PES 2021 players are having quite some difficulties in just starting the game since it is getting stuck on loading screen when they launch the game. I have some tips and tricks that can help with this issue, so feel free to give them a go. These fixes are tested and works for most players in the community, so you may try it at your end as well to see if it fixes it for you.
How To Fix Stuck On Loading Screen for PES 21
Before getting started, ensure that you are meeting the minimum system requirements for the game, just to be on the safe side of things.
System Requirements for PES 21
MINIMUM:
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS: Windows 8.1/10 – 64bit
- Processor: Intel Core i5-3470 / AMD FX 4350
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 670 / AMD Radeon HD 7870
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 40 GB available space
- Additional Notes: Resolution 1280 x 720
RECOMMENDED:
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS: Windows 10 – 64bit
- Processor: Intel Core i7-3770 / AMD FX 8350
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 760 / AMD Radeon R9 270X
- Storage: 40 GB available space
- Additional Notes: Resolution 1920 x 1080
General Fixes
Firstly, remove any Workshop files like custom graphics and logos you may have added in preparation for launching the game.
This can occasionally interfere with or slow down the game when launching. Once you’ve done this, I will suggest deleting your cache and preferences for Windows, and then reverifying the game files via Steam.
The next thing I want you to do is to turn off your data (internet). An error will pop up which should be the right indicating that you are doing things correctly.
After that, turn on the data (internet) and press retry. This should work if you do things in order.
If this doesn’t work go to %USERPROFILE%\Documents\KONAMI\eFootball PES 2021 (or 20 depending on the version). Now delete the “Settings” folder.
This should reset all the video and audio options that you have set previously. But this should get past the infinite loading screen. The only downside is that you will have to re-configure all the settings again.
Verify Game Files
To verify game files, Launch Steam and go to “Library”. From the ‘Library’ section, right-click on the game and select ‘Properties’ from the menu. Select the ‘Local Files’ tab and click the ‘Verify Integrity of Game Files’ button.
Steam will verify the game’s files – this process may take several minutes. This will always download several files, even if you’ve just verified. Once the process is completed, close the windows, then launch the game.
Once you’ve completed all those steps above in the order listed, please then try relaunching the game (Do not add any Workshop or custom files) and see if it now processes past the loading screen.
If it does load without issue now, and you were trying to add custom files, please close your game down and re-add any custom files to see if the issue is now fully resolved.
If you have completed all of the above fixes without being able to resolve your issue, please contact the official support team.
Try to include as many details as possible and list any troubleshooting techniques you’ve tried already so they can help you most efficiently. That would be all for this guide. Thanks for reading!
Last Updated on March 24, 2025

A computer science graduate by qualification, Zoid loves to keep himself updated with the latest gaming content related to PC, Android, and other platforms as well. Likes to keep his diet and health in check from time to time!