Share this article

Improve this guide

Uplay is Not Launching Games: 5 Ways to Fix It

Fix Uplay’s game launching issues without hassles

4 min. read

Updated onApril 4, 2024

updated onApril 4, 2024

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

Uplay is the official launcher for Ubisoft games and is well known in the gaming world. However, Uplay has its share of problems that users encounter. A common one is that Uplay won’t launch games.

More so, gamers complain aboutUplay avatars not updatingtheir profiles.

Why is Uplay not launching games?

Users may encounter issues running Ubisoft games on their PC due to some errors affecting Uplay’s performance. The most common cause for the Uplay not launching games is missing DLL files. When the DLL files are not intact, it can prevent Uplay from working correctly.

Other factors that may be responsible for Uplay not being able to launch games are:

These causes can vary for different users. Nevertheless, you can fix the above causes by troubleshooting your PC.

What can I do if Uplay is not launching games?

Go through the following preliminary checks before trying any advanced troubleshooting steps:

If the problem persists, proceed with the solutions provided below:

1. Update your graphics drivers

Check our guide onhow to update drivers on Windows 11for other methods you can use.

If you aren’t sure about updating your drivers manually, we also recommend you use an automated method to keep things simple and fast.

⇒Get PC HelpSoft Driver Updater

2. Run Uplay Client as an Administrator

Running Uplay as an administrator can fix any permissions issues impeding its performance. If you have problems with the steps above, read aboutwhat to do if you can’t run apps as administratorson your PC.

3. Run in Compatibility mode

Running the Uplay client in compatibility mode will fix any barriers from the game version and update errors.

If you run an old version of the app on your PC, check theways to play old gameson Windows 10/11.

4. Clear Uplay’s cache

Clearing the cache file on your PC will delete the corrupt files affecting the Uplay client.

5. Disable Windows Defender

Disabling the Windows Defender service on your PC can fix any interference it is causing to the Uplay client. This also helps withuplay_r164.dll errors.

You can read our article on what to doif Windows Firewall blocks a port or programon your computer.

Our readers may also be interested in fixing theUplay not installed error on your PCand get it working again. Likewise, you can checkhow to update Uplay gameson your device.

Do not hesitate to leave your questions or suggestions in the comments section if you have any.

Uplay is Not Launching Games: 5 Ways to Fix It#

What can I do if Uplay is not launching games?#

1. Update your graphics drivers#

2. Run Uplay Client as an Administrator#

3. Run in Compatibility mode#

4. Clear Uplay’s cache#

5. Disable Windows Defender#