Ubisoft Connect updates automatically by default, but you can also check for and install updates manually
Ubisoft Connect, the platform where you launch Ubisoft games and manage your account, updates itself in the background most of the time. When you open the launcher, it checks for new versions and installs them without interrupting your work. If you want to force an update right now instead of waiting, or if automatic updates aren't working, you can trigger the process yourself in a few steps.
The steps differ slightly between Windows and Mac, and the process takes only a few minutes. You don't need to uninstall and reinstall the whole program — the launcher handles everything through its built-in update system.
Key Takeaways
- Ubisoft Connect checks for updates every time you open it and installs them automatically in most cases.
- On Windows, you can manually check for updates by opening Ubisoft Connect, going to Settings, and selecting the option to check for updates.
- On Mac, the update process works the same way through the Settings menu, though the exact menu location may vary slightly by macOS version.
- If the launcher won't update, restarting your computer and closing other programs using your internet connection often resolves the problem.
- You need an active internet connection and enough free disk space (usually at least 500 MB) for updates to install successfully.
How to manually check for updates on Windows
Open Ubisoft Connect on your Windows computer. In the top-left corner of the launcher window, click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) or look for a Settings option. From there, select Settings or Preferences depending on your version.
Once you're in Settings, look for an option labeled Update, Check for Updates, or About. Click it, and the launcher will scan for any available updates. If an update is found, you'll see a button to install it. Click that button and let the process finish — the launcher may restart itself when done.
If you don't see an update option in Settings, try closing Ubisoft Connect completely and opening it again. The launcher often checks for updates on startup, so simply relaunching it may trigger the update process.
How to manually check for updates on Mac
Open Ubisoft Connect from your Applications folder. Click the Ubisoft Connect menu at the top of your screen (next to the Apple logo), then select About Ubisoft Connect or Preferences. On some versions of macOS, this menu item appears as Settings instead.
Look for an Update or Check for Updates button. If one appears, click it and wait for the launcher to scan. If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it. Your Mac may ask for your password to complete the installation — this is normal and expected.
If the launcher doesn't show an update option, close it completely and reopen it. Like the Windows version, Ubisoft Connect on Mac checks for updates when it starts up.
What to do if updates won't install
If Ubisoft Connect says an update is available but won't install, or if it keeps asking you to update every time you open it, start by restarting your computer. This clears temporary files and resets network connections, which resolves most update problems.
Next, check your internet connection. Open a web browser and visit a website to confirm you're online. If your connection is working but the update still won't install, try closing other programs that use the internet — streaming apps, browsers with many tabs, or file-syncing services like OneDrive or Google Drive can sometimes interfere.
Make sure you have at least 500 MB of free space on your hard drive. Right-click your drive (Windows) or click the Apple menu and select About This Mac, then Storage (Mac) to check. If you're running low on space, delete old files or programs you no longer use.
If none of these steps work, try uninstalling and reinstalling Ubisoft Connect. On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, find Ubisoft Connect, and click Uninstall. On Mac, drag Ubisoft Connect from Applications to the Trash. Then download the latest version from the official Ubisoft website and install it fresh.
Why Ubisoft Connect updates matter
Updates to Ubisoft Connect fix security vulnerabilities, improve performance, and add features. Security updates are especially important because they patch weaknesses that could let attackers access your account or personal information. Performance updates make the launcher faster and more stable, so games launch more reliably.
Keeping Ubisoft Connect current also ensures you can play online multiplayer games without connection problems. Some games won't connect to Ubisoft's servers if your launcher version is too old, so staying updated prevents frustration when you try to play.
Turning automatic updates on and off
By default, Ubisoft Connect is set to update automatically. If you want to change this — for example, if you prefer to update manually at a specific time — you can adjust the setting in Preferences or Settings.
On Windows, open Ubisoft Connect, go to Settings, and look for an option like Auto-Update or Automatic Updates. Toggle it on or off as you prefer. On Mac, the same setting appears in Preferences under a similar name. Keep in mind that turning off automatic updates means you'll need to remember to check for updates yourself regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ubisoft Connect update while I'm playing a game?
No. Ubisoft Connect checks for updates when you launch the launcher, but it won't interrupt a game that's already running. Updates install after you close the game and the launcher, or the next time you open the launcher after closing your game.
Will updating Ubisoft Connect delete my saved games?
No. Updates to the launcher don't touch your game saves or account data. Your saves are stored separately, either locally on your computer or in Ubisoft's cloud storage if you've enabled that feature.
How long does a Ubisoft Connect update usually take?
Most updates take between 2 and 10 minutes, depending on your internet speed and the size of the update. Larger updates may take longer. Don't close the launcher or restart your computer while an update is installing.
Can I use Ubisoft Connect while it's updating?
Not usually. The launcher typically becomes unavailable during the update process. Wait for the update to finish and for the launcher to restart before trying to open it again.
What if I see an error message during the update?
Note the exact error code or message, restart your computer, and try updating again. If the error persists, check the Ubisoft support website or forums — they often have solutions for specific error codes. You can also try the uninstall-and-reinstall method described above.