How to force Ubisoft Connect to start in offline mode on Windows
If Ubisoft Connect keeps jumping online when you’d rather play or test games offline, there’s a reliable Windows Firewall method that makes the client launch in offline mode every time. It takes a couple of minutes, requires no extra software, and is easy to undo.
What this does
You’ll block a single component of Ubisoft Connect called UplayWebCore.exe using Windows Defender Firewall. With both inbound and outbound connections blocked, the launcher signs in, then immediately switches to offline mode.
Before you start
– This guide is for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
– You’ll still need valid account credentials to sign in.
– You can revert the change at any time by disabling or deleting the rules you create.
Step-by-step guide
1) Locate UplayWebCore.exe
– Open File Explorer and go to:
C:Program Files (x86)UbisoftUbisoft Game Launcher
– Find UplayWebCore.exe.
– Click the File Explorer address bar to copy the full path, or right‑click UplayWebCore.exe and choose Copy as path.
Tip: If you installed Ubisoft Connect to a custom folder, browse to that install location instead and locate UplayWebCore.exe there.
2) Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
– Press the Windows key, type Firewall, and open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.
3) Create the inbound rule
– In the left pane, select Inbound Rules.
– Click New Rule on the right.
– Choose Program, then Next.
– Select This program path and Browse to UplayWebCore.exe (paste your copied path if needed).
– Click Next, choose Block the connection, then Next.
– Leave all profiles checked (Domain, Private, Public) unless you have a specific reason to limit them, then Next.
– Name the rule something memorable like Ubisoft_offline_inbound and click Finish.
4) Create the outbound rule
– In the left pane, select Outbound Rules.
– Click New Rule.
– Repeat the same steps as above for UplayWebCore.exe.
– Name it Ubisoft_offline_outbound and click Finish.
5) Restart Ubisoft Connect
– Fully exit Ubisoft Connect if it’s running. Check the system tray and Task Manager to ensure it’s closed.
– Launch Ubisoft Connect and sign in.
– The client should now switch to offline mode automatically.
Why this is useful
– Reliable offline sessions for single‑player games.
– Prevents the client from “hogging” an account online during testing or benchmarking.
– Reduces background network chatter while you play.
How to go back online
– Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.
– Find your Ubisoft_offline_inbound and Ubisoft_offline_outbound rules.
– Right‑click and Disable Rule (or Delete if you want to remove them completely).
– Restart Ubisoft Connect.
Troubleshooting
– Ubisoft Connect still goes online: Confirm the rules target UplayWebCore.exe specifically and that both inbound and outbound rules are enabled.
– Wrong install path: If Ubisoft Connect is installed in a custom directory, update both rules to point to the correct UplayWebCore.exe.
– Third‑party security apps: If you use another firewall or security suite, create equivalent inbound and outbound blocks there or temporarily disable it while using Windows Defender Firewall rules.
– Admin rights: You may need administrator privileges to create or edit firewall rules.
– After an update: Major client updates can move or replace files. If offline mode stops working, recheck the path and recreate the rules if necessary.
This simple firewall approach makes Ubisoft Connect start in offline mode consistently, which is especially handy when you need an uninterrupted offline environment for testing or benchmarking titles like Anno 117: Pax Romana.
