Few things are more frustrating than launching your favorite Ubisoft game only to be greeted by the dreaded “uplay_r164.dll Was Not Found” error. This issue can prevent games from starting altogether and may leave you wondering whether you need to reinstall everything from scratch. Fortunately, this error is usually fixable with a few targeted troubleshooting steps.
TLDR: The uplay_r164.dll was not found error typically appears due to missing, corrupted, or quarantined game files, outdated software, or system file issues. You can fix it by verifying game files, reinstalling Ubisoft Connect, updating Windows, or restoring the DLL file from a trusted source. Avoid downloading random DLL files from unofficial websites, as they may contain malware. Following a structured troubleshooting approach usually resolves the problem quickly.
Let’s break down what causes this error and walk through the most effective solutions to get your games running smoothly again.
Contents
What Is uplay_r164.dll and Why Is It Important?
The uplay_r164.dll file is part of Ubisoft Connect (formerly Uplay), Ubisoft’s digital distribution and game management platform. DLL files (Dynamic Link Libraries) contain code and data shared among multiple programs. In this case, the file helps Ubisoft games communicate with the Ubisoft Connect client.
If Windows cannot locate or load this file, you may see errors such as:
- “uplay_r164.dll was not found”
- “This application failed to start because uplay_r164.dll is missing”
- “The code execution cannot proceed because uplay_r164.dll was not found”
This usually means the file has been deleted, corrupted, blocked by antivirus software, or improperly installed.
Image not found in postmetaMain Causes of the uplay_r164.dll Error
Understanding the root cause helps you apply the correct fix. The most common reasons include:
- Corrupted game installation
- Accidental deletion of DLL file
- Antivirus quarantine
- Outdated Ubisoft Connect client
- Windows system file corruption
- Malware infection
Let’s move on to actionable fixes.
1. Restart Your Computer (Don’t Skip This)
It may seem simplistic, but temporary glitches can sometimes trigger DLL errors. Restarting your PC refreshes system processes and may restore access to the missing file if it was temporarily locked.
If the problem persists after restarting, proceed to the next steps.
2. Verify Game Files in Ubisoft Connect
If the error appears when launching a specific Ubisoft game, verifying game files should be your first advanced troubleshooting step.
How to Verify Game Files:
- Open Ubisoft Connect.
- Go to your Library.
- Select the affected game.
- Click Properties.
- Choose Verify files.
This process scans the installation and automatically replaces missing or corrupted files, including uplay_r164.dll.
Why it works: If the DLL file was accidentally deleted or corrupted, verification restores it directly from Ubisoft’s servers.
3. Reinstall Ubisoft Connect
If verifying the game doesn’t fix the issue, the Ubisoft Connect client itself may be corrupted.
Steps to Reinstall:
- Press Windows + R and type appwiz.cpl.
- Locate Ubisoft Connect in the list.
- Click Uninstall.
- Restart your PC.
- Download the latest version from Ubisoft’s official website.
Important: Do not download DLL files from third-party websites. They can contain malware or incorrect versions of the file.
4. Check Your Antivirus Quarantine
Sometimes security software mistakenly flags DLL files as threats and removes them.
What to Do:
- Open your antivirus dashboard.
- Check the Quarantine section.
- Look for uplay_r164.dll.
- Restore it if it appears there.
If your antivirus keeps deleting the file, add the Ubisoft game folder and Ubisoft Connect directory to the exclusion list.
5. Run System File Checker (SFC Scan)
If Windows system files are corrupted, they may prevent DLL files from loading correctly.
To Run SFC:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type: sfc /scannow
- Press Enter and wait for the scan to finish.
This tool will detect and repair corrupted Windows files automatically.
6. Update Windows and Drivers
Outdated system components can interfere with game files and DLL loading processes.
Update Windows:
- Go to Settings → Update & Security.
- Click Check for updates.
Update Graphics Drivers:
- Visit NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel’s official website.
- Download the latest drivers for your GPU model.
Keeping your system updated ensures compatibility with Ubisoft Connect and modern games.
7. Scan for Malware
Malware infections can delete or manipulate DLL files, leading to recurring errors.
Run a full system scan using:
- Windows Security
- Malwarebytes
- Bitdefender
Removing malicious programs may restore normal file behavior.
Comparison of Tools That Can Help Fix the Error
| Tool | Purpose | Built-in or Third Party | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubisoft Connect Verify | Restores missing game files | Built-in | Very Easy |
| System File Checker | Repairs Windows system files | Built-in | Moderate |
| Windows Update | Fixes compatibility issues | Built-in | Easy |
| Malwarebytes | Removes malware threats | Third Party | Easy |
8. Perform a Clean Reinstallation of the Game
If everything else fails, a complete game reinstallation may be necessary.
Clean Reinstall Tips:
- Uninstall the game from Ubisoft Connect.
- Delete leftover game folders manually.
- Restart your PC.
- Reinstall the game.
This ensures no corrupted files remain in the installation directory.
Image not found in postmetaWhat You Should NOT Do
While searching for solutions online, you may come across websites offering standalone downloads of uplay_r164.dll. Avoid this method.
Risks include:
- Installing malware-infected files
- Downloading the wrong file version
- Creating further system instability
Always obtain files directly from official sources like Ubisoft or through verified repair processes.
Preventing Future DLL Errors
Once you’ve resolved the issue, consider these preventive steps:
- Keep Ubisoft Connect updated.
- Enable automatic Windows updates.
- Use reliable antivirus software.
- Avoid manual deletion of game directories.
- Back up your system periodically.
Regular maintenance significantly reduces the chances of recurring DLL errors.
Final Thoughts
The uplay_r164.dll was not found error can be alarming, but it’s rarely permanent. In most cases, verifying game files or reinstalling Ubisoft Connect resolves the problem within minutes. More stubborn cases may require system scans or Windows repairs, but even those are manageable with built-in tools.
The key is to follow a structured troubleshooting approach and avoid risky shortcuts like downloading random DLL files. With proper care and system maintenance, you can keep your Windows PC running smoothly and your Ubisoft games launching without interruption.
By applying the steps outlined above, you should be back in the game quickly—and error-free.