ESO launcher re-downloads the entire game multiple times a year

Aliniel · December 2025

I have a second PC at my parents' and ESO Launcher always re-downloads the entire game every time I launch it. I use OneDrive to sync AddOns but other than that there's nothing out of ordinary. Considering the internet speed is only 50 Mbps this is a huge issue for me.

Any suggestions are welcome. AI chatbots didn't help at all...

P.S.: Forum search is busted (AGAIN?!) so I cannot search for similar issues which I am sure are many already.

Aliniel · December 2025

Downlaoded fresh ESO Launcher Installation.
Renamed the folder.
Installed Launcher from scratch.
Started game installation.
Paused and exited.
Copied files over from the older installation.
Started new launcher.
Re-downloading everything again.

gg

freespirit · December 2025

What browser do you use? I use Edge, a quick search using "eso game reinstalls every time I open launcher" gave me loads of results, including a fairly extensive AI response(Co-Pilot I believe).

Got the links below from a forum search......

https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/664140/launcher-problem-opening-launcher-for-update-results-in-need-for-a-full-install

https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/331223/launcher-wants-to-reinstall-entire-game-i-just-need-to-patch-it

https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/533418/launcher-wont-patch-to-game-on-secondary-drive-only-wants-to-reinstall

Not sure if there is any helpful info in there for you.

Edit:- because I'm an idiot..... I'm currently on my tablet so that search was done with Google not Edge!!