How to fix Watch Dogs Legion not launching issue on PC (Uplay/EGS)

Watch Dogs Legion not launching
Watch Dogs Legion Screenshot

Watch Dogs: Legion is an open-world action-adventure game from Ubisoft Toronto. The game is now available on PC via Uplay and Epic Games Store, Xbox One, and PS4. If you are on the PC version and are running into the Watch Dogs Legion not launching issue, here are a few things you can try to fix it.

Make sure you check out our review for the title, and read our thoughts on the game, and its various aspects.

Watch Dogs Legion not launching issue

A few users have reported that they can’t seem to launch the game, here are a few things you can try to fix that.

Fix 1: Use DX11 launch argument

This fix works for the issue where the game crashes at launch as well.

  • To do this, simply open Uplay, and click on Watch Dogs Legion in your Games
  • Here, select Properties
  • Under Game launch arguments, add the following line
-dx11
  • Click Save

Check out the demonstration in the GIF below

Game launch arguments

Fix 2: Update your Windows

Make sure you are on the latest version of your operating system. To update your Windows, follow the steps below.

  • Click on Start, and go to Settings
  • Here, select Update and Security
  • Click on Windows Update

If you have a pending update, it will give you the details for it.

Fix 3: Update GPU Drivers

Make sure you are on the latest versions of your GPU drivers. You can download these from the links below

Fix 4: Run Uplay as Admin

Try running uplay as admin. You can do so by following the steps below.

  • Right-click on the Uplay/Uconnect icon
  • Click Properties
  • Click on the Compatibility tab
  • Here, check Run this program as an administrator
Uplay as Admin

Watch Dogs: Legion Hotfix for 30th October

Ubisoft is also deplying a hotfix tomorrow, that will address a bunch of issues.

Patch Notes: 

  • Global performance improvements on PS4 for smoother gameplay/driving
  • Made several improvements to PC performance
  • Optimized performance to improve framerates for RTX GPUs
  • Fixed an issue that caused framerate drops to occur when characters walk through checkpoints
  • Improved the framerate performance when driving
  • Fixed a freeze when switching input controllers on PC
  • Fixed sporadic crashes on PS4
  • Fixed sporadic crashes on Xbox One/S
  • Fixed an issue that could cause the game to crash when launched on a console set to TURKISH, INDONESIAN, GREEK, ROMANIAN, HUNGARIAN, VIETNAMESE or THAI languages
  • Fixed an issue that could cause the game to crash on Xbox One X when selecting a certain option in the Into the Void mission
  • Fixed an issue that could cause the game to crash when browsing through the Premium Shop tabs on Xbox One

While you are here, make sure you check out our other guides for the game as well.

Watch Dogs: Legion on PC

You can purchase the game from the following links.

There is a Standard, Gold and Ultimate edition available for purchase.

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