Ubisoft Connect is a launcher required for games from the Assassin’s Creed series and Rainbow Six Siege. The “Unable to start download (Code: 17013)” error arises for some Ubisoft Connect users when they try to install games. One user said this about that error: “Recently bought Siege, went to install it through Ubisoft Connect, but got an error code 17013.” Players can’t install games with Ubisoft Connect because of this error. This is how to fix the Ubisoft error code 17013 on Windows PCs.
Run Ubisoft Connect as an Administrator
Running Ubisoft Connect with admin rights is a potential resolution that’s worked for some users. Applying this fix sets full system permissions for Ubisoft Connect to install and update games as required. You can set Ubisoft Connect to run with administrator rights like this:
- Right-click your Ubisoft Connect desktop shortcut to select Properties > Compatibility.
- Click the checkbox for Run this program as an administrator to add a tick to it.
The Run this program as an administrator option
- Select Apply > OK to save the new elevated permissions for Ubisoft Connect.
Free Up Drive Space
Limited drive space can potentially cause Ubisoft error code 17013 when there isn’t sufficient space for the game installation. To resolve this potential issue, try to free up at least 20-30 gigabytes (or however much you need for the game) of drive space. You can check how much free drive space there is on your PC like this:
- Press the Windows logo key + E hotkey for opening File Explorer.
- Click This PC in File Explorer.
- Right-click your storage drive to select Properties. Then, you can view drive storage info on the General tab.
The General tab
If you need to free up space, try uninstalling some unnecessary software. For example, remove some completed single-player games to make space for more. Microsoft’s guide to removing apps tells you how users can uninstall software via Settings and the Control Panel.
Clear the Cache for Ubisoft Connect
Corrupted Ubisoft Connect cache data can sometimes cause technical issues for downloading and installing games. Clearing that cache might be worth trying for fixing Ubisoft error code 17013. Unlike Steam, Ubisoft Connect doesn’t have a specific troubleshooting option for clearing its cache. However, you can manually clear that cache as instructed on this Ubisoft guide page.
The cache data folder
Reset Winsock and Flush DNS
This potential fix is for addressing network issues that can cause the Ubisoft error code 17013. Remember that the error message says, “Unable to start download,” which might be because the software can’t reach servers. You can apply this possible fix by executing a couple of short commands:
- Open your Windows search tool, and input a cmd keyword.
- Right-click your Command Prompt app shown in the search tool to select a Run as administrator option.
- Execute the flush DNS command by inputting ipconfig /flushdns and pressing Enter.
- Execute the reset Winsock command by inputting netsh winsock reset and pressing Return.
The flush DNS command
- Finally, exit the Command Prompt and restart Windows.
Reinstall Ubisoft Connect
Reinstalling Ubisoft Connect is another way to fix the Ubisoft error code 17013. Some players confirm that it has worked for them. That is also a potential fix the Ubisoft support service recommends. To apply this possible fix, open this support page about reinstalling Ubisoft Connect for further details.
The uninstall option for Ubisoft Connect
Although there aren’t that many confirmed troubleshooting methods for Ubisoft error code 17013, the potential fixes above have worked for many users. So, there’s every chance one of those troubleshooting methods will fix that error for you. Ubisoft also has a support service that you can ask for more possible resolutions by clicking Contact us on this help page.
