FIX: Nexus Mod Manager not opening

Gaming

Reading time icon 4 min. read

Calendar icon Updated on

by Matthew Adams 

updated on

Share this article

Readers help support Windows Report. We may get a commission if you buy through our links. Tooltip Icon

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial team Read more

Key notes

  • The Nexus Mod Manager is a free and open-source piece of software that allows you to download, install, update and manage mods for a wide variety of gaming titles.
  • Despite being discontinued, thousands of players still use it thanks to its efficiency.
  • For more articles about this great program, check out our dedicated Nexus Mod Manager hub.
  • Avid gamers should also take a look at our dedicated Gaming page as well.
Nexus Mod Manager doesn't open
True gamers use the best gaming browser: Opera GXOpera GX is a special version of the famous Opera browser that is built specifically to fulfill gamer's needs. Packed with unique features, Opera GX will help you get the most out of gaming and browsing everyday:
  • CPU, RAM and Network limiter with hot tab killer
  • Integrated with Twitch, Discord, Instagram, Twitter and Messengers directly
  • Built-in sound controls and custom music
  • Custom color themes by Razer Chroma and force dark pages
  • Free VPN and Ad blocker
  • Download Opera GX

Nexus Mod Manager is a great utility for modding games. However, that software doesn’t always open for some users. Users can’t utilize NMM when it doesn’t open for them.

If you’re among the users who needs to fix Nexus Mod Manager not opening, check out the resolutions below.

This is how you can fix Nexus Mod Manager not opening

1. Move the Nexus Mod folder out of Program Files

  1. Some users have been able to fix NMM not opening by moving the Nexus Mod folder out of Program Files (or Program Files x86).
  2. Press the Windows key + E keyboard shortcut to open File Explorer.
  3. Then open the Program Files folder that includes Nexus Mod Manager.
  4. Next, left-click the Nexus Mod folder and hold the left mouse button.
  5. While holding the left mouse button, drag the Nexus Mod folder onto the C: drive on the left of File Explorer.
    • When a Move to text box appears, let go off the left mouse button to move the folder out of Program Files to the root C: drive directory.
      Move to text box nexus mod manager not opening
  6. Alternatively, you can move the Nexus Mod folder onto the desktop instead.

2. Run Nexus Mod Manager as administrator

  1. After moving the Nexus Mod folder, configure the software to run as administrator.
    • Open the Nexus Mod folder.
  2. Then right-click the Nexus Mode Manager’s EXE file to select Properties.
  3. Select the Compatibility tab on the window that opens.The Run this program as an administrator option nexus mod manager not opening
  4. Select the Run this program as administrator option there.
  5. Click the Apply button to apply settings.
  6. Then press the OK button to close window.

3. Turn off third-party antivirus software

If you have third-party antivirus software installed, that might be blocking Nexus Mod Manager files. To fix that, right-click your antivirus utility’s system tray icon to open a context menu for it.

There you can usually select a disable option of some kind that will turn of the antivirus shield when selected. After disabling the antivirus utility, try launching Nexus Mod Manager again.

The Avast antivirus context menu nexus mod manager not opening

 

4. Delete the Black_Tree_Gaming folder’s user.config file

  1. A lot of users have fixed NMM not launching by deleting the user.config file for the Nexus Mod Manager software.
  2. To do that, open File Explorer’s window.
  3. Then open this folder path in File Explorer:
      • C:/Users/Your name/AppData/Local/Black_Tree_Gaming/NexuxClient.exe…/.

     

  4. The NexusClient.exe folder includes a series of version subfolders. Select to open the version subfolder with the most recent date.
    NexusClient.exe folder nexus mod manager not opening
  5. Then right-click the user.config file to select the Delete option.

5. Clear the Black_Tree_Gaming folder

  1. Alternatively, clearing the Black_Tree_Gaming folder might also resolve the issue.
    • You can do that by opening this path within File Explorer:
      • C:UsersyourusernameAppDatalocalBlack_Tree_Gaming.
  2. If you can’t find the AppData folder, click the View tab in File Explorer.
    • Then select the Hidden items check box.Hidden items check box nexus mod manager not opening
  3. Before deleting anything, back up the Black_Tree_Gaming folder.
  4. Then select everything within Black_Tree_Gaming folder by pressing the Ctrl + A hotkey.
  5. Click the Delete button on the Home tab.

6. Reinstall Nexus Mod Manager

  1. As a final fix, reinstall Nexus Mod Manager.
  2. Launch the Run accessory (press the Windows key + R hotkey).
  3. To open the uninstaller window, enter appwiz.cpl in Run and click OK.
    The uninstaller nexus mod manager not opening
  4. Select Nexus Mod Manager in the software list.
  5. Click Uninstall and Yes to remove the software.
  6. Restart Windows after uninstalling Nexus Mod Manager.
  7. Thereafter, open the download page for Nexus Mod Manager to get the latest version.
  8. Reinstall the software with the downloaded setup wizard.

A lot of users have fixed Nexus Mod Manager not opening with the resolutions above. Note, however, that NMM is no longer supported. Vortex is the replacement mod manager software from Nex Mods that gets updated.

[wl_navigator]

Matthew Adams

Matthew Adams Shield

Windows Hardware Expert

Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it. He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes. In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.