The RSI Launcher may encounter a variety of errors and issues when installing, updating, and launching the game. The issues can have underlying errors involving your system specs, network configuration, Internet Service Provider (ISP) settings, and graphic card / GPU issues.
Always search the Issue Council when you encounter a crash or issue. We track entered and contributed reports to provide information directly to development and QA.
See the following:
- Error Message - "You do not have permission to sign in."
- Session Expired
- Harddrive space
- Login access issues
- Multiple Launchers running
- Cannot retrieve Update Manifest - code 0x1004
- Running and Installed Application Conflicts
- Common issues
- Connections errors
- Additional Information
Error Message - "You do not have permission to sign in."
If you have encountered this error within the RSI Launcher, this means that you are not currently using the proper version of the launcher. The most common cause of this issue is using an outdated link to directly download the launcher install file, like from an old Spectrum post or a message from a friend trying to be helpful.
To correct this, uninstall the launcher and then download the correct version from the RSI Website. The most recent version of the launcher will always be available here:
Download - Roberts Space Industries
Session Expired
A more permanent fix for this error message is currently being tested. Generally this is caused by network issues or sometimes VPN settings interfering with the launcher. Consider also checking any programs that are monitoring and protecting your online connection, like anti-virus/anti-malware programs or things like NordVPN's Web Protect feature and either temporarily disable them or whitelist the launcher and game in the appropriate place in the program.
Consider also contributing to the information we have on this issue on the Launcher section of the Issue Council.
Storage drive space
Currently, the RSI Launcher does not verify the amount of available and required file storage space against the drive you select. Make sure to check the available space on your current drive before installing.
We recommend:
- At least 100 GB of space for the RSI Launcher and Star Citizen
- A solid state drive (SSD) is required to play.
- Drive should be NTFS formatted
If you do not have enough space, the install may not complete. If you are tight on space, you may encounter issues when performing Star Citizen updates or file verification.
Login access issues
It's possible your USER content needs to be rebuilt.
- Open a file explorer.
- Locate the folder: (install drive)\Program Files\Roberts Space Industries\StarCitizen\LIVE
- Delete the USER folder.
- Fully shutdown your computer. This fully clears any remaining Windows memory cache with incorrect or corrupt information.
- Boot up. Open the Launcher and try logging in again with your Login ID and password!
Helpful note: The logindata.json file generates and deletes when the RSI Launcher is open. This also helps to keep login information updated. Just in case, fully close the Launcher and make sure the file is definitely removed from (install drive)\Program Files\Roberts Space Industries\StarCitizen\LIVE.
Multiple Launchers running
It's possible you may have multiple Launchers open. By default, the RSI Launcher only minimizes to the system tray when you click X to close. You may want to check and close any additional Launchers.
Click the System Tray near the date and time on the Windows task bar. You may see multiple RSI icons for each open launcher. Right click on an icon and select Quit to close extras. Or you can open the Windows Task Manager to find and close extra Launchers.
To close the Launcher when clicking X:
- Open and login to your Launcher.
- Click the RSI Icon in the upper left.
- Select Settings from the menu that appears.
- Ensure the Enable close-to-quit option is turned on.
Missing Required Windows Files
If you bought a new computer, manually handle and adjust your operating system updates, or reformatted your drive with Windows, you should verify you have the following files and settings configured before installing the RSI Launcher and Star Citizen.
- For Windows version N or KN, make sure you have the latest Media Pack for Windows. If you have Windows home or pro in the US, you do not need this pack.
- Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.5.2
- Make sure all of your Windows updates have fully installed.
Error Code 4000 - "Something went wrong when downloading the Manifest, please try again."
If you receive an error of "Cannot retrieve Update Manifest" or error code 4000, you may have an access issue.
Check Ports:
Ensure TCP 8000 - 8020 UDP 64090 - 64110 ports are permitted out/opened in your firewall/router.
- This article can help for adding ports to a router.
- You may need to contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to also have them update and check your ports for your account. Some players were able to get this solved with their help.
Whitelist .exes:
- Ensure our files are whitelisted in your firewall and anti-virus software: RSI Launcher.exe and StarCitizen.exe.
- Some players have had to change their anti-virus software. We've seen issues with Avast, Panda, and a few others.
Fully delete and install:
You may need to perform a complete deletion and reinstall. Make sure to follow those instructions. Completely shutdown your computer to fully clear any lingering Windows 10 memory cache.
Running and Installed Application Conflicts
There are cases where certain specific programs may conflict with the RSI Launcher and prevent it from running properly. It is difficult to form a list, but if you are running into constant issues with consistently launching the game, considering turning off other running programs and applications and trying again.
Though rare, simply having certain applications installed may also cause troubles, which is much harder to identify.
A recent conflict our Tech Support Agents have identified is with Sonic Studio 3 / Sonic Studio Virtual Mixer which will need to be fully uninstalled for the RSI Launcher to properly function. The RSI Launcher error file log.log will show this line if this is causing the launcher to fail:
"error":"Star Citizen process exited abnormally (code: 3221225477)
Common issues
Connection errors
You may receive one of the following connection errors when trying to launch the game.