Loader is stuck on "Updating"

ZOS_Bill · May 2018

@DeaconFrost

If your launcher is stuck at updating, there are a few troubleshooting steps below that may help.

Create an Anti-virus or Firewall Exception for ESO

Each antivirus program is different and we recommend that you view the antivirus developer's website for full instructions on how to add exceptions.

The application files that may require exceptions are:

Bethesda.net_launcher: C:\Program Files (x86)\ZenimaxOnline\Launcher
ESO.exe: C:\Program Files (x86)\ZenimaxOnline\The Elder Scrolls Online\game\client\eso.exe
Steam.exe: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steam.exe

Some antivirus programs require entire folders to be selected instead of a single file.When this is the case, the file paths below are what you should use. If required by the anti-virus program, include all subfolders since every file is critical to run the game.

C:\Program Files (x86)\Zenimax Online\The Elder Scrolls Online\
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\

Repair the ESO Launcher

Open The Elder Scrolls Online Launcher by right-clicking on the icon on the desktop and selecting Run as Administrator.
Wait for the launcher to open completely.
If multiple ESO clients are installed and available through the launcher, make sure you have the correct version highlighted by clicking on it once.
Open the Game Options dropdown menu and click on the option for Repair.
Allow the launcher to examine all the files for the game. This may take some time.
If any files are found to have problems, the launcher will re-download those files.

Delete the Program Data

Close the ESO Launcher.
Navigate to the patch installation folder,
By default, this folder will be located here: C:\Program Files (x86)\Zenimax Online\Launcher\ProgramData.
Locate and delete the ProgramData folder.
Restart the ESO Launcher.

There are some additional steps you can also try in the help article below.

What do I do if my ESO launcher won't start or gets stuck at "Looking for launcher updates"?