Recommended Free Tools
If Enshrouded difficulty or gameplay settings keep reverting, stop the dedicated-server process, edit the enshrouded_server.json located beside the executable that actually runs your server, set gameSettingsPreset to Custom, validate every key and value, save the file, and start the server again. Enshrouded loads these settings at startup; changing the file while the process is running can be lost when the server shuts down.
Godlike.Host offers hosted Enshrouded servers with its own game panel, SFTP access and free DDoS protection, if you would rather not host it yourself.
This procedure applies to a self-managed dedicated server. A control panel may generate or overwrite the JSON, so the file on disk still has to be verified after the panel applies a change.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThe reliable stop-edit-restart procedure
Use this sequence whenever a setting appears ignored or returns to its old value. Do not edit the file while the server is accepting connections.
- Stop the dedicated-server process completely. Use the normal stop control for your service or close the executable only after it has finished shutting down. Editing during a live session leaves the process with its old in-memory values and can allow shutdown code to write those old values back to disk.
- Open the active configuration file. Find
enshrouded_server.jsonin the same directory as the dedicated-server executable that is launched by your service. Do not assume that a backup, an old installation, a download folder, or a hosting-panel template is the file being read. - Select the correct preset. Set
"gameSettingsPreset": "Custom"before changing individual gameplay options. A named preset controls the overall mode and can take precedence over individual values. - Edit only documented JSON properties. Keep the spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and permitted value for every property exactly as described in Keen Games’ current server-settings documentation. Do not add a guessed key or a value from a different game version.
- Save, then start the executable again. Difficulty settings cannot be changed during play; the server must load the new file during a fresh startup.
Join only after the process has completed its normal startup. If it does not boot, leave the command window or service log visible while you check the file; the startup error usually identifies the malformed text or unsupported value.
#1 Best Overall
- BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING GLASSES: Our blue light glasses for women boast UV400 protection, blocking harmful blue rays from computer screens. With these bluelight glasses women, you can enjoy gaming, reading, or watching TV with no worries of eye strain.
- EYE RELIEF: Our blue light glasses are engineered to reduce blurry vision or strain caused by prolonged screen time. These womens blue light glasses aid in better sleep by preventing blue light from disrupting your natural sleep cycle, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep, making them the perfect christmas present.
- COMFORTABLE: Crafted from durable material, our trendy blue light glasses for woman or blue light glasses men ensure long-lasting comfort. The high-transmittance lenses accessories, gamer gifts for men, help keep your eyes relaxed. Perfect stocking stuffers, gifts for gamers men, christmas gifts for men, halloween costumes.
- LIGHTWEIGHT: These clear blue light glasses feature a lightweight frame, meaning they’ll stay comfy for long-term wear. Perfect as blue blockers glasses for women or mens blue light glasses, these non-prescription fake glasses for men can be worn throughout the day. The blue light blocking glasses women feature polycarbonate HD lenses, which are anti-reflective and restore true color.
- WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: If you experience any issues, our support team is ready to assist you quickly. These are the perfect costume glasses for cosplay dressing up.
Why an edit appears to have no effect
The process was still running
The executable keeps its configuration in memory. A text editor can save a new file while the process continues, but that does not make the running world reload its gameplay rules. More importantly, the server’s shutdown behavior can rewrite the JSON, replacing your unscheduled edit with the values it had already loaded. This is the most common explanation for a change that vanishes after a restart.
Always perform the stop action first, wait until the process and any service wrapper have exited, and only then open the file. If a wrapper automatically restarts the executable, temporarily disable that restart policy or stop the service rather than only closing a child window.
A named preset is overriding the value
Enshrouded’s preset system is separate from the individual gameplay properties. Choosing a named preset tells the server to use that preset’s collection of rules. If you need to tune one or more properties yourself, the overall preset must be Custom. Otherwise the file may contain your edited number while the active preset supplies a different effective value.
Change the preset first, save, restart, and then inspect the result in-game. If you switch back to a named preset later, expect its rules to become authoritative again.
You edited a different JSON file
A machine can contain several copies of enshrouded_server.json: an old installation, a backup, a staging folder, or a file exported by a panel. Keen Games’ installation flow identifies the executable-created JSON beside the dedicated-server executable as the server configuration. The path used by the service definition is therefore more important than a filename search result.
Check the launch shortcut, service definition, scheduled task, or panel’s startup command and note the executable path. Open the JSON in that directory. If the service runs under another Windows account, confirm that you are editing the same installation directory rather than a per-user copy.
Rank #2
- WINDEX GAMING WIPES: effortlessly clean all your gaming gear and gaming electronics in one easy step with our new Windex Gaming Wipes
- AMMONIA FREE: our ammonia-free formula is safe to use on all of your favorite gaming equipment like consoles, headsets, controllers, screens, keyboards, and more
- PRE-MOISTENED WIPES: each wipe instantly removes dust, dirt, and stubborn smudges and fingerprints leaving a streak-free shine
- ANTI-STATIC: great for cleaning and wiping down your gaming gear and electronics leaving behind no visible residue
- COMPACT RESEALABLE PACKAGE: store your pack of Windex Gaming Wipes anywhere in your home for whenever a quick and easy wipedown is needed
The JSON is invalid
One missing brace, an extra comma, an unescaped quotation mark, or a misspelled property can prevent the server from booting. An unsupported value can have the same result. Keen Games’ support guidance says that invalid text stops startup and identifies the incorrect value in the command window.
For example, this is valid JSON syntax for the preset property:
{"gameSettingsPreset": "Custom"}This fragment is invalid because of the trailing comma:
{"gameSettingsPreset": "Custom",}The second example is only a syntax illustration. Keep the rest of the properties generated by your server and use the documented names and ranges for gameplay settings. A generic JSON validator can find punctuation errors, but it cannot tell you whether a game-specific value is supported.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The file was regenerated or is stale
Keen Games states that the configuration file is created after the executable has been started once. If the file was incorrectly updated or has become unusable, the support procedure recommends deleting it so the server can generate a fresh copy at the next startup. Stop the server first and make a backup before deleting anything, especially if the file contains a password or carefully tuned settings.
After regeneration, stop the newly started server again, apply your changes to the fresh file, and perform a normal restart. Regeneration is a recovery step, not a substitute for checking the active executable path.
Rank #3
- Ergonomic & Adjustable Design: Fight "text neck" and improve your posture. Designed for comfort, it offers an adjustable height (7.1in-8.5in) (1.4in adjustable range) and angle (5°-85°) Please note: cell phone stand is only 9 inches tall—the length of a standard pencil
- Without blocking subtitles Perfect for office desk Tiktok Face Time Zoom video—this is the ultimate kitchen desk essential for phones! Perfect viewing experience while reducing neck back strain, A must-have for gamers streamers desk, and anyone who values both style and support!
- Sleek & Stable Design fits Otterbox Case: Say goodbye to bent cables, tangles, and tip-overs! LISEN’s stylish adjustable desk phone holder features a built-in charging hole and smart cable management, keeping your phone secure and your workspace clutter-free cool gadgets for men
- ANTI-SLIP DESIGN free hands: The under 10.00 items easy gadgets back and the bottom of this kitchen essentials for women are fully covered by anti-skid silicone, which LISEN stand up desk decor can provide maximum protection device from any scratches and slides
- Your Perfect Viewing Companion:If your product arrives damaged or breaks within 365 days, reach out to LISEN for a quick and hassle-free solution. Struggling with assembly, like tightening the screw? We’ve got your back! Your experience matters to us. (Product including: phone Holder stand*1, screw*1, hexagon screwdriver*1, specification*1)
How the configuration file is created and loaded
First launch creates the file
The dedicated-server executable is the source of the initial JSON. Start it once using the installation’s normal launch method, then look beside that executable for enshrouded_server.json. If no file appears, verify that you launched the dedicated server rather than a game client, that the process had permission to write to its directory, and that you are looking in the path used by the service.
Startup is the load boundary
Gameplay and difficulty values are read when the server starts. There is no supported in-session reload for these settings, so a text-editor save cannot change an already running world. Plan a maintenance window, stop the process cleanly, edit the file, and start it again before testing.
Shutdown can write the file
A running process may write its current configuration while it exits. That is why an edit made during play can seem to work until the next stop and then disappear. The safe order is always process stopped, file edited, file saved, process started.
Changing difficulty and individual gameplay values
Use the preset as the first decision
Decide whether you want a complete preset or individual control:
| Goal | Configuration approach | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Use one of the game’s predefined modes | Keep the corresponding named value for gameSettingsPreset. |
Do not expect a separate individual property to override the preset. |
| Tune individual gameplay or difficulty properties | Set gameSettingsPreset to Custom, then edit the documented properties. |
Every property name and value must be supported by the server version. |
The preset choice and the individual properties belong in the same active JSON. Do not place them in a panel template while leaving the executable’s file unchanged.
Preserve the generated structure
Before editing, make a dated copy of the file outside the server directory. Work from the generated structure rather than replacing the whole document with a short example. Change only the properties you intend to change, keep commas between adjacent properties, and retain quotation marks around string values.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #4
- Easy Installation: Our gaming lights have been designed to enhance your entertainment experience. Simply position the led light bar next to your TV or game console to create a game room environment with ease. They come with USB power and a 60 inch cord for direct mounting and mobility
- Audio Syncing & Extensive Mode: The built-in high-sensitivity music sensor allows you to sync the TV led lights to your favorite music. Lights react and move to the beat of music, film and game audio, creating an incredible immersive sound and light experience – and all without the need for an additional hub. You can choose from 64+ patterns, including strobe, illusion, jump, energy, gradient, running, chasing, fluttering mode etc. Each mode can be applied to different scenes
- 64+ Chasing IC+RGB & W Effect: The independent control design of IC+RGB and white all-in-one multifunctional rgbw led bar lights monitor backlight allows you to easily switch the led lights for desk between IC+RGB and white to enjoy a variety of lighting effects, you can choose white lighting mode with high brightness for better illumination when working, etc. Choose IC+RGB lighting mode when you need to create an entertaining atmosphere for the light show, 16 million colours of Color changing rgb light bar let you dance to the beat and create a dynamic party atmosphere
- Dynamic and Dimmable Lights: 1%-full brightness free brightness adjustment gives you the flexibility to adjust dimmable led light bar for room decorations or a variety of occasions
- USB Powered: USB light bars for room can be powered by powernank, usb charger, TV, Monitor, laptop PC mainframe, making behind TV led lighting bar easy to install in any location.TV led lights are powered by the TV usb interface / PC mainframe, can be turned on/off synchronously with TV / PC
Do not copy settings from a different Enshrouded release without checking the current support article. A property that existed in one version can be renamed, removed, or assigned a different permitted range in another version.
Apply one logical change at a time
When diagnosing a stubborn setting, change the preset first and restart. Once that is confirmed, change one gameplay property and restart again. This creates a clear cause-and-effect trail and makes it easier to identify an unsupported value than editing many properties at once.
Finding the authoritative file on a self-managed server
Trace the launch path
- Identify the executable your shortcut, service, scheduled task, or script launches.
- Open that executable’s directory in the file manager.
- Confirm that
enshrouded_server.jsonis beside it and check its modified time after a controlled stop or start. - Make a small, documented change with the server stopped, then restart and observe whether that exact file is read.
If the modified time changes on a different copy, you have found an installation or wrapper that is writing elsewhere. Correct the service path or edit the file in the directory that is actually launched.
Windows scope and permissions
Keen Games’ cited installation guide documents Windows support. On Windows, a protected installation directory or a service account without write permission can prevent saves or regeneration. Run the editor with an account that can write to the server directory, or move the installation to a location permitted by the service policy. Do not grant broad permissions blindly; confirm which account runs the dedicated-server process.
Panel-managed installations
A control panel may expose friendly fields while storing a template and generating the JSON during deployment or restart. If a panel change does not persist, compare the panel’s generated file with the JSON beside the active executable after the panel has finished. A manually edited file can be overwritten the next time the panel synchronizes its template.
Checking syntax and values before you restart
Visual JSON checklist
- The document has one opening and one closing brace.
- Every property name is enclosed in straight double quotation marks.
- Each property has a colon between its name and value.
- Adjacent properties are separated by commas, but the final property has no trailing comma.
- String values use straight double quotation marks and the exact capitalization expected by the server.
- Numbers, booleans, and strings use the data type specified by the current Keen Games documentation.
- No comments, smart quotes, or editor-added formatting appear in the file.
Use the command window as the diagnostic record
Start the executable from the normal service method while you can see its command window or log output. If startup fails, read the first configuration error rather than repeatedly restarting. Keen Games says the server reports the incorrectly entered value when invalid text is supplied. Correct that property, save the file with the process stopped, and try once more.
Best Value
- Compatible with Wide Screens - To ensure compatibility with the dual monitor mount, your each monitor must meet three conditions at the same time: First, computer screens size range: 13 to 32 inches. Second, screen weight range: 4.4 to 19.8 lbs. Third, the back of the monitor screen must have VESA mounting holes with a pitch of 75x75mm or 100x100mm.
- Regarding the compatibility with desks - Your desk must meet three conditions at the same time: First, desk material: Only wooden desks are recommended, plastic or glass desks cannot be used. Second, desk thickness range: 0.59" - 3.54". Third, the bottom of the desk should not have any cross beams or panels, as this will interfere with installation. We recommend carefully checking that your desk and monitors meets all above conditions before purchasing.
- Dual C-Clamp Hold - Worried your dual monitors might wobble or slip? Our upgraded base uses a larger platform plus a dual C-clamp structure to lock the dual monitor arm firmly to your desk. Each arm safely keeps your screens steady while you type, click and game—no shaking, no sliding, just a clean and secure setup you can trust every day. It also provides Grommet Mounting installation choice, both options ensure stable and secure fixation for your 0.59" - 3.54" desk.
- Full-Motion Adjustment For Comfortable View - Pull the screen closer when you’re deep in a spreadsheet, push it back to watch videos, or rotate to portrait for coding — moving everything smoothly with just one hand. The monitor stand offers +85°/-50° tilt, ±90° swivel and 360° rotation. Raise your monitor up to 15.75″ to support a healthy sitting posture. Whether you’re working from home, gaming through the night, or switching between video calls and documents, getting the screens to your natural line of sight helps relieve neck, shoulder and back strain so you can stay focused longer with less fatigue.
- Keep Your Desk Organized: By lifting both screens off the desktop, this dual monitor stand opens up valuable space for your keyboard, notebook, docking station or a simple, clutter-free work area. Built-in cable management guides wires along the arms, keeping cords out of sight and out of the way. Enjoy a tidy, modern workstation that looks as good as it feels to use.
If the window closes immediately, run the same executable from a console or temporarily configure the service to retain its output. The goal is to capture the exact property or value named by the server, not to guess from the in-game symptom.
Separate syntax errors from game-rule choices
A syntax error prevents boot. A valid but unsupported game value can also prevent boot or be rejected during startup. A valid, supported value under the wrong preset may leave the server running while appearing ineffective. These are different branches: validate punctuation first, verify the allowed value second, and check Custom precedence third.
Recovery when the server will not boot after an edit
Restore the last known-good copy
- Stop any automatic restart loop so the process does not repeatedly rewrite the file.
- Copy the current JSON to a quarantine folder for later inspection.
- Restore the backup made before the edit, or remove the damaged file only after confirming the correct executable directory.
- Start the server and keep the command window visible.
- Once the server boots, reapply changes one property at a time using the current documentation.
If the file contains credentials, protect the backup as carefully as the live file. Do not paste passwords into public logs or troubleshooting posts.
Regenerate a clean file
When no known-good copy exists and the support guidance indicates that the file was incorrectly updated, stop the process, back up the existing JSON, and delete the active copy. Start the executable once so it can create a fresh configuration. Stop it again before editing the regenerated document. This removes malformed structure but also removes custom values, so record anything you need before deletion.
Verifying that a change really persisted
Use a controlled test instead of relying on a single player session:
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →- Record the original preset and the property you intend to change.
- Stop the server and confirm the process is no longer running.
- Back up the active JSON, set
gameSettingsPresettoCustomif individual control is required, and change only the selected property. - Save the file, close the editor, and reopen it to confirm the saved text is still present.
- Start the dedicated server and watch for configuration errors.
- Connect and test the specific gameplay behavior affected by the change.
- Stop the server normally, reopen the JSON, and verify that the value remains. If it changed, investigate a shutdown writer, service wrapper, or panel template rather than editing again while live.
This test distinguishes three outcomes: the server rejected the file, the server accepted it but a preset supplied another rule, or another process overwrote the file.
Manual JSON versus a hosting control panel
Neither method removes the need to understand the active configuration path. The trade-offs are operational rather than a guarantee that one method will always fix a bad value.
| Consideration | Direct JSON management | Managed panel |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Direct access to the generated file and every documented property. | Convenient fields, but the panel may expose only a subset and generate the file. |
| Persistence | Edits persist when made with the process stopped and when no wrapper rewrites them. | Persistence depends on whether the panel treats its template as authoritative. |
| Operational effort | You handle updates, backups, permissions, stop/start sequencing, and error logs. | The service may handle process management, but you still need to verify generated JSON and update behavior. |
| Platform | The cited Keen installation documentation covers Windows; support on another platform must be confirmed for that release. | Platform support and file locations vary by provider and plan. |
| Cost | No managed-service charge, but hardware and administration are your responsibility. | Pricing, availability, backups, and restart policies depend on the current provider terms and are not uniform. |
If you choose a panel because you do not want to maintain the executable, ask where it writes enshrouded_server.json, whether it restarts the process after saving, and whether it reapplies a template on every deployment. Those answers determine whether a manual edit will survive.
Symptom-by-symptom troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| The setting changes until the next restart. | The file was edited while the process was live, or shutdown rewrote it. | Stop completely, edit the active file, save, then start. |
| The server boots but an individual value is ignored. | A named preset is still active. | Set gameSettingsPreset to Custom and restart. |
| The edit has no visible effect and the file timestamp never changes. | You edited a backup or a directory different from the launch path. | Trace the executable used by the service and edit the adjacent JSON. |
| The server refuses to start after saving. | Malformed JSON or an unsupported value. | Read the command-window error, correct the named property, and retry from a stopped process. |
| The file is missing or appears freshly reset. | The executable has not generated it in the path you checked, or an invalid file was removed and regenerated. | Launch once from the confirmed executable directory, then stop before editing the new file. |
| A panel change disappears after deployment. | The panel’s template or synchronization job overwrote the manual edit. | Change the panel’s authoritative field or edit its generated file only after deployment, then verify after a full restart. |
Maintenance practices that prevent repeat failures
- Keep a dated backup before every settings migration or version update.
- Record the executable path and the account or service that launches it.
- Make configuration edits during a planned downtime window.
- Use
Customwhenever the goal is individual gameplay control. - Change one logical property at a time when diagnosing behavior.
- Keep the startup command window or log available until the server has completed booting.
- After an update, compare the generated structure with the current Keen Games documentation instead of assuming every old property remains valid.
- Protect backups containing passwords and remove credentials from screenshots or pasted logs.
The central rule is simple: the authoritative JSON is the one beside the executable that actually runs, and its values take effect at startup. Stop that process before editing, choose Custom for individual controls, validate the document, and verify the file again after a normal shutdown.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchQuick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
