UbisoftGameLauncher.exe

Ubisoft Game Launcher (Ubisoft Connect)

CPU Usage

N/A

Memory

N/A

Location

N/A

Publisher

N/A

Notes

This guide focuses on the Ubisoft Game Launcher component of Ubisoft Connect. For best results, always keep Ubisoft Connect up to date, run scans with trusted security tools, and verify the launcher’s digital signature before making changes to startup settings.

What is UbisoftGameLauncher.exe?

UbisoftGameLauncher.exe is the main executable for Ubisoft Connect's launcher software. It initializes on user login, validates entitlements for installed Ubisoft games, coordinates launcher UI and update checks, and orchestrates game launches. The launcher also handles cloud saves, patches, achievements, and DRM-related tasks to ensure games run with the correct permissions.

UbisoftGameLauncher.exe runs as a background service that validates digital signatures, communicates with Ubisoft servers for entitlement, and spawns per-game processes when you click Play. It negotiates updates and coordinates launcher UI components for a seamless experience.

Is ubisoft-launcher-exe Safe?

UbisoftGameLauncher.exe, when installed from official Ubisoft sources or via the Ubisoft Connect client, is a legitimate and safe component of Ubisoft's ecosystem. It is digitally signed by Ubisoft Entertainment SA, uses secure channels for entitlement checks, and is designed to protect your account and game data. Keeping it updated reduces risk from known vulnerabilities and ensures compatibility with latest titles.

Is ubisoft-launcher-exe a Virus?

A legitimate Ubisoft launcher is not a virus when obtained from official sources and stored in the standard Ubisoft Game Launcher folder. However, malware can masquerade as ubisoft-launcher-exe or relocate it. If you notice unexpected folders, unsigned signatures, or a mismatched path, treat it as suspicious and verify with file location, signature, and hash checks before running.

How to Verify Legitimacy

Check File Location: Ensure UbisoftGameLauncher.exe resides in C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Ubisoft Game Launcher and not in Temp or Downloads.
Verify Digital Signature: Open file properties and confirm a valid signature from Ubisoft Entertainment SA.
Check File Hash: Compute SHA256 with Get-FileHash 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Ubisoft Game Launcher\UbisoftGameLauncher.exe' and compare to Ubisoft's official hash if provided.
Scan for Malware: Run a full-system malware scan with Windows Defender or your antivirus to exclude tampering.

Red Flags: If UbisoftGameLauncher.exe appears outside the Program Files folder, has a broken or missing signature, or is hosted in a suspicious path, treat as potential malware and remove/replace it with a fresh copy from the official Ubisoft Connect installer.

Why is it Running?

Reasons it's running:

License entitlement checks: It validates your ownership of installed Ubisoft titles and ensures you’re allowed to launch or patch games.
Update management: It coordinates automatic updates and patches for installed Ubisoft games to keep them current.
Launch orchestration: It acts as a launcher hub that starts individual game processes when you press Play.
Cloud save and account sync: It handles cloud save synchronization and Ubisoft account data like achievements and settings.
DRM and integrity checks: It performs integrity checks to prevent tampering and to ensure game files are authentic.

Can I Disable or Remove It?

Common Problems

Common Causes & Solutions

: Update Ubisoft Connect, repair the launcher from Programs and Features, and ensure Windows is up to date.
: Check for background updates, restart the launcher, and limit background processes if allowed.
: Verify game files, re-sign into the launcher, and ensure entitlement is valid; reinstall the launcher if needed.
: Clear launcher cache, restart updater services, and run a clean reinstall if the updater malfunctions.
: Add Ubisoft launcher folders to exclusions, verify signatures, and re-download from the official site.
: Reset Ubisoft account password, enable two-factor authentication, and ensure correct region settings in the launcher.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ubisoft-launcher-exe and do I need it to play Ubisoft games?

ubisoft-launcher-exe is the Ubisoft Game Launcher used by Ubisoft Connect to manage sign-in, licensing, updates, and game launches. You need it installed and running to access Ubisoft titles.

Is ubisoft-launcher-exe safe to run on Windows?

Yes, when obtained from official Ubisoft sources. It is digitally signed and designed to keep games up to date and secure; always verify the source before installing.

Why is ubisoft-launcher-exe using CPU or memory?

It runs entitlement checks, updates, and background services, which can temporarily spike CPU or RAM during startup or while downloading patches.

How do I disable ubisoft-launcher-exe from starting automatically?

Disable it from Windows startup (Task Manager > Startup), or turn off the option in Ubisoft Connect preferences. Note that this may affect updates and launches.

Where is ubisoft-launcher-exe installed on my PC?

Typically in C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Ubisoft Game Launcher\UbisoftGameLauncher.exe. If you installed through Ubisoft Connect, the location may differ slightly.

What should I do if ubisoft-launcher-exe won’t update?

Check internet connection, pause antivirus, run the updater as administrator, or reinstall the Ubisoft Connect client to restore a clean updater.