REFramework isn’t showing up when I press the menu key. How do I fix this?
REFramework is the go-to modding tool for Capcom’s RE Engine titles, powering mods for Resident Evil, Dragon’s Dogma 2, Monster Hunter Wilds, and more. However, one of the most common frustrations users face is when the in-game REFramework menu doesn’t appear after pressing the designated key.
This guide explains why this happens and walks you through the most effective ways to fix it.
1. Check the Default Key (Insert) and Your Keyboard Setup
The most common reason the REFramework menu doesn’t appear is simply that the Insert key isn’t being registered correctly by your keyboard or laptop.
Default Menu Key: Insert
This key toggles the REFramework overlay on and off in all supported RE Engine games.
| Situation | Solution |
|---|---|
| No Insert key (60% keyboard) | Use the Fn (Function) combination, often Fn + Delete or Fn + Return/Enter. |
| Numeric keypad used for Insert | On full keyboards, disable Num Lock and press 0 on the numpad. |
| Laptop keyboards | Hold Fn + Insert to activate the key if it shares a button with Delete or Print Screen. |
If the Insert key still doesn’t work, the next step is to manually rebind the hotkey.
2. Manually Rebind the REFramework Menu Key
If you’re certain the mod is installed but the menu won’t open, you can change the hotkey by editing the configuration file directly.
How to rebind the menu key:
- Go to your game folder
Navigate to the same directory that contains your game’s.exefile (for example,re4.exe,mhrise.exe, ordd2.exe). - Find the configuration file
Look for a file named eitherreframework_config.txtor[gamename]_fw_config.txt. - Open it in Notepad
Inside, locate the line that looks like this:REFrameworkConfig_MenuKey_V2=45The number45represents the Insert key. - Change the key code
Replace45with the virtual key code of your preferred key.
Common examples:112→ F1123→ F1236→ Home35→ End
REFrameworkConfig_MenuKey_V2=123 - Save and relaunch the game
After saving, start your game again and try your new key. The REFramework overlay should now appear.
3. Check for Core Installation Issues or Conflicts
If rebinding doesn’t help, REFramework may not be loading properly or could be conflicting with other software.
A. Verify Installation
- Check file placement: The file
dinput8.dll(ord3d11.dllfor some builds) must be placed in the same folder as the game’s main executable. - Update your version: Always use the latest REFramework build compatible with your game. You can download it directly from the official REFramework download page.
B. Check the Log File
REFramework automatically generates a log file that can pinpoint startup issues.
Look for:
re4_framework_log.txt
mhrise_framework_log.txt
Open it with Notepad and scroll to the bottom. Lines mentioning “Error” or “Failed to load” will usually point to the cause of the issue, such as a missing file or mod conflict.
C. Disable Conflicting Software
Other overlays or injectors can block the REFramework overlay.
| Software Type | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Overlays | Disable overlays like Steam, Discord, NVIDIA ShadowPlay, or RivaTuner before launching. |
| VR/Controller tools | Close VJoy, Flight Stick software, or custom controller mappers temporarily. |
| Other injectors | If using ReShade or other mod loaders, launch the game with only REFramework to isolate the issue. |
D. Fn Lock or Stuck Key
Some laptops have an Fn Lock (usually toggled by pressing Fn + Esc) that switches key behavior. Try toggling this to restore the Insert key’s normal function.
4. Final Tip: Confirm That REFramework Is Running
When you launch your game, watch the top-left corner during loading.
If you see “REFramework initialized”, the mod is active. If you don’t see this message, it’s not loading correctly — check the DLL placement or version.
For official installation instructions, documentation, and updates, visit the REFramework Guide or explore the Comprehensive Documentation.
In summary:
If the REFramework menu isn’t showing up in your game, start with the simple fixes — check your Insert key, rebind the hotkey, verify installation, and disable conflicting overlays. By following these steps, you can quickly restore access to REFramework’s powerful modding tools and continue enhancing your RE Engine experience.