Fix Now EAC Error 20006 in Elden Ring: Nightreign [6 Easy Tricks]

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EAC error 20006 in Elden Ring Nightreign appears when Windows 11 or 10 can’t launch the Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) service. Missing files, disabled service, or insufficient privileges can block it, preventing the game from starting. Use the steps below to solve the issue fast.

How to Fix Elden Ring Nightreign Error 20006?

🛠️ 1. Repair or Re-install Easy Anti-Cheat

A swift repair is the most reliable fix because it restores every EAC component in one pass.
Problem.

  1. In Steam, open Elden Ring: Night Reign › Manage › Browse local files
  2. Go to Game\EasyAntiCheat and run easyanticheat_eos_setup.exe
  3. Choose Repair Service (or Install), finish, then reboot
    Why It Works
    A fresh registration restores every file and service key EAC needs.

If the game crashes after the repair, see our fix guide for Elden Ring Night Reign crashing on Windows.

🔑 2. Run EAC & Night Reign as Administrator

If a repair alone fails, elevated privileges often unblock the service registration process.

  1. Right-click easyanticheat_eos_setup.exe › Properties › Compatibility
  2. Tick Run this program as an administrator
  3. Repeat for nightreign.exe
  4. Restart your PC and launch the game

Giving the launcher and EAC elevated permissions ensures they can access protected system services and registry entries needed for anti-cheat checks. This step also helps fix random multiplayer session issues—check this guide if you’re getting the failed to join session in Elden Ring: Nightreign.

🚀 3. Enable & Start the EAC Service

Sometimes EAC is simply disabled in Windows Services; re-enabling it takes seconds.

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter
  2. Locate EasyAntiCheat
  3. Set Startup type to Automatic, click Start if stopped
  4. Reboot

🗂️ 4. Verify Game Files on Steam

Corrupted or missing files break the EAC handshake—Steam’s verifier can restore them automatically.

  • Steam › Night Reign › Properties › Installed Files
  • Click Verify integrity of game files
  • Let Steam replace corrupt or missing data, then restart your PC

This fix is also handy for other related issues—especially if you’ve encountered the Nightreign server login failure or are having trouble connecting to online features.

🌐 5. Update Windows & GPU Drivers

Keeping your OS and drivers current removes many silent conflicts that trip EAC.

  • Settings › Windows Update → install all pending updates
  • Update graphics drivers via
  • Reboot after each update

If you’re still seeing performance issues or weird stuttering even after fixing the EAC error, it might not be anti-cheat related. Instead, follow our guide on Elden Ring not using GPU properly to make sure your hardware is being used efficiently.

🧰 6. Community Workarounds (Last Resort)

When standard fixes fail, these player-tested tricks can still get you in-game.

TrickWhat to Do
Delete & re-verify EACRemove the EasyAntiCheat folder; re-run Steam’s Verify to download a clean copy.
Rename the EXEChange nightreign.exe to start_protected_game.exe and launch it directly.
Clean registry (advanced)Delete leftover EasyAntiCheat_EOS keys, then reinstall EAC.

❓ FAQs

Why does EAC error 20006 appear?

Windows can’t start the Easy Anti-Cheat service because it’s missing, disabled, or lacks admin rights.

Is EAC error 20006 a virus warning?

No. It simply means EAC wasn’t installed correctly. Repairing it is safe.

Will disabling my antivirus help?

Possibly. Some security suites block EAC. Turn them off temporarily while repairing.

Do I need to reinstall the whole game?

Rarely—repairing EAC and verifying files fixes most cases.

Which class is best if I’m starting over?

If you’re thinking about restarting after fixing the error, check out our picks for the best class in Elden Ring—perfect for Nightreign builds too.

Key Takeaway

Sometimes, Error 20006 and Error 30005 appear due to similar causes related to Easy Anti-Cheat’s operation on your PC. If you’re dealing with either or both, our detailed guide on Elden Ring Nightreign EAC Error 30005 offers practical solutions that can help you resolve these stubborn errors efficiently.

Error 20006 is almost always a local hiccup. Repair EAC, run everything with admin privileges, verify your files, and keep Windows up to date. You’ll be back to slaying bosses in no time!

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