AutoHotKey Script: Trying to close EA app upon game exit in Launchbox

[Bucky]

Hello,

 

I tried your ahk file, I didn't get as much time as I wanted to cross all eyes and dot all Ts BUT I did create an emulator and tried to point it to the ahk file within the amplication path. The path wouldn't recognize the file. I'll check it again when I get home could be human error on my part. Wouldn't I still need to edit the ahk file with the file paths to the masseffect.exe and EADesktop.exe? Let me know where in your file I can edit them in. If it helps the mods I'm using for ME1 are ALOT of textures and meutim (just incase either of them interfered with the ahk files closing process).

 

EDIT: Say while we're on the subject of closing apps upon game close within LB. I figured to also try closing the steam app using a bat file (earlier method), I typed this into the bat file.

 

Run, "C:\Users\Magnetic Tempest\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Steam\Steam.url"
WinWait, ahk_exe Steam.url 
Run, "C:\Users\Magnetic Tempest\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Sonic Mania url"
WinWait, ahk_exe Sonic Mania.url
WinWaitClose, ahk_exe Steam.url
ExitApp

 

It didn't work. At first I thought it needed the exact exe for game and app, so I pointed there but I got an error. I'll post screenshots when I get home. I have a feeling we'll have an easier time getting steam to close than EAapp I feel like it's something simple I'm missing. 

Edited August 1 by Bucky

[doom470]

you want to close steam completely after you quit the game? because the main purpose of the ahk code is to minimize the launcher of EA since it show up after quitting a game, steam does not return to screen after quitting a game so what are you trying to accomplish?

Edited Saturday at 05:42 PM by doom470

[Bucky]

14 hours ago, doom470 said:

you want to close steam completely after you quit the game? because the main purpose of the ahk code is to minimize the launcher of EA since it show up after quitting a game, steam does not return to screen after quitting a game so what are you trying to accomplish?

My steam does, just trying to minimize it. Everytime I open a game the steam app comes up and when I close game it's still there.

 

This a Windows 11 thing?

 

Btw I tried to seek the ahk file again from LB application path however it wouldn't recognize the file extension.

 

Again, I'm starting to wonder if it's something to do with the OS.

Edited Sunday at 08:03 AM by Bucky

[doom470]

see the image i attached, by default it looks for cmd and exe files, but when you choose all files it will show, choose the ahk and it should work fine.

this is where you browse to choose the application path for the emulator you created.

and regarding steam, i just tested, it does not pop up its strange that this is happening to you, have you tried disabling steam overlay and notifications?

 

Edited Sunday at 12:32 PM by doom470

[Bucky]

19 hours ago, doom470 said:

see the image i attached, by default it looks for cmd and exe files, but when you choose all files it will show, choose the ahk and it should work fine.

this is where you browse to choose the application path for the emulator you created.

and regarding steam, i just tested, it does not pop up its strange that this is happening to you, have you tried disabling steam overlay and notifications?

 

Hitting "All Files" when trying to select the ahk file worked. I remember doing it before but some how forgot, thanks for jogging my memory!

As for Steam I did try turning off in-game overlay but the problem still persists. Wanna bet whatever is preventing EA Desktop App from closing is related to Steam being unable to close upon game launch? Me thinks we figure out one of these it solves the other.

For the ahk file from your previous post, where do I edit in the file paths for MassEffect.exe and EADesktop.exe? The ahk file would need the directories/paths for where my files are wouldn't it?

Sorry for the delayed response I got distracted.

[doom470]

No need for any modifications in the ahk file, it should work perfectly,

EA App is known for popping up after quitting a game this is normal behavior of the app but for steam it is not.

 

 

[Bucky]

On 8/4/2025 at 5:56 AM, doom470 said:

No need for any modifications in the ahk file, it should work perfectly,

EA App is known for popping up after quitting a game this is normal behavior of the app but for steam it is not.

 

 

It looks like we're getting closer! (EA App)

 

On Steam I've done some extensive testing, created an ahk file, created a bat file all in the service of minimizing the app. The steam app still opens up a window and refuses to retreat to the system tray. Remember the goal is to get it in the tray after I exit any random steam game.

 

 

As for EA Origin, good news is that ahk file you gave me closes the "Repairs Needed" window. But the app itself stays open. I feel like we're getting close! Is there a way to get the parameters to repeat twice within the ahk file? In other words whatever code is needed to minimize EADesktop, minimize EADesktop again. The repairs needed window is normal when mods are installed. 

Edited Tuesday at 08:38 PM by Bucky

[doom470]

for steam games, in the launching just add steam://..... you can copy it from the shortcut of the game you dont need to link the shortcut to the launching field in lunchbox, as for EA app its a bit complicated regarding minimizing the repairs needed window since the ahk file minimize the ea app itself only.

 

make sure you have the full autohotkey 2 installed because it include v1 and v2 code, the code in the ahk i posted is v1.

 

 

https://www.autohotkey.com/v2/

 

 

 

[Bucky]

2 hours ago, doom470 said:

for steam games, in the launching just add steam://..... you can copy it from the shortcut of the game you dont need to link the shortcut to the launching field in lunchbox, as for EA app its a bit complicated regarding minimizing the repairs needed window since the ahk file minimize the ea app itself only.

 

make sure you have the full autohotkey 2 installed because it include v1 and v2 code, the code in the ahk i posted is v1.

 

 

https://www.autohotkey.com/v2/

 

 

 

I appreciate all your help, you've been great throughout all of this!

 

I should clarify, what I meant was your code eliminates the repairs needed window. My theory was if there is a way to loop the app close command exclusively twice then maybe the first command closes repairs needed and the second will finish the job by minimizing the EA App. It's a guess though nothing more, I think what you're saying is it wouldn't work because the parameters are set one way and aren't meant to close more than once?

 

Thanks, I definitely have both versions installed now, turns out I was using version 1. The EADesktop shenanigans persisted but at least I have an up to date autohotkey dash.

 

Good looking out on the tip! Typing the games ID in the application launch window rather than the shortcut makes for less clutter.

Edited yesterday at 06:45 AM by Bucky

[doom470]

the problem with the repair message that appear is within EA play see this code in the end of the code

; Hide EA Desktop when game closes
WinHide, ahk_exe EADesktop.exe

this will hide the EADesktop.exe its hard to hide the repair message since its within the app itself.

[Bucky]

I see, I appreciate you trying to help me. If an answer arises at some point in the future I'll post it here to help others.

Edited 21 hours ago by Bucky