Identity V's anti-cheat system upgraded November 27, 2026, introducing tiered penalties: 24-hour to permanent bans for modified client detection. This guide explains triggers, distinguishes false positives from violations, and provides fixes that resolve 70-90% of technical failures while protecting your account.
Understanding Modified Client Warnings on PC
Modified client warnings indicate Identity V's anti-cheat detected unauthorized alterations to game files, processes, or memory. NetEase's Terms of Service license 56961-2 defines this as any deviation from official client integrity—file modifications, memory injections, or unauthorized third-party tools.
Three-Tier Penalty System (December 2, 2026):
Tier 1: 24-72 hour suspensions (first-time minor infractions)
Tier 2: 7-30 day suspensions (repeated/moderate violations)
Tier 3: Permanent bans (severe cheating/persistent violations)
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Anti-Cheat Detection System
Identity V's PC client uses multi-layered verification:
Continuous hash verification of critical files
Process memory monitoring
System-level interaction checks
Kernel-level operation (Windows 7 64-Bit+)
PC Requirements:
Quad-core Intel/AMD processor at 2.5 GHz
4 GB RAM
NVIDIA GeForce 470 GTX or AMD Radeon 6870 HD (1024 MB VRAM)
Pixel shader 5.0 + Vertex shader 5.0 support
14 GB storage
Systems below specs experience file corruption mimicking modified client signatures.
Warning vs Suspension vs Ban
Warnings: Initial alerts without gameplay restrictions. Continue playing but address cause immediately.
Temporary Suspensions: Tier 1 (24-72 hours) or Tier 2 (7-30 days) block all gameplay. Account resumes automatically after period, but violation history remains.
Permanent Bans: Tier 3 terminates account access. Appeals require 30+ days review. Success rates: 70-90% for documented technical failures, below 10% for intentional fraud.
7 Primary Warning Triggers on PC
1. Legitimate Modifications
Any alteration to executables, DLL libraries, or asset packages triggers instant detection:
Texture replacements, model swaps, UI mods
Custom shader implementations
Memory editing tools (Cheat Engine) running simultaneously
Script injection frameworks (instant Tier 3 ban)
2. Corrupted Game Files
Causes:
Power failures during updates
Forced shutdowns mid-patch
Hard drive errors/bad sectors
Storage near capacity limits
Antivirus quarantine during updates
The 14 GB installation requires stable connections and uninterrupted power.
3. Third-Party Software Conflicts
Overlay Applications:
Discord, Steam overlay, NVIDIA GeForce Experience, AMD Radeon Software
Inject rendering code into game processes
Conflicts during startup integrity checks
RGB Control Software:
Razer Synapse, Corsair iCUE, Logitech G Hub
Kernel-level drivers access system resources
Triggers false positives during effect updates
Hardware Monitoring:
MSI Afterburner, HWiNFO, CPU-Z
Low-level access resembles cheat tool behavior
Overlay features displaying in-game stats cause conflicts
4. Antivirus Interference
Windows Defender and third-party antivirus inject monitoring code that anti-cheat interprets as unauthorized modifications. Real-time protection scanning memory during gameplay creates detection conflicts.
5. VPN and Network Tools
VPN software modifies network stack behavior, triggering region mismatch flags when client version doesn't align with connection origin. Anti-cheat cross-references client version against connection geography.
6. Windows Updates
Updates modifying system libraries between sessions cause dependency mismatches. Game expects specific DLL versions from installation; automatic updates replacing these create verification failures.
7. Regional Version Mismatches
Steam version players experience conflicts when automatic updates deploy patches before official launcher versions. Creates temporary version mismatches triggering modification warnings.
False Positive Triggers (2026 Update)
Overlay Software
Discord: Overlay injects rendering hooks. November 27, 2025 upgrade increased sensitivity. Fix: Disable overlay (User Settings > Overlay > Enable in-game overlay OFF).
OBS Studio/Streamlabs: Game capture hooks DirectX pipelines. Fix: Use display capture mode (sacrifices performance) or disable during gameplay.
NVIDIA ShadowPlay/AMD ReLive: Driver-level access generally safe due to whitelisted signatures. Beta drivers lose whitelist protection.
RGB and Monitoring Software
Razer Synapse Chroma: Hooks game processes for reactive lighting. Fix: Disable in-game integration, use static profiles.
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MSI Afterburner: RivaTuner Statistics Server triggers false positives. Fix: Disable on-screen display, maintain background monitoring only.
Graphics Enhancement Tools
Reshade: Post-processing injectors modify rendering through shader replacement—identical to wallhack implementations. Triggers immediate detection.
NVIDIA Freestyle/AMD Image Sharpening: Driver-level operation safer than injection. Processes frames after game rendering. Aggressive settings with other software may contribute to detection.
Real Case Studies
Case 1 - Windows Update: DirectX runtime library replacement after Windows 10 feature update. Clean reinstall after update resolved in 24 hours.
Case 2 - Antivirus Quarantine: Bitdefender quarantined legitimate DLL during update. Required restoring file with antivirus exclusions.
Case 3 - RGB Driver: Corsair iCUE kernel driver conflicted during specific lighting profile. Disabling hardware lighting integration fixed issue.
Case 4 - Incomplete Update: Network interruption during November 27, 2025 upgrade left partial files. Required complete uninstall with registry cleanup.
Case 5 - Monitoring Overlay: HWiNFO sensor overlay at 1-second updates triggered warnings. Reducing to 5-second intervals eliminated conflict.
Step-by-Step Safe Fix Protocol
Step 1: Close All Background Applications
Exit overlay software before launching:
Discord overlay, Steam overlay, graphics control panels
Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to verify complete termination
Check Processes and Details tabs for residual services
Disable RGB software or switch to static profiles. Close hardware monitoring tools entirely. Temporarily disable antivirus real-time protection during sessions.
Step 2: Verify Game File Integrity
Launch official Identity V launcher > Settings/Tools > File Verification. Process compares installed files against official hash databases (15-30 minutes). Downloads replacements for discrepancies.
If verification repeatedly fails or reports no issues despite warnings, proceed to clean reinstall.
Step 3: Clean Reinstallation
Uninstall:
Windows Settings > Apps > Identity V
Manually delete remaining directories:
Program Files installation folder
C:\Users[Username]\AppData\Local\Identity V
C:\Users[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Identity V
Reinstall:
Download latest official launcher from NetEase website
Verify installer file size matches official specs
Disable antivirus during installation
Install to directory with 14+ GB free space on healthy drive
Re-enable antivirus, configure exclusions for game directory
Step 4: System Configuration
Update Graphics Drivers:
Latest stable versions from NVIDIA/AMD official sources
Avoid beta drivers lacking anti-cheat whitelisting
Configure Windows Defender Exclusions:
Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings > Exclusions
Add installation folder and game executable
Verify System Requirements:
Quad-core 2.5 GHz processor
4 GB RAM
NVIDIA GeForce 470 GTX/AMD Radeon 6870 HD equivalent
Windows 7 64-Bit or newer
Step 5: Testing and Monitoring
Launch without overlay/monitoring software. Play several matches across modes. Gradually reintroduce essential software one at a time, testing after each addition.
Document which combinations trigger warnings. Create personal whitelist of safe configurations.
Advanced Diagnostics
Windows Event Logs
Access Event Viewer (Windows key + X > Event Viewer) > Windows Logs > Application. Review errors coinciding with warning timestamps.
Filter by Application Error source. Search for Identity V executable names. Cross-reference timestamps with warnings to establish causation patterns.
Driver Verification
Device Manager > Graphics adapter > Properties > Driver tab. Compare version against NVIDIA/AMD official releases.
Uninstall graphics control software, test with driver-only installation. Check for Windows Update-delivered drivers differing from manufacturer releases.
Network Configuration
Disable VPN services and proxy configurations. Configure Windows Firewall to allow Identity V full network access. Reset DNS to automatic ISP settings or use Google 8.8.8.8/Cloudflare 1.1.1.1.
NetEase Support Escalation
Exhaust all troubleshooting first. Document each attempted solution. Prepare:
Exact warning messages and timestamps
System specifications
Installed software list
Troubleshooting steps attempted
Screenshots of warnings and Event Viewer errors
Review Times:
Simple technical failures: 5-7 business days
Complex cases: 2-3 weeks
Permanent ban appeals: 30+ days
Prevention Strategies
Safe Gaming Environment
Pre-Game Checklist:
Close Discord overlay
Disable RGB game integration
Exit hardware monitoring overlays
Disable antivirus real-time scanning
Configure Windows to prevent automatic updates during gaming hours. Use separate user accounts for gaming vs general computing if possible.
Whitelisted Software
Safe Configurations:
NVIDIA/AMD drivers with overlay features disabled
Discord with overlay completely disabled (voice works independently)
Windows Defender with proper exclusions
Avoid third-party system optimizers, registry cleaners, game boosters
Update Management
Wait 24-48 hours after major updates before installing. Verify 14+ GB free space before updates. Monitor progress without interruption. Run file verification immediately after update completion.
Regular Maintenance
Monthly:
Disk error checking (right-click drive > Properties > Tools > Check)
Bi-Weekly:
Verify game files through launcher (10-15 minutes)
Quarterly:
Update graphics drivers
Account Security Implications
Temporary Restrictions
Initial warnings create violation records affecting future penalty severity. Tier 1 violations block all matches for 24-72 hours. Tier 2 penalties prevent seasonal rank progression and limited-time event participation.
Payment-Related Warnings:
Negative balance under 100 echoes: warnings
500+ echoes debt: purchase restrictions, Tier 2 penalties
5000+ echoes debt: Tier 3 permanent ban
Violation History Impact
Records persist indefinitely. Clean records receive minimum Tier 1 penalties. Prior warnings face immediate Tier 2/3 escalation. Three warnings within 30 days trigger automatic Tier 2 regardless of individual severity.
Appeal Success Rates:
Unauthorized access: 40-60%
Accidental purchase: 60-80%
Technical failures: 70-90%
Intentional fraud: below 10%
Investment Protection
Suspensions don't remove purchased content but prevent access during penalties. 30-day suspension during 60-day season wastes half the season pass value.
Permanent bans result in complete loss of all purchases—skins, echoes, season passes, limited items. No compensation or content transfer.
Dangerous 'Fixes' to Avoid
Registry Editing
Registry modifications attempting to disable anti-cheat trigger immediate permanent bans. Anti-cheat monitors registry keys, detecting unauthorized changes as deliberate tampering. Even restored values leave forensic evidence.
Unofficial Client Downloads
Third-party clean or optimized clients contain undetectable cheats or malware. Pass initial checks through signature spoofing but trigger detection during runtime or updates. Official clients available exclusively through NetEase website and authorized partners.
Disabling Anti-Cheat
Multiple redundant verification layers ensure disabling any component triggers detection. System expects specific services running; missing components flag sessions. Blocking network communication prevents gameplay entirely.
Expert Tips from Veteran Players
Safe Software Configurations
Disable all overlay features:
Steam: Settings > In-Game > Enable Steam Overlay OFF
Discord: User Settings > Overlay OFF
GeForce Experience: Settings > General > In-Game Overlay OFF
Hardware monitoring without overlays: Set 5-10 second update intervals vs real-time.
Performance Optimization
In-Game Settings:
Lower shadow quality
Reduce render distance
Disable post-processing
Driver-Level Features (Safe):
NVIDIA Low Latency Mode
AMD Anti-Lag
Windows Game Mode (Settings > Gaming > Game Mode)
Account Value Protection
BitTopup offers verified transactions maintaining separation from game client operations. Regular security audits: password updates, two-factor authentication. Document all legitimate software configurations for appeal evidence.
2026 Updates
November 27, 2025 Anti-Cheat Upgrade
Device Fingerprinting:
Android: MediaDRM (13,285,081 unique values), AndroidID (13,402,601 unique values)
PC: Motherboard serial numbers, CPU identifiers
Cross-device violation tracking persists after reinstallation
Enhanced AFK Detection: More sophisticated activity monitoring. Occasionally flags legitimate players with connection/hardware issues.
Q1 2026 Compatibility Issues
Windows 11: Latest feature updates (22H2+) conflicted with older anti-cheat. NetEase deployed compatibility patches late December 2025.
NVIDIA 550 Series Drivers: Initial releases triggered conflicts. Hotfix 550.67+ addresses issues. Update required.
AMD Adrenalin 24.1.1: New monitoring features resembled cheat tools. Update to 24.2.1+ required.
NetEase Official Statements
December 2025 acknowledgment of increased false positives. Committed to refining algorithms. Expedited appeals: 5-7 business days for simple technical failures (down from 10-14 days).
Public whitelist program allows software developers to submit applications for compatibility verification. Approved software receives digital signatures anti-cheat recognizes as safe.
FAQ
What does modified client warning mean? Anti-cheat detected unauthorized alterations to files, processes, or memory. Includes deliberate cheats, file corruption, software conflicts, or system issues creating modification signatures. Requires immediate investigation to prevent escalation.
Can I get banned for modified client warning? Yes. Repeated warnings escalate under three-tier system: Tier 1 (24-72 hours), Tier 2 (7-30 days), Tier 3 (permanent). Single warnings from technical failures often resolve through troubleshooting without penalties.
How do I fix modified client error on PC? Close overlay software and background apps. Verify files through official launcher. If unresolved, clean reinstall: uninstall completely, delete residual files (Program Files, AppData), download latest official installer. Configure antivirus exclusions, disable real-time protection during installation.
What software triggers false warnings? Discord overlay, OBS game capture, RGB software (Razer Synapse, Corsair iCUE), monitoring tools (MSI Afterburner, HWiNFO), Reshade. Antivirus scanning during updates, VPN causing region mismatches. Disable overlay features and game integration before launching.
How long does ban last? Tier 1: 24-72 hours. Tier 2: 7-30 days. Tier 3: permanent (requires successful appeal). Appeal reviews: 5-7 days (simple technical failures) to 30+ days (permanent bans).
Does reinstalling fix warnings? Clean reinstall resolves 70-90% of corruption/incomplete update cases. Doesn't fix software conflicts—requires identifying and disabling triggering applications. Try file verification before full reinstall.
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