or corrupted. This ensures the anti-cheat files are correctly installed.
5. Update Graphics Drivers and Windows OS
While less common, an outdated operating system or graphics driver can sometimes cause low-level conflicts that prevent a game from acquiring the necessary resources, which can be misinterpreted as a permissions error.
- Graphics Drivers: Ensure your NVIDIA GeForce, AMD Radeon, or Intel Arc drivers are updated to the latest available version. The recommended specifications for Marvel Rivals include a minimum of an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or an AMD Radeon RX 580.
- Windows Update: Ensure your Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating system is fully up-to-date. The game officially recommends Windows 10 64-bit (1909 or newer).
System Requirements and Technical Entities for Marvel Rivals
Solving the elevation error is key to a smooth experience, but ensuring your PC meets the game's technical demands is also crucial. The game is a demanding title, and technical entities like your CPU and GPU directly impact performance.
Minimum and Recommended PC Specifications
To avoid further technical issues like crashing, freezing, or lagging, compare your hardware against the official requirements:
| Component | Minimum Requirements | Recommended Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System (OS) | Windows 10 64-bit (1909 or newer) | Windows 10 64-bit or newer |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i5-6600K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600X | Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X |
| Memory (RAM) | 12 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics Card (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 5700-XT |
| DirectX | Version 12 | Version 12 |
Many technical issues, including those that mimic the 0x2E4 error, can be resolved by ensuring your system is running on the recommended 16 GB of RAM, especially when dealing with a modern, high-fidelity title like Marvel Rivals.
Final Thoughts on Anti-Cheat and NetEase
The persistent "Requires Elevation" problem highlights a broader discussion within the PC gaming community about the invasiveness of certain anti-cheat software. The fact that Marvel Rivals—developed by NetEase (Hangzhou)—demands administrative rights more often than competitors like Overwatch or Deadlock suggests a unique, kernel-level implementation of its security protocols.
While this level of access is intended to prevent cheating and maintain a fair competitive environment, it often clashes with the built-in security features of a modern operating system, forcing users to manually override Windows Defender and UAC settings. By following the five steps outlined above, you can successfully grant the necessary permissions to the Marvel Rivals executable and its anti-cheat component, resolving the frustrating 0x2E4 error and allowing you to finally jump into the battle with your favorite Marvel characters.
Detail Author:
- Name : Dr. Sidney Little Sr.
- Username : nziemann
- Email : koch.whitney@brekke.biz
- Birthdate : 1993-12-06
- Address : 51056 Grady Dam O'Keefeberg, SD 42140
- Phone : (872) 777-5347
- Company : Kihn Ltd
- Job : Molding and Casting Worker
- Bio : Ut voluptatem ratione dignissimos perspiciatis quod. Enim consequatur dolore nihil. Dolorem ea dolore sed fuga deleniti dolores cumque.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@wilton_goodwin
- username : wilton_goodwin
- bio : Corporis eaque fuga quas neque molestias in.
- followers : 4363
- following : 227
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/wilton_dev
- username : wilton_dev
- bio : Est ea rerum iure sed et.
- followers : 385
- following : 1979
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/wiltongoodwin
- username : wiltongoodwin
- bio : Eveniet qui culpa sed corrupti quae. Qui asperiores consequuntur autem sed et incidunt voluptatem.
- followers : 4436
- following : 837
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/goodwinw
- username : goodwinw
- bio : Suscipit adipisci officia quo ut et animi. Eos magnam aut non voluptas sunt illo amet. Consequatur maxime dolore amet eveniet totam eos laborum.
- followers : 6956
- following : 2437