A persistent and frustrating issue has been affecting
Borderlands 4 players on PC: the inability to save game settings. Users who try to adjust their graphics, keybinds, or other configurations are met with the error message,
"Your settings have failed to save." This problem stems from a common file access issue on Windows systems, but the solutions are often simple and effective.The error typically occurs because the game is being prevented from accessing and writing to the "Documents" folder, where it saves crucial data like configuration files and user settings. This can be caused by two main Windows features designed to protect your data.Here are the most common reasons and their solutions to fix the "Your settings have failed to save" error in
Borderlands 4.
Best Possible Fixes for the "Your settings have failed to save" Error
The following solutions address the root cause of the error: a lack of permission for the game to access its save location.
1) Remove the Documents Folder from OneDrive's Sync List
OneDrive, Microsoft's cloud storage service, automatically syncs key user folders like "Documents" and "Pictures" by default. This can sometimes create a conflict where OneDrive's synchronization process "locks" the folder,preventing other applications, including games, from writing to it.
To fix this, you need to remove the "Documents" folder from OneDrive's backup list.
Open OneDrive Settings: Find the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray (the bottom-rightcorner of your desktop, near the clock). It may be hidden behind the "Up Arrow" button.Access the Settings Menu: Right-click the OneDrive icon, then click on the gear icon and select "Settings" from the menu.Manage Backup/Folders: In the OneDrive settings window, navigate to the "Sync and backup" or"Account" tab. Look for an option like "Manage backup" or "Choosefolders."Unselect the Documents Folder: In the list of folders being backed up by OneDrive, uncheck the boxnext to "Documents." Confirm the change. This will stop OneDrive frombacking up and controlling that folder.Restart Your PC: It is recommended to restart your computer to ensure the changes are fully applied before relaunching Borderlands 4.This fix resolves the conflict and allows the game to freely access and save its settings.
2) Allow Borderlands 4 Through "Controlled Folder Access" in Windows Defender
Controlled Folder Access is a security feature within Windows Defender (part of Windows Security) designed to protect your personal foldersfrom unauthorized access by suspicious applications, such as ransomware. While this is a valuable security measure, it can sometimes incorrectly flag legitimate applications like Borderlands 4, preventing them from saving files.
To fix this, you can either temporarily disable the feature or, more securely, add the game as an allowed application.
Option A: Allow the App (Recommended)
Open Windows Security: Search for "Windows Security" in your Start Menu and open the app.Navigate to "Virus & threat protection": From the main menu, click on "Virus & threat protection."Manage Ransomware Protection: Scroll down and click on "Manage ransomware protection."Add an Allowed App: Click on "Allow an app through Controlled folder access."Browse for the Game's Executable: Click "Add an allowed app" and then "Browse all apps." Navigate to your Borderlands 4 installation folder.- You will need to find the main game executable, which is typically located in YourInstallLocation\Borderlands 4\Binaries\Win64.
- Select Borderlands4.exe and add it to the allowed list.
- Some users may need to add a second executable. Look for a second .exe file in the same location and add it as well.
Check History (If still not working): If the game was previously blocked, you may need to go back to the"Protection history" section within Windows Security. Look for a"Protected folder access blocked" entry for Borderlands 4 and select "Allow on device."Option B: Temporarily Disable the Feature
If adding the application doesn't work or you want a quick fix, you can temporarily disable Controlled Folder Access.
Open Windows Security: Search for and open the Windows Security app.Navigate to "Virus & threat protection": Click on "Virus & threat protection."Manage Ransomware Protection: Scroll down and click on "Manage ransomware protection."Turn Off the Toggle: Toggle the "Controlled folder access" switch to the "Off" position.While this solution will fix the saving error, it's important to rememberthat it also leaves your protected folders vulnerable. Once you havesaved your settings in Borderlands 4, you can re-enable this feature for added security.
Platform(s): PlayStation 5 PS5, Microsoft Windows PC, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X/S
Genre(s): First-person shooter, action role-playing
Developer(s): Gearbox Software
Release date: September 12, 2025
Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
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