Facing the Ubisoft Connect unrecoverable error? Learn why “has detected an unrecoverable error” appears and follow step-by-step fixes to stop crashes on PC.
If you are reading this, you are likely staring at a crash notification that says “Ubisoft Connect has detected an unrecoverable error and must shutdown.”
You aren’t alone. Whether you are trying to launch Rainbow Six Siege, Assassin’s Creed, or The Division 2, this error is one of the most frustrating roadblocks for PC gamers.
It usually happens due to corrupted cache files, outdated launcher versions, or conflicts with the new overlay system.
This guide covers the most effective, up-to-date solutions to fix the Ubisoft Connect unrecoverable error, starting with the method that works for 90% of users.
Quick Fix: Delete the Cache Folder (Most Common Solution)
The primary cause of the Ubisoft Connect unrecoverable error is a corrupted cache.
The launcher stores temporary data to load faster, but when these files get corrupted (often after an update), the launcher crashes instantly.
Method A: Cleaning Local App Data
The most effective way to address this is by clearing the local application data.
First, ensure that you close Ubisoft Connect completely by checking your taskbar tray to verify it is not running in the background.
Once the program is fully terminated, press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog. In the text field, type %localappdata% and hit Enter.
This command will open a directory containing temporary files for many of your installed applications. Locate the folder specifically named Ubisoft Game Launcher.
To reset the cache, open this folder and delete its entire contents. Please note that this action will not delete your installed games, but it may reset certain launcher settings, such as your auto-login preferences.
Method B: The Installation Directory Cache
If cleaning the local app data did not resolve the issue, you should attempt to clear the secondary cache found in the main installation folder.
Begin by navigating to your default installation path, which is usually located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Ubisoft Game Launcher.
Inside this directory, locate the folder named cache. Instead of deleting it immediately, it is safer to right-click and rename it to cache_backup, although deleting it is also an option.
Once this is done, restart Ubisoft Connect. The launcher will automatically detect that the cache folder is missing and generate a fresh, error-free version during startup.
Solution 2: Clean Reinstall of Ubisoft Connect (Without Deleting Games)
If clearing the cache fails, your launcher’s core files—specifically version.txt or the executable itself—might be damaged. You can reinstall the launcher without redownloading your 100GB+ games.
To begin this process, uninstall Ubisoft Connect via the Windows “Add or Remove Programs” menu.
Performing the Manual Cleanup
It is important to perform a manual cleanup after the uninstallation is complete. Navigate back to the directory C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Ubisoft Game Launcher and delete all files, but you must make an exception for the games folder and the savegames folder.
This step is critical because if you leave old corrupted files behind, the error will persist even after reinstalling.
Reinstalling the Launcher
Once the folder is cleaned, download the latest Ubisoft Connect installer from the official website. Install it to the same directory, and it should automatically detect your existing game files, saving you from a lengthy redownload.
Pro Tip: When you launch the fresh installation, run it as an administrator. Right-click the Ubisoft Connect icon, select Properties, go to the Compatibility tab, and check the box that says Run this program as an administrator.
Solution 3: Disable Overlays and Check Compatibility
The “unrecoverable error” often triggers when the launcher tries to hook into the game process to display the FPS counter or chat overlay.
Disabling the In-Game Overlay
You can disable this feature by opening Ubisoft Connect—assuming it stays open long enough—or by navigating to the Settings menu. Look for the option labeled “Enable in-game overlay for supported games” and uncheck it.
Managing Third-Party Software
Additionally, if you use third-party software like [suspicious link removed] or GeForce Experience, disable their overlays temporarily to see if the crash stops, as these programs can sometimes conflict with the launcher.
Addressing DirectX & Visual C++ Issues
Ensure your DirectX and Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables are up to date. The error log (found in the logs folder within the installation directory) often points to missing .dll files if this is the culprit.
Specific Fixes for Steam Deck & Linux Users
With the rise of handheld gaming, the Ubisoft Connect unrecoverable error on Steam Deck has become a massive search trend. This is usually a Wine/Proton compatibility issue.
How to Fix on Steam Deck (SteamOS):
Option 1: Force Proton Compatibility
The first method involves forcing Proton compatibility. Go to the game in your Steam Library and click the Gear Icon (Settings) followed by Properties.
Select the Compatibility tab and check the box for “Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool.” From the dropdown menu, select Proton Experimental, as this version often contains the latest fixes for third-party launchers.
Option 2: Delete Proton Files
If that fails, go to the Developer settings for the game and choose the option to Delete Proton Files. This action acts similarly to clearing the cache on a Windows PC and forces the Steam Deck to rebuild the compatibility files.
FAQ: Ubisoft Connect Unrecoverable Error
Why does Ubisoft Connect keep saying unrecoverable error?
It is usually caused by corrupted cache files in your %localappdata% folder or a conflict with an outdated version of the launcher trying to update itself.
Can I reinstall Ubisoft Connect without deleting games?
Yes. When uninstalling, choose the option to only remove the launcher. Manually ensure your games folder inside Ubisoft Game Launcher is safe before deleting the remaining folders.
Where is the Ubisoft Game Launcher folder located?
By default, it is located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Ubisoft Game Launcher.
Does this error affect Rainbow Six Siege specifically?
While the error comes from the launcher, R6 Siege players see it often because the game relies heavily on the launcher for BattlEye anti-cheat integration.
How to fix Uplay has detected an unrecoverable error and must shut down error?
This is the legacy name for the same issue. The fix is identical: navigate to %localappdata% and delete the Ubisoft Game Launcher folder to reset the corrupted cache.
How to fix Ubisoft Connect connection error?
A connection error is distinct from an unrecoverable error. It typically indicates network issues. To fix this, try flushing your DNS, disabling IPv6, or temporarily turning off your firewall/antivirus to ensure they aren’t blocking the Ubisoft servers.
How to get rid of Ubisoft Connect warning?
If you are seeing persistent warnings or pop-ups, try running the application with administrative privileges. Right-click the shortcut, select Properties, go to Compatibility, and check Run as Administrator.
What’s wrong with Ubisoft Connect right now?
If the app is crashing for everyone simultaneously, it is likely a server-side outage. You can verify this by checking the official Ubisoft Support Twitter account or websites like DownDetector.
Why does Ubisoft Connect have an unrecoverable error?
The error occurs when the launcher encounters a critical failure it cannot recover from, usually due to a mismatch between cached data and the current version of the application or missing DLL files.
Why is my Ubisoft Connect app crashing?
Beyond cache issues, crashes can be caused by conflicting software (like VPNs or other overlays), outdated GPU drivers, or corrupted Microsoft Visual C++ libraries.
How do I fix unrecoverable Uplay error & must shut down?
Since Uplay is the former name of Ubisoft Connect, the solution remains the same: perform a “clean boot” of the launcher by deleting the cache folder in your installation directory.
What does a Ubisoft server is unavailable mean?
This message means your client cannot reach Ubisoft’s data centers. This is often due to maintenance on Ubisoft’s end, but can also be caused by your local network blocking the specific ports Ubisoft uses for connectivity.
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