Several users on the Ubisoft Connect network report this annoying issue while downloading new games or updates. Sometimes, partial data gets downloaded, and then suddenly, the download fails to display the error, often referred to as “Unable to Start Download.”
The error can sometimes be a simple fix, such as changing the game’s chosen installation directory or renaming the folder to prompt a re-scan by Ubisoft Connect.
Given the frequency of these complaints, we can look beyond a simple network issue for the cause. Below are some possible causes and fixes for this error, updated for the 2025 version of Ubisoft Connect.
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Table of Contents
4 Ways to Solve Ubisoft Connect “Unable to Start Download”
1. Check for Stability and Sufficient Storage
Game downloads and updates can be substantial, often exceeding 15 GB. Hence, a reliable and speedy internet connection is crucial for successful downloads. Disconnection for even a fraction of a second can sometimes lead to download failure.
Furthermore, a common reason for the “Unable to Start Download” error is insufficient storage space on your device.
Here are some tips to check and eliminate these issues:
- Run Speed Tests of your internet and ensure the speeds are not extremely low.
- If you are on a wireless (Wi-Fi) connection, try downloading using a wired (Ethernet) connection.
- Disable all other devices consuming significant bandwidth on your network.
- Verify the required storage space for the game on the Ubisoft Help website and ensure the installation drive has enough free space.
If these steps do not resolve the error, the problem likely lies within the application or its permissions.
2. Verify Administrative Permissions and Security Access
Administrative access is often necessary to perform internal actions and resolve download issues. Your system’s security software (antivirus) may also be blocking the launcher’s write access to your files.
Try the following steps to ensure proper permissions:
- Temporarily turn off any third-party antivirus or security software running on your system.
- Right-click on the Ubisoft Connect launcher icon and select ‘Run as administrator.’
- Initiate the download or update again.
- If this helps, you may need to add an exception for the Ubisoft Connect application within your firewall and antivirus settings.
3. Simplify the Installation Directory and Path
In some cases, the directory where the file is being downloaded might be the root cause of the error. Problems have been observed when using complex custom directories or when the installation path is not the default.
Try these changes to eliminate directory-related issues:
- Use the Default Installation Path: When you begin the download, choose the most straightforward path possible (e.g., the default location on your C: drive, which is usually
C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Ubisoft Game Launcher). - Avoid Special Characters: Ensure the path and folder names do not contain any special characters.
- Reinstall to the Default Drive (If necessary): If you previously installed Ubisoft Connect on a non-default drive, try reinstalling the client itself to the default drive (C: in most cases) and then initiate the game download.
4. Enable Port Forwarding
Port Forwarding is a networking technique that redirects a communication request from one address and port number combination to another, helping data packets traverse a network gateway (like a router or firewall).
If you are using a router, enabling port forwarding may resolve the download error. According to official support, the ports to forward for Ubisoft Connect PC are:
- TCP: 13000, 13005, 13200, 14000-14001, 14008, 14020-14024
Source: https://portforward.com/ubisoft-connect/
Note: If trying all these steps does not help you fix the error, the issue may be on Ubisoft’s end, such as a temporary server problem. You should visit the official support page and contact the support team for further, personalized assistance, attaching your DxDiag and MSInfo reports to your case.
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