AutoHotkey Error: This Line Does Not Contain a Recognized Action

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

1. FIX 1Match script and interpreter

   Copy steps
   1. 01Add `#Requires AutoHotkey v2.0` (or v1.1) as the first line
   2. 02If it reports a version mismatch, run the file with the right AutoHotkey exe
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. FIX 2Fix v1-style lines

   Copy steps
   1. 01Remove the comma after commands: `SetTitleMatchMode 3`
   2. 02Quote text arguments: `MsgBox "Hello"`
   3. 03Use `:=` for assignment
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. FIX 3Check shortcuts and tasks

   Copy steps
   1. 01Open your Task Scheduler or shortcut
   2. 02Make sure it calls the v2 exe for v2 scripts
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

Load error 'This line does not contain a recognized action' or 'Function calls require a space or ('.

Why it happens

• C-01v1 commands such as `MsgBox, text` or `SetTitleMatchMode, 3` in a v2 script
• C-02Code copied from an old tutorial or forum post
• C-03Script launched with the wrong interpreter by a shortcut or scheduled task

// this guide also covers

• autohotkey this line does not contain a recognized action
• autohotkey function calls require a space or (
• ahk v2 error

The same problem in other apps

All not loading, error messages & connection guides →

• Mouse Without Borders Not Connecting (Microsoft PowerToys)
• TextExpander Secure Input Error on Mac (TextExpander)
• Espanso YAML Config Error (Espanso)

Other AutoHotkey errors

• AutoHotkey v1 Script Not Working in v2
• AutoHotkey Hotkeys Not Working in Admin Windows
• AutoHotkey Flagged as Virus by Antivirus
• AutoHotkey Anti-Cheat Errors and Bans in Games
• AutoHotkey Send and Click Not Working in Games
• AutoHotkey Modifier Key Stuck (Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Win)
• AutoHotkey Hotkeys Not Working on Non-English Keyboard Layouts
• AutoHotkey Script Slow or Laggy Under High CPU