Sometimes, the emulation hook needs to be manually configured to avoid being detected as a threat. Open x360ce.ini in Notepad.
The "Self protection failed error code 4" in x360ce 2021 is rarely a sign of broken hardware. Instead, it is a symptom of modern Windows security blocking the intrusive methods needed to emulate a controller. Running the program as an administrator, ensuring your ViGEmBus drivers are clean, and setting up proper antivirus exclusions will fix the issue for nearly all setups. self protection failed error code 4 x360ce 2021
This is the most reported fix for the 2021–2025 versions of x360ce. You must block the specific program or game from connecting to the internet to bypass the protection check. How to Fix Self Protection Failed Error Code 4 [SOLVED] Sometimes, the emulation hook needs to be manually
Note: If you use a third-party antivirus (such as Avast, AVG, or Bitdefender), you will need to open that specific software and add the x360ce folder to its exception/whitelist menu. 3. Clear and Rebuild Configuration Files Instead, it is a symptom of modern Windows
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the "Self Protection Failed Error Code 4" and get your controller working in no time. Good luck!
Move the x360ce.exe and its generated .ini or .dll files into this new folder. Run the application from this location as an administrator.