How to Fix DLSSTweaks Not Working in Alan Wake 2

PC gamers rejoice when tools like DLSS Tweaks (DLSSTweaks) provide fine-grain control over NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Super Sampling feature — especially in demanding titles like Alan Wake 2. However, this utility doesn’t always work out of the box. If you’re experiencing issues where DLSSTweaks is not functioning correctly in Alan Wake 2, you’re not alone. This guide walks you through proven methods to resolve the problem and get the game running with optimal visual fidelity and performance.

TL;DR

If DLSSTweaks isn’t working in Alan Wake 2, it’s likely due to compatibility conflicts, incorrect file placement, or missing dependencies. Ensure you’re using the correct version of the tool, place files in the correct game directory, and double-check your configuration settings. Also, verify that DLSS itself is enabled in the in-game settings, and consider temporarily disabling any software overlays or mods that might be interfering.

1. Verify DLSS Is Enabled in Alan Wake 2

Before diving into tweaking utilities, first confirm that DLSS is supported and currently enabled within the game’s settings:

• Launch Alan Wake 2 and go to Settings → Graphics.
• Ensure the DLSS option is enabled and set to a supported quality mode (e.g., Quality or Balanced).
• If DLSS is missing, ensure your GPU is an NVIDIA RTX card (e.g., RTX 2060 or higher).

If DLSS is not visible or greyed out, this typically indicates that the game did not detect compatible hardware or driver support. Update your GPU drivers using the GeForce Experience app or manually from the NVIDIA website.

2. Confirm Correct Installation Path for DLSSTweaks

One of the most common reasons DLSSTweaks fails is because its files are not placed in the right location. For Alan Wake 2, follow these steps:

• Locate the directory where the AlanWake2.exe file resides. This is typically found in:
  
  C:\Program Files\Epic Games\AlanWake2 or within the Steam folder if you use Steam.
• Place all DLSSTweaks files (including dlsstweaks.ini and dxgi.dll) into this folder.
• Do not place DLSSTweaks in subfolders or outside the game’s root directory.

Once you’ve done this, restart your game and check whether the tweaks are being applied. You can usually verify success by setting a custom DLSS mode and observing changes in resolution scaling or performance.

3. Configure dlsstweaks.ini Properly

The dlsstweaks.ini configuration file is central to how the tool behaves. Misconfigurations can render DLSSTweaks ineffective.

Open the file with a text editor like Notepad and look at the key parameters:

[General]
ForceDLSS = true

[DLSSOverride]
Enable = true
Preset = Quality

Some points to verify:

• ForceDLSS enables DLSS even in scenarios where it may be restricted.
• Preset can be set to UltraPerformance, Performance, Balanced, or Quality.
• Use EnableDebugMode = true if you want on-screen confirmation that the tweak is functioning.

Improper syntax or invalid value entries can prevent the tool from functioning, so ensure every word is spelled correctly and follows the expected case sensitivity.

4. Rename dxgi.dll Based on Compatibility

Since DLSSTweaks injects itself by replacing system DLLs, Alan Wake 2’s version of DirectX may conflict with the default method. Try renaming dxgi.dll to dinput8.dll or nvngx.dll if you suspect a conflict. Update the tool’s .ini file accordingly:

[General]
RenameDLL = dinput8.dll

Depending on how the game loads dependencies, certain names may trigger injection, while others are ignored due to internal anti-cheat or verification systems.

5. Confirm Dependency Requirements

DLSSTweaks depends on several system components to function. If these are not installed or are outdated, the tool may silently fail. Ensure the following are present:

1. Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables: Install the latest x64 versions from Microsoft’s official site.
2. DirectX Runtime: Use the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer to update all DirectX components.
3. .NET Framework: Some versions of DLSSTweaks require the .NET Runtime; ensure it’s updated.

Missing or outdated dependencies are among the most overlooked causes of mod injection failure, so it’s crucial to verify these components proactively.

6. Disable Conflicting Software or Mods

Third-party overlays and mods—such as ReShade, MSI Afterburner, or even GeForce Experience—may interfere with DLSSTweaks’ injection process in Alan Wake 2.

Try the following:

• Temporarily disable all overlays, especially those that inject via DirectX (e.g., Discord, Steam, NVIDIA).
• Remove other mods or DLL injectors that may operate in a similar way to DLSSTweaks.
• Launch the game with minimal system overhead by restarting Windows in Clean Boot mode and testing the mod independently.

7. Check Log Files for Clues

DLSSTweaks typically generates a log file (e.g., dlsstweaks.log) in the game directory. This file contains valuable debug information including:

• Whether the DLL was loaded successfully.
• Errors in reading or parsing the .ini file.
• DLSS override events and settings applied.

Open the log and check whether all expected overrides are initializing correctly. If not, it may point to an issue with the DLL load order or a corrupt file.

8. Ensure Compatibility With Game Version

Like many modern games, Alan Wake 2 receives frequent updates. Unfortunately, these patches may change internal DLSS integration or prevent DLL injection. Check for:

• Recent game updates that may have broken mod compatibility.
• Latest version of DLSSTweaks from a trusted source like GitHub or NexusMods.
• A changelog or issue list to see if others have experienced the same problem.

If needed, roll back to an earlier version of the game (if supported via Steam) or wait for a DLSSTweaks update that resolves new compatibility issues.

Conclusion

If DLSSTweaks isn’t working in Alan Wake 2, don’t panic. The problem usually stems from one of a few common sources: incorrect file placement, misconfigured settings, conflicting software, or outdated system components. By methodically ruling out each issue — starting from DLSS settings to file configurations to monitoring log feedback — most users can resolve the issue without needing deep technical expertise.

Remember to always back up your original game files before applying any mod or tweak, and if all else fails, follow community forums or GitHub issue trackers where developers may already be working on a fix for your particular issue.