How to Install and Configure XIVLauncher in 5 Minutes

Quick 5-Minute Guide: How to Install and Configure XIVLauncher

Warning: Modifying game clients can violate terms of service. Use at your own risk.

What you’ll need

• A Windows PC (XIVLauncher primarily supports Windows).
• A legal copy of Final Fantasy XIV installed via the official launcher.
• About 5 minutes.

Step 1 — Download XIVLauncher

1. Open your browser and go to the official XIVLauncher release page.
2. Download the latest stable release ZIP (look for a file named like xivlauncher-*.zip).

Step 2 — Extract and place files

1. Right-click the downloaded ZIP → “Extract All…” and extract to a folder you control (e.g., C:\Games\XIVLauncher).
2. Inside the extracted folder you should see xivlauncher.exe and other files.

Step 3 — First run and initial setup

1. Double-click xivlauncher.exe. If Windows SmartScreen or antivirus warns, allow execution only if you trust the source.
2. On first run the launcher will ask to locate your FFXIV installation. Click “Browse” and point to the folder where the game is installed (commonly C:\Program Files (x86)\SquareEnix\FINAL FANTASY XIV – A Realm Reborn).
3. Confirm the path; XIVLauncher will detect the game executable.

Step 4 — Configure basic settings

1. In XIVLauncher settings, set your preferred language and region.
2. Under the “Game” tab verify the path to the game EXE and the Square Enix launcher if required.
3. Optional: Enable “Disable Auto Updates” only if you know what you’re doing; otherwise leave defaults to avoid update conflicts.

Step 5 — Install plugins (optional, quick)

1. Go to the Plugins tab.
2. Click “Show Plugins Folder” to open the folder where plugin DLLs go.
3. Download desired plugins (e.g., XIVCombo, ACT integrations) from trusted sources and place the DLLs into that folder.
4. Restart XIVLauncher and enable plugins from the Plugins tab.

Step 6 — Launch the game

1. Click the Launch button. XIVLauncher will start the FFXIV client using its patched startup sequence.
2. Log in with your Square Enix account and verify the game runs normally.

Quick troubleshooting

• Game not detected: Ensure you pointed to the folder containing FFXIV.exe, not just the parent folder.
• Antivirus blocks launcher: Whitelist xivlauncher.exe if you’ve verified the download source.
• Plugins not working: Ensure plugin DLLs match your game version and the launcher’s plugin API; check plugin documentation.

Safety note

• Always download XIVLauncher and plugins from their official or trusted community sources.
• Using third-party launchers or plugins can risk account action—proceed cautiously.

That’s it—basic install and setup of XIVLauncher in about 5 minutes.