[Solved] How to Fix Ubisoft Uplay Failed to Start or Launch Problem on Windows

Uplay fails to start or not launching on Windows mostly caused by missing DLL files, bad internet connection, and conflicting services being run in the background. For fixing a bad internet connection, you will need a reliable and fast internet connection. You can check out the best in the business like Spectrum offers for smooth streaming.

In this article, we will show you the workarounds are to fix the problem, log in as an administrator before starting to troubleshoot Uplay technical issue.

Content Summary

Solution 1: Install Universal C Runtime
Solution 2: Clear Uplay Cache
Solution 3: Launch Uplay via Shortcut
Solution 4: Run Uplay in Compatibility mode
Solution 5: Disable Antivirus and Firewall
Solution 6: Boot Windows in Clean State
Solution 7: Update Graphics Drivers
Solution 8: Reinstall Uplay

Solution 1: Install Universal C Runtime

Step 1: Go to Microsoft’s official website, download Universal C Runtime corresponding to your OS version.

Step 2: Make sure you execute the Universal C Runtime installer with Run as administrator option.

Step 3: Restart the computer completely and then launch Uplay.

Solution 2: Clear Uplay Cache

Step 1: Press Windows + E to launch the File Explorer.

Step 2: Navigate to the following location: C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Ubisoft Game Launcher\cache

Step 3: Delete all the contents of the cache folder.

Step 4: Restart the computer

Solution 3: Launch Uplay via Shortcut

Launch the game using the game shortcut instead of the Play button. If there was some dependency not installed, it will be conveyed to you and the download process will begin.

Solution 4: Run Uplay in Compatibility mode

Step 1: Go to the installation directory of Uplay on the computer.

Step 2: Locate Right-click on Uplay application and select Properties.

Step 3: Select the Compatibility tab, check the option Run this program in compatibility mode for and select another operating system.

Run Uplay in Compatibility mode

Step 4: Click the Apply button to save changes and click OK to exit.

Step 5: Restart the computer.

Solution 5: Disable Antivirus and Firewall

Uplay is known to get blocked by Antivirus as false positive, temporarily disable the antivirus on the computer and then launch Uplay again.

Solution 6: Boot Windows in Clean State

Step 1: Open Start and search for msconfig.

Step 2: On the System Configuration window go to the Services tab

Step 3: Check on Hide all Microsoft service option.

Step 4: Click Disable all button.

Step 5: Go to the Startup tab and click on the Open Task Manager link.

Step 6: Disable all applications in the list to prevent it from startup when the computer is booting up.

Step 7: Close Task Manager and click Apply button in System Configuration windows then click OK.

Step 8: Choose to restart when prompt to do so.

Solution 7: Update Graphics Drivers

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open Run box, then type devmgmt.msc to launch the Device Manager.

Step 2: Right-click on any empty space available and select Scan for hardware changes.

Step 3: Locate the graphics drivers, right-click it and select the Update Driver option.

Update graphics drivers using Device Manager

Step 4: Restart the computer.

Solution 8: Reinstall Uplay

Step 1: Make sure Uplay is already closed. Open system tray by clicking the little arrow located to the right of the taskbar to check that the Uplay client is not running in the background.

Step 2: Execute Uplay uninstaller located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Ubisoft Game Launcher. You will have an option to decide whether to uninstall games as well. Delete the cache folder in the above location once the process is complete.

Step 3: Alternatively, you can perform the following steps to uninstall Uplay via Windows Application Manager.

Step 3.1: Press Windows + R to open Run box, type appwiz.cpl and press Enter to open Application Manager.

Step 3.2: Search for Uplay, right-click on it and select Uninstall.

Step 3.3: Perform the same steps to uninstall other game which using Blizzard’s application.