Rockstar Games Launcher Error Code 209

Last Updated: April 30, 2024

Question: What can I do when receiving Error Code 209 while using the Rockstar Games Launcher on PC?

• Failed to update the Rockstar Games Launcher (Code 209)

• A Rockstar Games Launcher setup operation is in progress. Complete or exit the setup and try again.

Answer: You may receive Error Code 209 when the Rockstar Games Launcher has not been updated or is in the process of updating. Allow any available Rockstar Games Launcher updates to install and apply any available game updates before launching your Rockstar Games titles.

If you are still having an issue, there may be a network connectivity problem. Try the following steps:

Check your network connection and Rockstar Games Service availability

• Check to make sure your internet connection is working properly

• Check the Rockstar Games Service Status page for server outages or scheduled maintenance:

  • https://support.rockstargames.com/servicestatus 

Temporarily disable Windows Security

If you are still receiving the error, temporarily disable Windows Security protection using the following steps:

On Windows 10

1. Select Start

2. Select Settings

3. Select Update & Security

4. Select Virus & threat protection

5. Select Manage settings

6. Switch Real-time protection to Off

On Windows 11

1. Select Start

2. Type "Windows Security"

3. Select Windows Security app from the search results

4. Select Virus & threat protection

5. Select Manage settings

6. Switch Real-time protection to Off

Restart the Rockstar Games Launcher to allow any pending updates to apply, then turn your Windows Security protection back on.

Perform a clean reinstall of the Rockstar Games Launcher

If the above solutions do not solve your problem, try a clean reinstallation of the Rockstar Games Launcher using the following steps:

Uninstall the Rockstar Games Launcher

1. Close any Rockstar Games titles that are running

2. Navigate to the Rockstar Games Launcher installation folder

   • Default: C:\Program Files\Rockstar Games\Launcher

3. Double-click the uninstall.exe program and uninstall the Rockstar Games Launcher

4. Leave uninstall the game data unchecked

Remove any remaining Rockstar Games Launcher files

1. Once the uninstaller has completed, delete all of the following folders:Note: Do not delete any other folders or files as you may lose game data.

   • C:\Users\[username]\Documents\Rockstar Games\Social Club

   • C:\Users\[username]\Documents\Rockstar Games\Launcher

   • C:\Program Files\Rockstar Games\Launcher

   • C:\Program Files\Rockstar Games\Social Club

   • C:\Program Files (x86)\Rockstar Games\Social Club

2. Restart your computer

Reinstall the Rockstar Games Launcher

1. Download the Rockstar Games Launcher from the Rockstar Games website:

   • https://socialclub.rockstargames.com/rockstar-games-launcher

2. Double-click the Rockstar Games Launcher icon to begin installing

3. Select your preferred language and click CONTINUE

4. Click CONTINUE at the Welcome screen

5. Check I accept the terms of the License Agreement box and click CONTINUE

6. Choose an install location and click CONTINUE

7. When installation is complete, click CLOSE

When you first start the Rockstar Games Launcher, you’ll be asked if you want to scan for previously installed Rockstar Games titles on your computer.