I was all set to jump into EA Sports FC 26 — controller ready, excitement high — when the dreaded message appeared -“This software cannot be used at the same time as the game.”
At first, I thought it was just a controller glitch. But after digging deeper, I realized AutoHotKey and similar apps were clashing with FC26’s security checks. The good news?
Closing AutoHotKey from the system tray and Task Manager worked for me. Once I ended the process and restarted my PC, the game finally launched without interruptions.
That was my winning move — but if it doesn’t solve it for you, don’t worry. There are other methods you can try to get back on the pitch.
Why FC26 Blocks AutoHotKey
Before we jump into solutions, let’s understand the problem. FC26 flags background scripts and utilities like AutoHotKey as potential cheats, even if you’re just using them for shortcuts.
Conflicting apps, startup leftovers, or profile‑linked scripts can all trigger the same block.
- Background scripts – AutoHotKey and similar apps run hidden scripts that FC26 flags as unsafe.
- Conflicting utilities – Tools like Joy2Key, Rainmeter, or Corsair iCUE can trigger the same block.
- Startup leftovers – Old scripts or scheduled tasks may still launch even if you don’t use them.
- Profile ties – Some AutoHotKey scripts are linked to your Windows user profile, causing persistent errors.
What Solved EA Sports FC 26 AutoHotKey Error Software Cannot Be Used At The Same Time As The Game
Follow thse methodsthat can help you fix the FC 26 AutoHotKey error Software Cannot Be Used At The Same Time As The Game.
Closing AutoHotKey and Conflicting Apps
The first thing I tried was shutting down AutoHotKey itself. I checked the system tray, ended the process in Task Manager, and closed related apps like Joy2Key and Rainmeter.
Restarting my PC afterward cleared the error, and FC26 finally launched without interruptions.
- Check System Tray.
- Look for AutoHotkey icon. If you find that, right-click on it then select Exit.
- Open Task Manager by press – Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Find AutoHotkey.exe. Then right-click on it and select the End Task option.
Also check if you have these tasks running –
- JackScore
- Joy2Key
- EitherMouse
- DropTop or Rainmeter
- Corsair iCUE
- 3XS Software
- Game Companion
- Menu.exe (from scanning apps)
- WPort or W’s VR software
If any of these processes are running, then close them. After closing all conflicting apps, restart your PC. Launch FC 26 again and check if the error is resolved.
Clean Boot Your PC
Sometimes hidden apps sneak into startup and cause conflicts. A clean boot disables all third‑party services temporarily, giving FC26 a fresh environment.
This method helps you test whether background software is the culprit.Here’s how to do so:
- Press Windows + R keys to launch Run utility.
- Type msconfig in the Run command box and press Enter.
- Go to Services tab and Check “Hide all Microsoft services” then Click on the “Disable all” option.
- Then go to Startup tab then Open Task Manager and Disable all startup apps.
- Once done, restart your PC and launch FC 26 and check if that works for you.
Create a New Windows User Profile
If scripts are tied to your user profile, they can keep coming back. Making a new Windows account gives you a clean slate without lingering AutoHotKey tasks. It’s a simple way to rule out profile‑based conflicts.
- Open Windows Settings. Then select Accounts then Family. Then click on Add Someone. Follow as shown to add a new user.
- Once done, log into new user account. Then install FC 26 and Launch the game.
- If it works, your original profile may have lingering AHK scripts or startup apps.
Check Startup Folder & Task Scheduler
Old scripts often hide in startup folders or scheduled tasks. By clearing suspicious files from shell:startup and disabling AutoHotKey triggers in Task Scheduler, you stop them from launching automatically.
This ensures FC26 runs without background interference.
- Open Run utility then type shell:startup in the Run command box and hit Enter. Delete any .ahk or suspicious files.
- Next, open Task Scheduler then Look for tasks launching AutoHotkey or related apps and Disable them.
Wrapping Up
And that’s it — you should be back on the pitch without any interruptions.
For me, closing AutoHotKey was the winning move. But every system is different, so think of these methods as your playbook — try them step by step until you find the one that works. Once the error is gone, you’ll be back on the pitch, ready to enjoy FC26 without interruptions.
