Rockstar Games Launcher Error Failed to connect to the Rockstar Games Library Service

Last Updated: May 1, 2024

Question: What can I do about the following error with the Rockstar Games Launcher on PC?

• Failed to connect to the Rockstar Games Library Service

Answer: This error can occur when the Rockstar Games Launcher is unable to update due to a network connectivity issue or an issue with file permissions. You may be able to resolve the error by taking 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 

Run the Rockstar Games Launcher in Administrator mode

• Right-click the Rockstar Games Launcher and select Run as administrator

Temporarily disable Windows Security

If you are still having an issue, temporarily disable Windows Security protection using the following steps:

For 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

For 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.