Many players adjust graphical, audio, and control settings in PUBG: Battlegrounds to match their preferences. However, some players have reported they can’t change settings in PUBG: Battlegrounds because it doesn’t save them. PUBG’s settings reset for those players every time they restart the game.

This is an annoying issue. Players can still play PUBG but can’t change in-game settings when they aren’t saving. Is PUBG: Battlegrounds not saving settings for you? If so, here are five fixes you can try.

1. Delete the GameUserSettings File

One of the most widely confirmed solutions for PUBG not saving game settings is to delete its GameUserSettings.ini file. Deleting that configuration file will reset it, which often fixes PUBG not saving settings. Applying this potential resolution has worked for lots of players, and it could be the same for you. This is how you can delete that GameUserSettings.ini file:

  1. Bring up the Run command app, which you can quickly access with the Windows logo key + R hotkey.
  2. Type %appdata% inside Run and press Enter to open Windows File Explorer in the AppData folder.
  3. Click AppData in Explorer’s address bar to view that directory.
    The AppData folder
  4. Open the Local subfolder within the AppData directory.
  5. Click the TslGame folder to view and open it.
  6. Then open the Saved > Config > WindowsNoEditor folders from there.
    The GameUserSettings.ini file
  7. Right-click the GameUserSettings.ini file and select Delete.
  8. Launch PUBG and try changing the game settings again.

Some PlayerUnknown’s Battleground players have also said that deselecting the Read-only option for the GameUserSettings.ini file can fix PUBG not saving. You can do that by right-clicking the GameUserSettings file and selecting Properties. Deselect (uncheck) the Read-only checkbox if it’s selected. Click Apply > OK to save the file’s attribute option.

2. Verify the Integrity of PUBG’s Files

Verifying game files can resolve a wide variety of gaming issues. In this case, PUBG is playable but isn’t working right because it’s not saving settings. Thus, that could be a bug verifying PUBG’s files might resolve.

The Verify Files option in Epic Games

Both Steam and the Epic Games Launcher client software with which players install PUBG include options for verifying games. Those troubleshooting options scan and repair game files. Our guide to repairing game files tells you how to verify PUBG's files in Steam and Epic Games Launcher.

3. Disable Controlled Folder Access

Controlled folder access blocks ransomware, and other malware, from modifying files in folders. However, that feature can also stop games from saving progress and settings when it restricts their folder access. Make sure that feature isn’t causing issues for PUBG saving settings on your PC by checking and disabling its setting like this:

  1. Double-click Windows Security (the shield icon) inside the system tray.
  2. Click the Virus & threat protection navigation option within the Home tab.
  3. Scroll down and click the Manage ransomware protection navigation option.
    The Manage ransomware protection option
  4. If Controlled folder access is enabled, click that setting to turn it off.
    The Controlled folder access setting

Now try changing the game settings in PUBG again with controlled folder access disabled. If that fix works, but you prefer controlled folder access kept on, try adding PUBG to the exclusion list.

You can do that by clicking the Allowed an app through Controlled folder access option below the turned-on Controlled folder access setting. Click Add an allowed app to select the PUBG EXE file for exclusion.

4. Disable Third-Party Antivirus Software

Some third-party antivirus apps might also include a similar controlled folder access feature to the one in Windows Security. So, it’s recommended users with third-party antivirus utilities select to disable them via their system tray context menus.

Or look through your antivirus software’s settings tabs to see if one includes a comparable controlled folder setting that restricts app access to directories and files and turn it off if it does.

5. Reinstall PUBG

Reinstalling PUBG is the last resort potential fix for settings not saving if nothing else works. As PUBG is a 30-40 gigabyte game, it’s not ideal to download and reinstall it again. However, this potential resolution could fix PUBG not saving setting if caused by corrupted or missing game files. If you’re an Epic Games user, you’ll need to reinstall PUBG as follows:

  1. Open Epic Games Launcher, and click its Library tab.
  2. Click the … (ellipses) menu button under PUBG in your library.
  3. Select the Uninstall menu option.
    The Uninstall option
  4. Click Uninstall when asked to confirm.
  5. After uninstalling, click PUBG in the Library tab and select Install to reinstall.
    The Install option in Epic Games

Steam users can select to uninstall PUBG via the Control Panel, as covered in our guide for uninstalling software in Windows 11. After removing PUBG, select that game within Steam’s Library tab and click Install.

Tweak PUBG’s Game Settings Again

Applying those potential resolutions will likely fix PUBG: Battlegrounds not saving settings for most players. However, we can never promise 100 percent guaranteed solutions for everybody.

You can submit a support request via the PUBG: Battlegrounds website if more troubleshooting guidance for fixing PUBG not saving settings is required.