When you try to download or install a game using Ubisoft Connect, a black window appears with the message: “Unable to start download (Code: 17013)”. It stops you right there. You can’t move forward. This can happen even if the game worked before or if your internet is fine. It’s frustrating, especially when you don’t know what the code means or how to fix it.
This problem usually starts when Ubisoft Connect doesn’t have the full access it needs on your computer. It might also be trying to connect to Ubisoft’s servers but can’t reach them. Sometimes your antivirus or firewall blocks part of the download. In other cases, the local files are broken, missing, or unreadable.
No matter the cause, the result is the same: you’re stuck. But the good news is, most users can fix this error at home with a few simple steps. We’ll go through each possible reason and explain how to fix it without needing special tools or deep tech knowledge.
What Is Ubisoft Connect Error Code 17013
Error 17013 is a download failure in Ubisoft Connect. It doesn’t point to just one issue. Instead, it shows up when something in the background breaks the download process. That might be a missing permission, broken registry access, missing files, or a blocked connection.
This error happens often during a fresh game install, a big update, or a reinstallation. It means the launcher is trying to move forward but hits a roadblock. Think of it like a red light in a place where traffic should move, something’s stopping the download engine, and the launcher doesn’t know how to get past it without your help.
How to Fix Ubisoft Connect Error Code 17013
Try each of these steps one at a time. Most users resolve the issue by following steps 1 or 3.
Fix 1: Run Ubisoft Connect as Administrator
One of the most common reasons for this error is that Ubisoft Connect doesn’t have full access to your system. Without administrator rights, it can’t write to the Windows Registry or modify important folders during installation.
To fix this, you should run Ubisoft Connect with elevated permissions. This tells Windows to let the app do what it needs without blocking its actions.
Here’s how to do it:
- Close Ubisoft Connect if it’s already open
- Find the shortcut icon on your desktop
- Right-click on it and choose Run as administrator
- If it asks for permission, click Yes
This simple action often fixes the problem. If it works, make it permanent by right-clicking the shortcut, selecting Properties, going to the Compatibility tab, and checking Run this program as an administrator.
Fix 2: Allow Ubisoft Connect Through the Firewall
Sometimes the issue isn’t about system access — it’s about internet access. Ubisoft Connect needs to talk to Ubisoft servers to download files. If your Windows Firewall or another firewall program blocks that connection, you’ll see error 17013.
Allowing Ubisoft Connect through the firewall gives it a clear path to the servers.
Here’s how:
- Open the Start Menu, search for Windows Defender Firewall, and open it
- Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall
- Find Ubisoft Connect in the list
- Make sure both Private and Public boxes are checked
- If it’s not listed, click Allow another app, then browse to the Ubisoft Connect installation folder and add it
Once done, restart the launcher and try downloading again.
Fix 3: Temporarily Disable Antivirus Protection
Your antivirus program can also block Ubisoft Connect from changing system files or accessing specific folders. Even if the antivirus doesn’t say anything, it could silently block part of the download process, primarily if it detects the installer as suspicious.
Turning it off temporarily while you install or update a game can help.
How to do it depends on your antivirus, but here’s the general idea:
- Open your antivirus dashboard
- Look for a button or menu to disable protection
- Choose disable for 15 minutes or until restart
- Once you’ve installed or launched the game, turn it back on
Be careful not to browse the web while your antivirus is off. Only keep it disabled while fixing the Ubisoft issue.
Fix 4: Clear Ubisoft Cache and Temporary Files
If the local cache becomes corrupted or stuck, Ubisoft Connect may attempt to use corrupted files during game downloads or launches. Clearing the cache removes those leftovers and resets the launcher.
To clear the cache:
- Close Ubisoft Connect completely
- Open File Explorer
- Go to this location:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Ubisoft Game Launcher\cache - Delete all the files and folders inside the cache folder
- Restart Ubisoft Connect
This will not delete your games or save files. It only clears temporary files that may be causing the issue.
Fix 5: Reinstall Ubisoft Connect
If the launcher itself is broken, reinstalling it is a clean fix. This removes any missing or corrupt files that may be triggering the error.
To reinstall it:
- Open the Control Panel
- Go to Programs and Features
- Find Ubisoft Connect and uninstall it
- Then go to Ubisoft’s official website and download the latest version
- Install it and run it as administrator
After reinstalling, log in again and try downloading the game. Most users find this step helpful when the simpler fixes don’t work.
Fix 6: Check Ubisoft Server Status
There are times when the problem isn’t on your end at all. Ubisoft servers sometimes go down due to maintenance or technical issues. When that happens, you can’t download or update anything until the servers are back online.
To check server status:
- Go to Ubisoft Support Status page
- Look for your game or region in the list
- If the servers are down, wait and try again later
You can also follow @UbisoftSupport on Twitter for updates.
Fix 7: Switch to a Different Internet Connection
Some users have fixed the error by changing their internet connection. This might sound strange, but if your router blocks certain ports or your ISP has DNS issues, it could affect how Ubisoft Connect talks to the servers.
Here are some things to try:
- Use a mobile hotspot
- Change your DNS settings to Google DNS (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4)
- Restart your modem or router
- Connect directly with an ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi
These changes can help when your regular connection has routing problems.
Still Seeing Error 17013? Here’s What to Do
If none of the above steps fix the problem, it’s time to contact Ubisoft Support. They have tools to check your logs and guide you further.
What you should do:
- Visit the Ubisoft Support site
- Submit a support ticket with a screenshot of the error
- Attach your launcher_log.txt from the Ubisoft folder
- Mention the steps you’ve already tried
Their support team can help find deeper issues that might not be visible from your end.
How to Prevent This Error in the Future
Once you fix the error, you’ll want to avoid seeing it again. Here are a few habits that can help:
- Always run Ubisoft Connect as admin
- Keep both your launcher and Windows updated
- Avoid pausing or cancelling downloads halfway
- Don’t move or rename game folders manually
- Add Ubisoft Connect to antivirus and firewall exceptions
- Wait for server maintenance to end before downloading
These small actions can help keep your launcher running without interruptions.
Final Thoughts
Ubisoft Error Code 17013 can show up suddenly, but in most cases, it’s not serious. It’s just a result of something small blocking the install or download. It could be your permissions, your network, or a file that broke along the way.
Take your time going through each step above. Most users fix it by simply running the launcher as admin or clearing the cache. If that doesn’t help, reinstalling the launcher or waiting for server status updates usually works.
If you’ve fixed this issue another way or if one of these methods worked for you, feel free to share your experience. It might help someone else stuck on the same error.