Technical issues: Launcher errors, login loops, and missing badges on Windows 11

Bugs and Support
1

Hello Zwift Support Team,

I am writing to report several persistent and extremely frustrating issues with the Zwift software on PC. Despite spending over 5 hours troubleshooting and performing two clean reinstalls of the application, the following problems persist:

  1. Launcher & Connection Pop-ups: Every time I start Zwift, I get “No connection” or “Launcher not updated” pop-up errors. I usually have to restart the application 3 times before it launches smoothly.

  2. Login Loop (In-Game): Even though I am logged into the Launcher, the game itself asks for my credentials again. I have to enter my password 3 to 4 times before it successfully logs me in. It often displays a “connection error” message, which is incorrect as my internet connection is stable and high-speed.

  3. Missing Badges: My route badges are missing in the PC application, although they are visible in the Zwift Companion app. After my second clean reinstall, several completed route badges simply disappeared from the PC view.

Technical Environment & Steps Taken:

  • OS: Fresh installation of Windows 11 Pro (no junk software).

  • Hardware: High-end PC (RTX 5070).

  • Troubleshooting done: Reinstalled Zwift 2x, uninstalled Avast Antivirus to rule out interference, tweaked Firewall and Windows Defender settings, and cleared Microsoft Edge cache/data as per common advice.

I am very disappointed with the current state of the software. I want to spend my time riding, not debugging. Could you please look into my account and these launcher errors to find a permanent fix?

Best regards,

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2

When you re-installed the game, did you clean up the old installation according to these instructions?

3

To rule out some weird issue with your internet provider, could you try connecting your PC to the internet using your phone as a wifi hotspot? It would be very strange but would be worth a quick test if possible just to rule it out.

4

To reset authentication data used by the launcher, delete this directory:

%TEMP%\..\Zwift\launcher\webview

5

Hello, I did before 1st reinstallation. this did not help. thx

6

I will give it one last try and invest my time into a clean reinstallation, including manual deletion of all residual Zwift folders. Additionally, I will test the connection using my mobile 5G hotspot to rule out any potential issues with my local fiber provider.

I will get back to you with the results later today. Thanks.

3 Likes
7

BTW did you already try running the installer as administrator?

8

I also had similar issue with the Launcher advising “not connected” etc.

It took me one hour to get it going the other day before a 2 hour workout. very demoralising.

What I did was

Uninstall, reboot, reinstall.

Clicked on launcher and then went to task bar, click on up arrow for hidden icons, Then right click on Zwift logo and remove tick on auto launch and update.

Now I do not have as many issues.

Biggest issue now is if I select a Watopia course it comes up temporarily “not connected” or hangs. I now do not load watopia courses.

Was much better on earlier launchers.