Failed Error Code 4 X360ce 2021 — Self Protection

Before fixing the error, let's understand the tool. x360ce (Xbox 360 Controller Emulator) is a open-source driver and application that tricks your Windows PC into thinking any game controller (PS4, PS5, Logitech, generic USB, or even a fight stick) is an official Microsoft Xbox 360 controller.

The 2021 version of x360ce relies heavily on virtual driver emulation (specifically the ViGEmBus driver) and global hooking mechanisms to inject controller inputs into your games. When the application launches, it attempts to access protected system directories and memory spaces to ensure it isn't being modified or interfered with by malicious software. Error Code 4 specifically triggers due to:

But instead of the familiar green light, a cold, clinical box pops up on the screen: self protection failed error code 4 x360ce 2021

Choose > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart .

The application lacks the administrator privileges required to modify files or hooks in protected directories (like Program Files ). Before fixing the error, let's understand the tool

Alex didn't give up. Following advice from forums like Reddit and GitHub , they followed these steps to get back into the game:

The application's "self-protection" mechanism injects code into controller processes, which looks highly suspicious to antivirus software. You need to create an exclusion. When the application launches, it attempts to access

To keep security on but allow x360ce:

If other steps have failed, you can try deeper Windows repairs:

In plain English: x360ce is trying to protect its own files, but something in your PC is preventing it from saving or loading those files properly.