Under "Virus & threat protection settings," click . Under "Exclusions," click Add or remove exclusions .
If the game still cannot find the launcher link library, you can force it by placing the correct file directly next to the game's executable.
: Since Uplay has been replaced by Ubisoft Connect, the old DLL files may be outdated or missing. Uninstalling and then downloading the latest version from the official Ubisoft website often fixes the link between the game and the launcher. Check Antivirus Quarantines : Your antivirus or Windows Defender may have flagged uplay_r1_loader64.dll as a false positive. Windows Security Virus & threat protection Protection history for any recently blocked files related to your game folder. If found, select Verify Game Files
: Security software may have quarantined the DLL file, thinking it is a false positive. Recommended Fixes 1. Reinstall Ubisoft Connect
To resolve the "UplayachEarnAchievement could not be located" error, try the following troubleshooting steps:
The most common cause is a corrupted installation of the Uplay or Ubisoft Connect client. This can happen due to a failed update, improper shutdown of the launcher, or conflicts with other software.
: This scans for and repairs corrupted Windows system files. Type cmd in the Windows search bar. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator . Type sfc /scannow and press Enter .
If you are launching via Steam or Epic, try launching the game directly from Ubisoft Connect. Sometimes the intermediary launcher causes pathing errors. Open Ubisoft Connect manually and launch the game from there (without Steam running).
Antivirus programs often block the uplay_r1_loader.dll file by mistake. Open your Antivirus software (or ). Look for Protection History or the Quarantine section.
Security software can sometimes act overzealously. An antivirus program might quarantine or delete critical DLL files (like uplay_r1_loader.dll ) if it incorrectly flags them as suspicious or malicious. This is especially common with cracked or unofficial game versions, but can also happen with legitimate ones.
If the achievement truly unlocked in-game but won’t register, support can sometimes force-sync it.
Fix: "uplay_ach_earn_achievement could not be located" Error
If it’s an easy trigger (e.g., “complete first mission”), try redoing the action.