This guide applies in cases where 3ds Max displays a "failed to initialize" error message at startup for one or more Corona plugin files. An example error message reads:
DLL <C:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max 2024\Plugins\CoronaMaxUtils2024.dlt> failed to initialize properly – not loading.
Solutions:
- As the first step, try all of the solutions from this article one by one: Corona is not showing up as available renderer and is not present on the plugins list - 3ds Max
- This error may also appear due to a conflict between Corona and other software. If you have recently installed new software on your machine, please try uninstalling that software and check if the issue persists. If uninstalling the software fixes the issue - please contact us and we will do our best to resolve the conflict.
If the problem persists, try the following:
- Press the Windows Key + R to bring up the "Run" window
- Type sysdm.cpl and press Enter to open the System Properties window
- In the System Properties window, go to the Advanced tab
- Click "Environment Variables..."
- Click "New..." under "System Variables"
- Enter the following variable name:
CORONA_3DSMAX_2026_LOAD_PATH
Note: adjust the path accordingly depending on your 3ds Max version. For example, in case of 3ds Max 2024, that would be CORONA_3DSMAX_2024_LOAD_PATH. - Enter the following variable value:
C:\Program Files\Chaos\Corona\Corona Renderer for 3ds Max\2026
Note: adjust the value accordingly depending on your 3ds Max version. For example, in case of 3ds Max 2024, that would be C:\Program Files\Chaos\Corona\Corona Renderer for 3ds Max\2024. - Press OK to save the variable and its value
- Press OK to close the Environment Variables window
- Press OK to close the System Properties window
- Check if 3ds Max starts up normally and whether Corona is available on the list of renderers in the Render Setup window
To learn more about using environment variables with Corona, see Multiloaders at the Chaos Documentation Portal.