Antivirus programs may have quarantined the achievement DLL. First, restore it, then add exclusions.
For Windows Defender:
For third-party AV (Avast, Bitdefender, etc.):
Refer to your software’s guide to restore quarantined files and exclude the Ubisoft folders.
In rare cases, the module exists but Windows no longer recognizes its path. You can attempt to manually register it. Caution: Only do this if you are comfortable with command-line operations.
The error message "The procedure entry point UplayAchEarnAchievement could not be located in the dynamic link library" typically occurs when your game files are corrupted or the Ubisoft Connect
(formerly Uplay) launcher is outdated or misconfigured. This specific function manages in-game achievements, and if its link is broken, the game cannot launch or track progress. Recommended Solutions Update or Reinstall Ubisoft Connect
: This error often stems from an outdated launcher trying to communicate with a newer game. Download the latest version directly from Ubisoft Connect
If updating doesn't work, uninstall the existing launcher and perform a clean installation. Verify Game Files
: Steam or Ubisoft Connect can scan and repair missing or corrupted files. Ubisoft Connect : Go to the tab, select your game, click Properties , and choose Verify files : Right-click the game in your Properties Installed Files Verify integrity of game files Run System File Checker (SFC)
: Corrupted Windows system files can sometimes interfere with DLL loading. Search for Command Prompt , right-click it, and select Run as Administrator sfc /scannow Restart your computer once the process finishes. Clear Ubisoft Connect Cache : Corrupted temporary data can cause linking errors. Ubisoft Connect , and click Delete all game installers Alternatively, manually delete the
folder located in your Ubisoft Connect installation directory (usually C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Ubisoft Game Launcher\cache Enable In-Game Overlay
: Some achievement functions require the overlay to be active. In the launcher, go to and ensure Enable in-game overlay for supported games is checked. Assassin's Creed Watch Dogs
Fix libcef.dll Errors in Ubisoft Connect: Expert Solutions - JustAnswer
The error message "The procedure entry point uplayachearnachievement could not be located" typically indicates a version mismatch or corruption within the Ubisoft dynamic link libraries (DLLs) used to handle in-game achievements. This often occurs when a game's local files are outdated or when security software has quarantined critical launcher components. Common Causes
Outdated Ubisoft Connect/Uplay: The game may be attempting to call a function in an older version of the launcher that no longer exists or has been renamed.
Missing or Blocked DLLs: Anti-virus software often flags and quarantines files like uplay_r1_loader64.dll or uplay_r1.dll, which contain these achievement functions.
Corrupted Cache: Accumulated temporary data in the launcher can cause conflicts when the game tries to sync achievement data. Resolution Steps
The plastic creaked under Alex’s grip as the final cutscene of Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla began to play. Eighty hours of raiding, puzzle-solving, and story-reading had led to this moment. He watched the credits roll, satisfied, waiting for the familiar bloop-bloop sound of the completion achievement unlocking.
Instead, the screen flickered. The Ubisoft Connect overlay minimized itself, and a stark, white error message popped up over his desktop wallpaper:
"The procedure entry point uplayachearnachievement could not be located in the dynamic link library."
Alex stared. The sentence was a word salad of technical jargon. He clicked "OK," confused. He opened the Ubisoft Connect client. It showed he was online. He launched the game again. It worked fine. But when he checked his stats, the playtime was zero. The cloud sync icon was spinning endlessly. He had just lost his save file.
The Diagnosis
Most gamers would restart the PC. Alex did. It didn't help. The error persisted every time he tried to launch the game. He took a deep breath and looked at the error message again, treating it not as a crash, but as a puzzle. uplayachearnachievement could not be located
"The procedure entry point uplayachearnachievement could not be located..."
This specific phrasing was the clue. "UplayAchieveAchievement" wasn't a random error code; it was the name of a function inside a specific file. The computer was trying to run a command (likely to trigger that achievement popup) but couldn't find the instruction manual.
The "Dynamic Link Library" (DLL) is that manual. It’s a file ending in .dll that contains code multiple programs can share. The error meant that the file existed, but it was the wrong version, or it was corrupted. It was like trying to find the recipe for a specific sandwich in a cookbook, only to realize someone had ripped the page out.
The Hunt
Alex opened File Explorer and navigated to the game’s installation folder: C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Ubisoft Game Launcher.
He was looking for the heart of the launcher: upc_r2_loader64.dll. If this file was damaged, the entire communication network between the game and the Ubisoft servers would fail.
He found the file. It was there. But the error implied it was "dirty."
The Solution
Alex knew that simply deleting the file would break everything. He needed a clean slate. He opened his web browser and navigated to the official Ubisoft support site. He ignored the general "restart your computer" advice and looked for the "manual uninstall" or "clean install" instructions.
He didn't just uninstall the game. He uninstalled Ubisoft Connect entirely.
Then, he did the crucial step most people skip. He opened the Run command (Windows Key + R) and typed %programdata%. He navigated to the Ubisoft folder and deleted the Ubisoft Game Launcher folder entirely. This cleared out the cache, the old DLLs, and the corrupted configuration files—the "dirty" parts that the uninstaller often leaves behind.
He rebooted his PC.
The Reunion
Alex downloaded the latest installer for Ubisoft Connect from the website. It was a small file, only a few megabytes. He ran it. As the progress bar filled, he watched the File Explorer. A fresh, pristine upc_r2_loader64.dll was placed into the directory.
He launched Ubisoft Connect. He logged in. He launched Valhalla.
The game loaded. The overlay appeared instantly. He checked his save games. The cloud sync worked. He loaded his last save, walked his character forward, and triggered a small side objective.
Bloop-bloop.
Achievement Unlocked: The Hunter.
The Lesson
The error "uplayachearnachievement could not be located" is terrifying because it looks like a fatal system flaw. But Alex learned that 90% of PC gaming errors are simply communication breakdowns.
If you see an error about a missing "entry point" in a DLL:
The error wasn't a dead end; it was just a request for a clean install. Antivirus programs may have quarantined the achievement DLL
The error "uplay_ach_earn_achievement could not be located" typically points to a missing or corrupted dynamic link library (DLL) file—specifically uplay_r1_loader.dll or a similar Ubisoft-related file—in your game's directory. This usually happens because your antivirus software flagged the file as a false positive or your Ubisoft Connect installation is outdated. Follow these steps to resolve the issue: 1. Verify Game Files
This is the most reliable way to replace the missing file without a full reinstall.
Ubisoft Connect: Go to Games > Select your game > Properties > Verify Files.
Steam: Right-click the game in your Library > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files.
Epic Games: Click the three dots on the game tile > Manage > Verify. 2. Disable Antivirus and Restore Files Your antivirus may have "quarantined" the file. Open your Antivirus settings (or Windows Security). Check the Protection History or Quarantine section.
If you see a file like uplay_r1_loader.dll, select it and click Restore or Allow.
Pro Tip: Add your game’s installation folder to your antivirus "Exclusions" list to prevent this from happening again. 3. Reinstall Ubisoft Connect
The error often stems from the launcher itself being unable to communicate with the game. Download the latest version of Ubisoft Connect.
Install it over your current version (you do not need to uninstall your games). Restart your PC and try launching the game again. 4. Direct DLL Replacement (Advanced)
If the above fails, you can manually replace the loader file: Navigate to your game's bin or root folder.
Check for a folder named Uplay or similar within the game files.
Ensure that uplay_r1_loader.dll (or the specific file mentioned in the full error popup) exists. If not, the Verify Files step in Step 1 is mandatory.
If you are trying to launch an older Ubisoft title and are met with the cryptic error "The procedure entry point uplayachearnachievement could not be located in the dynamic link library," you aren’t alone. This specific error is a classic symptom of the transition from the old "Uplay" branding to the modern Ubisoft Connect ecosystem.
Here is a comprehensive guide on why this is happening and how to get your game running again. What Causes This Error?
The error occurs because the game’s executable (.exe) is looking for a specific function—uplayachearnachievement—within a DLL file (usually uplay_r1_loader.dll or uplay_r1.dll).
When Ubisoft updated Uplay to Ubisoft Connect, many of these background files were updated or moved. If your game is looking for an outdated version of the Uplay API that is no longer present or has been corrupted during an update, the "entry point" cannot be found, and the game crashes before it even starts. How to Fix "uplayachearnachievement could not be located" 1. Reinstall Ubisoft Connect (The Most Effective Fix)
Often, the easiest way to restore missing DLL functions is to force a refresh of the launcher’s core files. Uninstall Ubisoft Connect from your Control Panel.
Go to the official Ubisoft Connect website and download the latest installer.
Reinstall the launcher. This often replaces the legacy DLLs with modern versions that include the necessary compatibility redirects. 2. Verify Game Files
If the launcher is fine but the specific game folder has a corrupted DLL, you need to verify the integrity of the files.
On Ubisoft Connect: Go to "Games," select your game, click "Properties," and choose Verify files.
On Steam: Right-click the game in your Library > Properties > Local Files > Verify integrity of game files. 3. Run as Administrator For third-party AV (Avast, Bitdefender, etc
Sometimes the game has the file it needs, but Windows prevents it from "reading" the entry point due to permission restrictions. Navigate to the game’s installation folder. Right-click the game’s .exe file and select Properties.
Under the Compatibility tab, check Run this program as an administrator. Apply and try launching again. 4. Disable "In-Game Overlay"
Legacy games sometimes struggle with the modern Ubisoft Connect overlay, which tries to hook into the same achievement functions that are causing the error. Open Ubisoft Connect. Go to Settings > General. Uncheck Enable in-game overlay for supported games. 5. Check for "Cracked" File Interference
If you are running an older version of a game or have previously used mods/cracks, you might have a "fixed" uplay_r1_loader.dll in your folder. These files are often hard-coded to look for specific Uplay functions. If you find this file in your game directory, try renaming it to uplay_r1_loader.dll.old and then verifying your files through Steam or Ubisoft Connect to download the official, updated version.
This error is almost always a "handshake" issue between an old game and a new launcher. Reinstalling Ubisoft Connect and verifying your game files fixes the issue for 90% of users.
When you encounter the error message "The procedure entry point uplayachearnachievement could not be located in the dynamic link library uplay_r1_loader.dll," it usually indicates a version mismatch or a corrupted file within the Ubisoft Connect (formerly Uplay) environment. This specific entry point is responsible for tracking in-game achievements, and its failure prevents the game from launching correctly.
Here is a comprehensive guide to resolving this error and getting back into your game. 1. Update to Ubisoft Connect
Many users see this error because they are attempting to run an old version of the Uplay client. Ubisoft has transitioned to Ubisoft Connect, and older versions of the software may no longer be compatible with modern game updates.
Close the launcher completely, ensuring it is not running in the system tray.
Download the latest version of the Ubisoft Connect installer.
Run the installer with administrator rights to overwrite the outdated Uplay files. 2. Verify and Restore Quarantined Files
Antivirus software, including Windows Defender, often flags the uplay_r1_loader.dll file as a false positive and moves it to quarantine. This is the most common reason for the "could not be located" error.
Installing or re-installing Ubisoft Connect PC | Ubisoft Help
It sounds like you're encountering an error in Uplay (now called Ubisoft Connect) where the system says:
"Achievement could not be located"
This typically happens when the client fails to find or validate an achievement's internal ID — often due to syncing issues, corrupted cache, or server-side mismatches.
Below is a structured review / diagnostic guide for this issue, including causes and solutions.
For PC gamers, few things are as frustrating as a game that refuses to launch. You click "Play" in Steam or Ubisoft Connect, the loading icon spins for a moment, and then... nothing. Or worse, a cryptic error message flashes on the screen before vanishing.
One of the most persistent and confusing errors plaguing Ubisoft titles in recent years is the message: "The procedure entry point UplayAchievementEarnAchievement could not be located in the dynamic link library uplay_r1_loader64.dll."
This error is a mouthful, but it tells a specific story about a breakdown in communication between your game, your launcher, and your operating system. Here is a deep dive into what causes this error and how to fix it.
Once you resolve the “uplayachearnachievement could not be located” error, follow these best practices to avoid a relapse:
If your launcher is several versions behind, the API that calls achievement functions may no longer match the game’s expected module names.
Achievement is recorded without error; no missing-function error dialogs.