Ethan Brooks
How to Fix Rainbow Six Siege Not Launching on PC
If you’re struggling with Rainbow Six Siege not launching on your PC, you’re not alone. This guide provides a comprehensive step-by-step process to help you troubleshoot and resolve the issues preventing the game from starting. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to tackle common problems related to game files, settings, and system configurations, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Before we dive into the fixes, make sure you have the following prepared:
- Access to your game installation folder.
- Administrator permissions for Steam and Ubisoft Connect.
- An updated graphics driver from NVIDIA or AMD.
- Ensure your Windows operating system is up to date.
Step 1: Select “No Beta Chosen” in Steam
Open your Steam client and navigate to the settings. In the interface section, ensure that “Steam Beta Update” is not selected. If it is, opt for “No Beta Chosen” to avoid any potential conflicts with game launches.
Step 2: Sign Out of Ubisoft Connect
Launch Ubisoft Connect and sign out of your account. After signing out, completely close the Ubisoft Connect application to ensure no processes are still running in the background.
Step 3: Verify Game Files in Steam
In your Steam library, right-click on Rainbow Six Siege, select “Properties,” then go to the “Local Files” tab and click on “Verify Integrity of Game Files.” This will check for any missing or corrupt files and replace them.
Step 4: Delete the Config File
Navigate to your documents folder, then to the “My Games” directory, and find the Rainbow Six Siege folder. Here, you can delete the config file. Be aware that this action will reset all your saved settings.
Step 5: Uninstall and Reinstall BattlEye
Locate the BattlEye folder in your game files. Right-click on the uninstaller and choose “Run as Administrator.” After uninstalling, run the installer to reinstall BattlEye, which is crucial for game protection.
Step 6: Run Steam and Ubisoft Connect as Administrator
Close both applications completely. Then, right-click on their respective icons and select “Run as Administrator” to ensure that they have the necessary permissions to launch the game.
Step 7: Clear Download Cache
For Steam users, go to “Steam” in the upper left corner, select “Settings,” then “Downloads,” and click “Clear Download Cache.” This can resolve issues related to corrupted downloads that may prevent the game from launching.
Step 8: Run the Game as Administrator
Navigate to the game installation folder. Right-click on the game executable (.exe) file, select “Properties,” check the box that says “Run this program as an administrator,” and click “Apply.”
Step 9: Check Compatibility Mode
In the same properties window, go to the “Compatibility” tab. You may want to try running the game in compatibility mode for Windows 8 or 7. Check the box and select the appropriate version, then click “Apply.”
Step 10: Use Launch Options for DirectX
In Steam, right-click on Rainbow Six Siege, go to “Properties,” and in the “General” tab, set the launch options to either -dx11 or -dx12. This can resolve graphical issues that may occur during startup.
Step 11: Allow Game Executable Through Antivirus
Make sure to allow the game executable through your antivirus program or Windows Defender. You can do this by adding the game executable to the allowed list in your security settings. This prevents the antivirus software from blocking the game.
Step 12: Clean Install Graphics Drivers
Visit the NVIDIA or AMD website to download and perform a clean installation of your graphics drivers. Select your graphics model and follow the on-screen instructions to ensure you have the latest drivers.
Step 13: Use Dedicated Graphics Card
In Windows search, type “Graphics Settings.” Click “Browse” and add your game executable. Once added, select it and set the GPU preference to “High Performance” to ensure it uses the dedicated graphics card.
Step 14: Update Windows
Ensure your Windows is up to date by checking for updates in the “Windows Update” section of your settings. Install any pending updates and restart your PC.
Step 15: Close Overclocking Applications
If you’re using overclocking software like MSI Afterburner or RivaTuner, close these applications as they may interfere with the game launch.
Step 16: Remove External Devices
Unplug any unnecessary external devices such as controllers, racing wheels, or additional monitors that may conflict with the game launch. Launch the game with only the essential peripherals connected.
Step 17: Increase Virtual Memory
In Windows search, type “Advanced System Settings” and open it. Under the “Advanced” tab, click on “Settings” in the Performance section. Go to the “Advanced” tab again and click on “Change” under Virtual Memory. Uncheck “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.” Set the Initial Size to 1.5 x Total RAM and Maximum Size to 3 x Total RAM.
Step 18: Update BIOS
Check your motherboard manufacturer’s website for any BIOS updates. If available, download and follow the instructions carefully to complete the update process.
Step 19: Reinstall the Game
If all else fails, uninstall Rainbow Six Siege from your computer. Navigate to the game installation folder and delete any remaining files. Restart your PC, then reinstall the game, preferably on the C Drive or a different SSD.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Make sure to keep your system clean and optimized. Regularly check for updates not just for the game, but also for your operating system and drivers to avoid future issues. If problems persist, consider reaching out to Ubisoft support for further assistance.
Conclusion
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the issues preventing Rainbow Six Siege from launching on your PC. Remember, regular maintenance of your system and game files can help prevent similar problems in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the game still doesn’t launch after following all these steps?
If the game still fails to launch, consider checking Ubisoft’s support page for known issues or additional troubleshooting tips.
Can I run Rainbow Six Siege without a dedicated graphics card?
While it may be possible, running Rainbow Six Siege on integrated graphics will likely lead to poor performance and is not recommended for an optimal gaming experience.
Is it safe to update my BIOS?
Updating your BIOS can improve system stability and performance, but it should be done carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any potential issues.