Failed to connect to the Rockstar Games Library Service

Last Updated: September 16, 2024

Question: How do I stop getting the error "Failed to connect to the Rockstar Games Library Service" when starting the Rockstar Games Launcher?

Answer: This error can occur if Windows is not up to date, if a component that the Rockstar Games Launcher needs is misconfigured, or if the Rockstar Games Launcher Library Service is paused or stopped under Windows services. The following steps should resolve the issue:

Make sure your version of Windows is updated

You can do this by following the directions on Microsoft’s support site:

Download and run the Rockstar Games Launcher installer

Running the Rockstar Games Launcher installer will check the status of all previously installed components as well as the status of the Rockstar Games Library Service

You can download the Rockstar Games Launcher at:

Adding the Rockstar Games Launcher as an exception to your antivirus software

On Windows 10 and 11, you can add the Rockstar Games Launcher as an exception in Windows Defender with the following steps: 

  1. Open the Windows start menu and select the Settings gear 

  2. Select Update & Security 

  3. Select Windows Security 

  4. Select Virus & threat protection 

  5. Select Manage settings, and then under Exclusions, select Add or remove exclusions 

  6. Select Add an exclusion, and then select the folder where the Rockstar Games Launcher is installed 

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

If you are not using Windows Defender, refer to your program documentation on how you can add programs or folders as an exception for your antivirus and/or firewall.

Enable Rockstar Games Launcher Service in Task Manager

  1. Search for Task Manager in the Windows search bar

  2. Right-click and select Run as administrator

  3. Select More details at the bottom left of the Task Manager

  4. Select the Services tab

  5. Right-click Rockstar Service

  6. Select Open Services

  7. Double-click Rockstar Games Library Service

  8. Under the General tab, set Startup type to Automatic

  9. Select Apply, then OK

  10. Restart the Rockstar Games Launcher

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