If you’ve been greeted with the dreaded “Please Close Interception” error while launching games like Rust, Apex Legends, or Fortnite, you’re not alone. This error has frustrated countless gamers, especially those using input emulation tools, custom keybinds, or certain hardware configurations. While the term “interception” may sound technical and obscure, resolving the issue is relatively straightforward once you understand what’s going on behind the scenes.
This blog post will walk you through what causes the error, why certain games detect it, and—most importantly—how to fix it across popular titles like Rust, Apex Legends, and Fortnite.
What Is the “Please Close Interception” Error?
The error typically looks something like this:
“Please close interception to continue playing.”
It occurs when a game detects that a driver or program using the Interception driver is running in the background. The Interception driver is a low-level Windows driver used to remap input devices like keyboards and mice. While it’s useful for legitimate tasks such as customizing keybindings or setting up macros, it can also be used for cheating in online games.
Because of that potential misuse, anti-cheat systems in games like BattleEye (Rust), Easy Anti-Cheat (Fortnite), and Vanguard (Apex Legends) often block it altogether—even if you’re not doing anything malicious.
Why Is Interception Detected?
1. Security & Fair Play
Games with competitive integrity at stake use anti-cheat tools that detect drivers capable of modifying inputs or game files. Since the Interception driver operates at the kernel level, it gets flagged as potentially dangerous.
2. Input Remapping Tools
Some keyboard and mouse customization tools use the Interception driver. Examples include:
- AutoHotKey (with certain scripts)
- Interception-based macros
- InputMapper or HIDMacros
- Custom recoil scripts or triggerbots
Even if these tools are used ethically, the anti-cheat software doesn’t take chances.
How to Fix the “Please Close Interception” Error
Step 1: Uninstall the Interception Driver
The most reliable way to resolve the error is to completely remove the Interception driver from your system.
How to Uninstall:
- Locate the Interception Install Folder
If you installed it manually, the folder might be named something likeinterception, typically in yourDownloadsorProgram Files. - Use the Official Uninstall Command
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and navigate to the directory containing the Interception installation files. bashCopyEditcd path\to\interception uninstall-interception.exe /uninstall - Reboot Your PC
Restart your system to finalize the removal process. - Double-Check It’s Gone
You can verify that Interception is uninstalled by running: bashCopyEditdriverquery | findstr /i interceptionIf nothing is returned, you’re in the clear.
Step 2: Remove Scripts or Macros Using Interception
If you’ve been using tools like:
- Custom AutoHotKey scripts
- NoRecoil macros
- Input remapping utilities
You’ll need to either disable them or ensure they’re not relying on the Interception driver.
🔸 AutoHotKey Tip: Most AHK scripts don’t use Interception by default, but some do when they emulate raw input or low-level hooks. Look for any .ahk or .exe files that use libraries like interception.ahk.
Step 3: Check for Background Applications
Some apps silently install drivers like Interception to enhance user input. If you’re not sure what could be using it, try these:
Use Task Manager:
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + Escto open Task Manager. - Look for suspicious or unknown background applications.
- Disable them from Startup Apps if unnecessary.
Use Autoruns (Sysinternals Tool):
- Download Autoruns for Windows.
- Launch it and search for “interception”.
- Disable or delete any startup entry related to the driver.
Step 4: Reinstall the Game’s Anti-Cheat
Sometimes, the anti-cheat system itself throws false positives. Reinstalling the anti-cheat service for your specific game can help.
For Rust (BattleEye):
- Go to
Rust > BattlEyefolder - Run
Uninstall_BattlEye.bat - Then run
Install_BattlEye.bat
For Fortnite (Easy Anti-Cheat):
- Navigate to
Fortnite\EasyAntiCheat - Run
EasyAntiCheat_Setup.exe - Click Repair Service
For Apex Legends (Easy Anti-Cheat):
- Same as Fortnite. Use the EAC Setup in the game directory.
Alternative Solutions & Workarounds
Use a Clean Boot
To test whether something else is loading the driver, do a clean boot:
- Press
Win + R, typemsconfig, and hit Enter. - Go to Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services.
- Click Disable all.
- Go to Startup tab > Open Task Manager, and disable all startup items.
- Reboot your system.
Try launching your game again. If the error disappears, something you disabled is likely the culprit.
Create a Secondary Gaming Profile (Advanced)
If you rely on the Interception driver for tasks unrelated to gaming (e.g., productivity tools), consider creating a separate Windows user profile solely for gaming. That profile should:
- Not load any custom drivers
- Be used only for launching games
Game-Specific Tips
🔸 Rust
- Rust is very strict with BattleEye detection. Even remnants of Interception can trigger bans.
- Avoid running any input-altering tools.
- Consider verifying game files via Steam after removing the driver.
🔸 Apex Legends
- Apex uses Easy Anti-Cheat, which is aggressive with third-party driver detection.
- Use the EAC Repair Tool often if errors persist.
🔸 Fortnite
- Fortnite also uses Easy Anti-Cheat.
- Epic Games may update detection policies, so stay up to date with patch notes.
- If you use overlays (e.g., Discord, OBS), test launching Fortnite with them off.
Final Cleanup Checklist
Here’s a quick rundown to ensure everything is clean:
- Interception driver uninstalled
- PC rebooted after uninstall
- No startup scripts using low-level hooks
- No background apps dependent on input emulation
- Anti-cheat system repaired/reinstalled
- All unnecessary services/apps disabled during game launch
🧠 FAQ
❓ Can I reinstall the Interception driver after playing?
Yes, but remember: you must uninstall it again before launching any protected game. Using scripts or input drivers in the background, even if harmless, can lead to bans.
❓ Is there a safe alternative to Interception?
Some users use tools like reWASD, DS4Windows, or built-in keyboard remapping via Windows or gaming peripherals (like Logitech G Hub or Razer Synapse). These are less invasive and safer for online gaming.
❓ Can this error be a false positive?
Occasionally, yes. Sometimes antivirus or third-party overlays mimic the behavior of interception-based tools. That’s why clean boot testing is helpful.
Conclusion
The “Please Close Interception” error can be frustrating, especially when you’re just trying to jump into your favorite game. However, with a few careful steps—uninstalling the driver, checking background apps, and repairing anti-cheat services—you can resolve the issue and get back to gaming.
If you’re using tools that rely on input drivers for valid reasons, consider isolating them from your gaming environment entirely. Anti-cheat systems are getting smarter, but they’re still unforgiving when it comes to low-level drivers.
Stay safe, play fair, and game on!