How to Fix Rust Launch Errors Caused by Interception.exe

Interception.exe is an executable file that functions as a low-level input driver, often used by developers, gamers, and automation users to intercept, remap, or modify keyboard and mouse inputs. While this driver is legitimate and widely used for custom input control, its behavior is similar to how certain cheat tools operate, which is why anti-cheat programs frequently detect and block it.

This detection leads to launch errors in games like Rust because anti-cheat systems do not allow drivers capable of low-level input modification to run in the background. Additionally, cheating tools can exploit Interception.exe for macros, automated inputs, or recoil scripts, making it incompatible with games that enforce strict anti-cheat measures.

If you’re encountering this error, the most effective solution is to completely uninstall the Interception driver.

Before You Begin

A few important notes before proceeding:

• Backup any important configurations: If you use macros or custom key-mapping tools that rely on Interception.exe, they will stop working after removal.
• Administrator rights are required: These steps involve system-level changes, so ensure you’re using an account with admin privileges.
• Prepare for a restart: Changes will only take effect after rebooting your system.

How to Completely Uninstall Interception.exe Using the GitHub Script

The Interception driver integrates deeply into Windows and cannot be removed by simply deleting its files. To ensure a full removal, including registry entries, use the official GitHub uninstallation script:

1. Go to the official Interception GitHub repository and download the ZIP file.
2. Right-click the downloaded ZIP file, select Extract All, and choose a location to extract the contents.
3. Navigate to the extracted folder, open the subfolder named command line installer, and copy its full path.
4. Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
5. In Command Prompt, type these commands one by one:

   cd "C:\Users\YourName\Desktop\Interception\command line installer" install-interception /uninstall

6. Once the uninstallation is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.

This process completely removes Interception.exe from your system, eliminating its entries from Windows and preventing anti-cheat programs from detecting it.

If That Doesn’t Work: Disable Run as Administrator for Rust

Some users have reported that Rust fails to launch when its executables run with elevated privileges while anti-cheat systems are active. Running as administrator increases access permissions, which can cause anti-cheat systems to treat the program as suspicious.

1. Open Steam and navigate to your Library.
2. Right-click on Rust and choose Manage > Browse local files.
3. Locate these two files:

   RustClient.exe Rust.exe

4. Right-click each file, one at a time, and select Properties.
5. Go to the Compatibility tab and uncheck Run this program as an administrator.
6. Click Apply, then OK to save the changes.
7. Close Steam, then relaunch it and try starting Rust again.

If the error still persists after uninstalling Interception.exe and adjusting permissions, the problem may be due to corrupted or mismatched game files. In that case, performing a clean reinstall of Rust is the final step.