Frequently Asked Questions
Updated regularly — For FL25 unless stated. Some of these will not apply to FL26 due to the new system improvements.
1. Microsoft Windows missing files error
Ensure the following updates are installed:
2. Error: Cannot find Football Life
Some files may be missing. Reinstall the game and make sure antivirus does not delete any game files.
details:
The launcher uses batch scripts (.bat files) which are often flagged as suspicious by antivirus software. All files from the official SmokePatch website are safe. Please whitelist the game folder (AV exceptions).
3. Starting lineup looks wrong
This means the EDIT file is not installed. Reinstall as administrator and make sure the installer has access to Documents folder.
4. Lag or crash on laptops with dual GPU
Make sure Football Life runs on the dedicated GPU. Set this in your GPU control panel for both FL_20XX.exe and settings.exe.
5. Error: Cannot access OneDrive (Cannot create EDIT file)
If Documents is cloud-only (onedrive documents), right-click the folder and select “Always keep on this device”. Then reinstall the game.
6. Sider Addons not working after update
Game updates overwrite sider files. Backup any modified sider files before updating, then restore them manually.
7. Cannot import PNG in Edit Mode
Start the game directly from FL_2025.exe, import and save, then launch normally from the main launcher.
8. Transfers in Edit Mode cause bugs in Career
Custom transfers in edit mode may break Master League/BAL due to contract issue. Avoid making many transfers or use the sider functions to reduce the start year to 2021.
9. Windows prevents saving map_teams.txt or sider.ini
Get admin access or move the file to another disk, edit and save, then move back.
10. How to connect controllers
Use DS4Windows (free and reliable): DS4Windows GitHub
11. Crash after second match
This is a known issue on some CPUs. See the Compatibility Page for workaround executables.
12. Game crash after installing external mods
Mods made specifically for PES21 might cause issues. Only use mods that are confirmed to work with Football Life. Always backup before installing any mod.
13. Become a Legend first season transfer
This is part of the career system now, only first contract will be forced, then the player will regain contract control. You can optionally strart your career in 2022 season using the sider functions if you want to stay in the same team.
14. Black screen or crash after installing facepack
Increase Windows virtual memory size (pagefile) to accommodate high memory use. See this guide.
15. Can I play Football Life online with friends?
Football Life is offline only. However, apps like Parsec can simulate local co-op play remotely. Not officially supported.
16. What is the difference between FL_2025.exe and FL_2025 start.exe?
FL_2025 start.exe is the main launcher that applies system-specific optimizations and launch order.
FL_2025.exe is the raw executable.
* Always launch from start.exe unless otherwise needed.
Notes:
- Make sure your game is updated to the latest version
- Always test with an unmodified installation before reporting bugs
- Starting from FL26, many launcher and system issues will no longer apply
