How to Fix nProtect GameGuard Error 110 (GameMon Already Exists)
GameGuard Error 110 means a copy of GameGuard is still loaded in memory, so your game cannot start a new one. End the leftover GameMon.des process or restart your PC and launch the game once. Jump to your situation below or work through the methods in order.
By Neeraj Singh ~5 min Updated Nov 2026 Checked against EA Help
Error message
Error update GameGuard (error code: 110)
Summary
GameGuard Error 110 is nProtect's GameMon already exists error. GameGuard from an earlier session is still loaded in memory, so the game cannot start a second copy and stops with 110. Close the game, wait for the blue shield icon in the system tray to disappear and launch the game once. End the GameMon.des process in Task Manager if the icon stays. Restart your PC if 110 returns, then delete the game's GameGuard folder and scan for viruses if it still comes back.
What GameGuard Error 110 means
GameGuard keeps one monitor process, called GameMon, for every game that uses nProtect. Error 110 appears when that monitor already exists, so the game cannot load a second one.
Error 115 is the sister error and means the game itself was started twice. Error 110 points at GameGuard, not at your game window, which is why closing the game is not always enough.
GameGuard is the anti-cheat module used by games including Elsword and 9Dragons, and the error is a duplicate copy problem rather than anything about your account.
Common causes
A previous game session left GameGuard loaded in memory.
You started a second game that uses GameGuard before the first one finished closing.
GameGuard did not unload after a crash or a failed update.
Security software holds a GameGuard process open.
Malware or a damaged GameGuard folder blocks the clean start.
✓ How to fix it
Method 1
Wait for GameGuard to unload
1Close the game and its launcher completely.
2Look for the blue shield icon in the system tray at the bottom right of Windows. It means GameGuard is still loaded.
3Wait until the icon disappears, then start the game once.
4Only one GameGuard process can be loaded at a time, so do not start a second GameGuard game while the first is closing.
Method 2
End the leftover GameGuard process
1Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and select More details.
2Find GameMon.des or any process with GameGuard in its name.
3Right-click it and select End task.
4Start the game again.
Method 3
Sign out or restart Windows
1Sign out of Windows and sign back in. Signing out closes every program, including GameGuard.
2Restart your PC if signing out does not help.
3Start the game once after you reach the desktop.
Method 4
Delete the game's GameGuard folder
1Close the game and end any GameMon.des process as in Method 2.
2Open the game's install folder and find the GameGuard folder. The location differs by game and launcher.
3Delete that folder only. Do not copy a GameGuard folder from another game.
4Start the game and let it download GameGuard again.
Method 5
Scan for viruses and check security software
1Scan your PC with a reliable antivirus, because malware can stop GameGuard from loading cleanly.
2Temporarily disable security software that can hold a GameGuard process open and test the game.
3Allow the game and its GameGuard folder through your firewall before you enable protection again.
4Restart your PC and start the game once.
GameGuard Error 110 means GameMon already exists, so a copy of GameGuard from an earlier session is still loaded in memory. Close the game, wait for the blue shield icon in the system tray to disappear, end GameMon.des in Task Manager if needed and start the game once. Restart your PC if it returns, then delete the game's GameGuard folder and scan for viruses.
Frequently asked questions
What does GameGuard Error 110 mean?
It means a copy of GameGuard, called GameMon, is already loaded in memory from an earlier session. The game cannot start a second copy, so it stops with Error 110.
How do I fix GameGuard Error 110?
Close the game, wait for the blue shield icon in the system tray to disappear and start the game once. If the icon stays, end the GameMon.des process in Task Manager. Restart your PC if Error 110 comes back.
What is the difference between Error 110 and Error 115?
Error 110 means GameMon already exists, which is the GameGuard monitor itself. Error 115 means a game instance already exists, which points at the game being started twice.
Is GameGuard Error 110 a ban?
No. Error 110 reports a copy of GameGuard that is already loaded, so it says nothing about your account.
Why does Error 110 appear when I switch games?
GameGuard from the first game has not unloaded when the second game starts. Close the first game, wait for the blue shield icon to disappear and then start the second one.
Can I delete the GameGuard folder?
Yes. Delete only the GameGuard folder inside the game you are fixing, and the game downloads it again on the next launch. Do not copy a GameGuard folder from another game.
