CS2 Autoexec and Config File Guide

If your schedule consists of constant travels and you find yourself using different PCs and laptops, but you still want to enjoy occasional Premier grind in CS2, then you should definitely consider setting up an Autoexec file that will transfer all your preferred settings and binds on a small thumb drive. Read today’s article to find out how to set up an Autoexec file and how it differs from a config file.  

What is an Autoexec in CS2?

Autoexec is a file that contains a set of preferred settings and commands that are automatically applied upon starting CS2. Autoexec is very convenient for players who tend to move from place to place, switch between several computers and participate in local tournaments. It is enough to create an Autoexec config file and have it stored on a USB drive or on a cloud storage, so that you can access your preferred CS2 settings from any part of the world on any PC. You can set up all your binds, toggles and settings (aside from video settings), crosshair in one file so that you don’t have to waste time on remembering all of your settings each time you try to play CS2. If you have to reinstall CS2, an Autoexec file can restore all your previous settings. Moreover, you can look up Autoexec settings of accomplished pro players if you want to replicate their CS2 experience. 

What is a CS2 Config File?

A CS2 config file is a text file that can be edited in Notepad, it is used as a set of console commands to customize Counter-Strike settings, ranging from simple key binds to recently banned Null Binds. Essentially, it is similar in its purpose with Autoexec files, but config file will be altered if you happen to change your settings, and all your custom binds will be removed from config.cfg. On the other hand, Autoexec saves your binds if you lose your config binds, being a pretty good backup option for your custom settings. Also, you have to create Autoexec file yourself, while config exists by default. 

How to Create and Where to Put a CS2 Autoexec File?

Creating an Autoexec file is pretty simple and pretty much every CS2 player can do it in a short time. Here’s what you need to do:

• Open a Notepad and create a new txt file

• Write down or paste all your desired commands and binds

• Save as autoexec.cfg

• Move the file to “Steam\steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\game\csgo\cfg” 

• If you don’t see the .cfg file, then make sure to enable the display of hidden files by pressing the Windows button, writing “Show hidden files” and pressing the best match. Once the window with a number of toggles pops up, toggle “Show hidden and system files” on. 

Once you’re done with that part, you have to activate the autoexec file by doing the following procedure:

• Launch Steam and right-click on CS2 in your Library

• Press Properties, proceed to Launch Options

• Copy and paste or simply write down +exec autoexec.cfg and then close the tab

• Done! Your autoexec file will automatically activate with each time you run CS2, executing your preferred settings. 

Main CS2 Autoexec and Config File Commands

There are basic commands for pretty much every existing setting in CS2, but some are used way more often because of their purpose.

bind z “slot7”  binding flashbang to Z

bind x “slot8”  binding smoke grenade to X

bind c “slot6”  binding HE grenade to C

bind v “slot10”  binding Molotov and Incendiary

Regular frequently used binds:

r_drawtracers "1"

hud_showtargetid "1"

hud_scaling "1"

fps_max "999"

cl_autohelp "0"

cl_showfps "1"

 
Recently, we’ve posted a comprehensive guide on the best CS2 launch options and attached a list of popular console commands that can be used in both Autoexec files and Config files. You can read it by clicking this link. 

CS2 Autoexec Not Working - How to Get Autoexec to Work?

There’s a pretty good chance you could’ve just made an ordinary mistake of putting the autoexec file in the wrong folder, since both folders are so similar in terms of path. Make sure to copy the file to a \Steam\steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\game\csgo\cfg. The “game” part is important!

Alternatively, you could just copy the contents of your autoexec file and paste it in the game. Make sure to save your preferred settings in a separate text file.

CS2 Autoexec File FAQ

We’ve compiled a number of regular questions in regard to Autoexec and answered them for our dear readers. 

• How to make an autoexec in CS2?

Create a text file in Notepad and write down all the console commands you need, then save it as autoexec.cfg and move it to the “Steam\steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\game\csgo\cfg” folder. Make sure to activate autoexec by pasting +exec autoexec.cfg in the Launch options.

• How to use CS2 autoexec?

Create a list of all the commands you need autoexec to automate and paste them by using Notepad. Once you’ve compiled all the commands, the game will launch using all the binds and commands you’ve listed by default.

• How to remove CS2 autoexec file?

In order to remove autoexec file, simply go to the folder with this very autoexec file and simply delete it or move it to another folder and next time the game will launch without executing a set of commands listed in autoexec.