Got the Heroes of Might and Magic 5 bundle from here and so far I'm stuck even getting the game started. It hangs on the opening logo. So far I've tried compability modes (XP), installing DX9 and running as admin.
Any help to get the game running would be appreciated.

I'd suggest asking in the appropriate subforum here:
gog.com/forum/heroes_of_might_and_magic_series

There even might be a solution for your problem already.

Thanks. Will check it out and let all know here as well.

EDIT:
No answer there about it. Although I tried it on my old PC that has Win XP on it and it worked there.
I guess if there will be no other solution for my problem, then I'll use my old PC.

What Windows do you have?

Since the game is an old favorite of mine I just installed it again since I haven't played it since upgrading to Windows 10 a few months ago to try out if it still works here. The game ran out of the box for me without any troubles at all.


If you are using Windows 10 make sure that:

1) You have the game installed in a user created directory. Like for example c:\games or whatever. Do NOT install to program files or any other directory that Windows created. Windows likes to keep a tight leash on these directories and some old games do not like that.

2) Make sure you have installed DirectX 9. DirectX versions later than 9 are not compatible with 9 or earlier so old games require that you install that. Don't worry about your newer DirectX. It will not be replaced but coexist with 9.

3) Make sure you have the latest video and audio drivers installed. Download these directly from the chipset manufacturer. Don't use the drivers that Windows provides for these since Windows drivers are often old and/or lack important features. They are only provided to make any system work out of the box but are usually far from optimal.

4) Some old games require a Windows component called DirectPlay. That still exists in Windows 10 but is considered deprecated and is therefore not installed by default. To install it click on Start->Settings->Control Panel->Programs and Features->Turn Windows Features on or off. There you will find a list of optional features that you can install or uninstall. Look under Legacy Components->DirectPlay, put a checkmark on that feature and click ok. Wait until the installation is finished.

5) If that is still not enough to get the game running try giving it admin rights or try various compatibility modes.

6) If games fail to play videos or sound properly the problem might be that Windows does not have proper codecs for the content that is supposed to be played. Most common content can be played with the LAVFilters Codec which is pretty much state of the art. Installing those can significantly help with video or audio problems on some games.


If you go through these 6 points and follow them properly about 95% of all problems with Windows 10 magically disappear. I'm sure you'll get the game running if you follow the above instructions.

Thanks for the answer.

I did forget to mention that I'm running Win10 on my machine.
And I have tried all what Geralt_of_Rivia suggested (directx9, admin, changing compatibilty, drivers, codecs) except changing the install folder. That did help getting the game running smoothly on my PC. That was the only thing I didn't think of. Thanks mate. Have to run it as admin by right clicking (changing it in properies didn't work somehow) but it runs now :D

But now I have another problem with the game. Well...not exactly a game breaking problem because the game itself is quite old, but I can't change any graphical settings at all. The game crashes right away and have to restart the computer) I know the graphics weren't like they are today anyway, but would've been nice to run it in full resolution.

EDIT:
Daaaaamn. worked fine little while...got to chapter 2 on campaign. Restarted the game and the same crash all over again. Can't even start the game again.
Will try to re-install and do things all over again. But in the mean time...I guess my old pc will still get's it's use for a while :D

2020, windows 10 64bit, RTX 3090, Intel 10900KF, 32GB ram.

Game was not wanting to load. The settings that I did to make the game work was properties>compatibility> turn off full screen optimizations and use vista service pack 2. Played the first level and it ran pretty smooth. Will update if something happens (This post is for future players of HOMM5 so sorry if i shouldnt be posting)

I have two problems when I install and want to play HOMM5

- I cannot skip the intro, I have to watch the entire intro scene every time I start the game
- I cannot split stacks, I know it should work with shift, it does not.

I also can't find others with these problems who solved it, it's so strange!

For intro skipping, check this - https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Heroes_of_Might_and_Magic_V#Skip_intro_videos