Generals and Zero Hour — Install and Setup
Getting the game
- Buy Generals and Zero Hour on Steam or the EA app; they are also part of The Ultimate Collection.
- Zero Hour needs the base game installed, so make sure you have both.
GenPatcher
- GenPatcher (from legi.cc) is the community tool that makes Generals and Zero Hour run on Windows 10 and 11. It fixes most launch problems, applies the latest patches and installs GenTool.
- GenTool adds widescreen and high resolutions, an FPS limit, anti-cheat checks and replay tools, and it is expected in online play.
- Run GenPatcher once after installing, and again after a game update.
Playing online
- C&C:Online (cnc-online.net) restores the game's own online lobby and matchmaking. It is where most players are.
- GameRanger is another way to find and host games.
- Multiplayer needs IPv4; if you cannot connect, check that first.
- Everyone in a game must be on the same version — GenPatcher keeps you there.
Source code and community patches
In 2025 EA released the source code of Generals and Zero Hour under the GPL, and the community is building patches on it. See the Community Patches category before installing one: online games need everyone on the same build.
Download only from the official sites and stores named here. Cracked copies and "abandonware" downloads are not allowed on our boards.