How to Fix Rockstar Games Launcher Error Code 1023

The error code 1023 occurs when the Rockstar Games Launcher starts while launching the game but fails during the “Installing prerequisite: Social Club” stage. This prevents the launcher from completing its startup process. It typically indicates that the Social Club component required by the launcher could not be installed or started properly due to missing, incomplete, or corrupted files.

The most common cause is a damaged or incomplete Social Club installation inside the Redistributables folder. In some cases, permission restrictions, leftover files from older versions, or interference from cloud sync tools like OneDrive can also lead to this error.

Below are several proven methods to fix this issue and get the Rockstar Games Launcher working again.

1. Manually Install Social Club

Manually installing Social Club forces the system to reinstall its core components directly, replacing any damaged or incomplete files that the launcher cannot update by itself.

1. Download the latest Social Club setup from Rockstar’s official website.
2. Close the Rockstar Games Launcher and end all Rockstar processes from Task Manager.
   
3. Run the Social Club setup file as Administrator.
4. When prompted to install SDK or developer tools, select No to skip them.
5. Finish the installation, restart your PC, and launch the Rockstar Games Launcher again.

2. Use a VPN

In some cases, network routing or regional IP blocking can prevent the launcher from verifying Social Club components. Using a VPN creates a new network route, bypassing these restrictions. This helps the launcher connect to Rockstar’s servers correctly and complete the installation process without timing out.

1. Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC to open Task Manager.
2. Find any processes related to Rockstar Game Launcher and end them.

3. Install any VPN (you can also use WARP).
4. Restart the Rockstar Games Launcher while keeping the VPN active.

3. Enable Program Compatibility Assistant Service

If the Program Compatibility Assistant (PCA) service is disabled, it can prevent the installation from completing. This service helps older or problematic programs by automatically applying compatibility fixes.

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

2. Locate Program Compatibility Assistant Service and right-click on it.
3. Go to Properties.

4. Change the Startup type to Automatic and press OK.

5. Restart your PC. The service will load automatically on the next startup.

4. Reinstall Rockstar Game Launcher via Verify Game Integrity

If the Social Club component installed with the game is outdated or incomplete, verifying game files will reinstall the Rockstar Games Launcher with all the necessary components. This ensures no required file is missing, preventing the bootstrap process from failing.

1. Open Steam and go to Library.

2. Right-click on the game and click Properties.

3. Go to Installed Files > Verify Integrity of game files.

4. Wait for the verification to complete. Once done, launch the game. The Rockstar launcher will reinstall automatically.

For other platforms, check our article here.

5. Disable Rockstar Error Handler

In some cases, the Rockstar Error Handler keeps restarting failed processes, preventing the launcher from completing setup. Disabling the service stops the repeated failure loop, allowing the launcher to finish installing the required components without interference.

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Locate Rockstar Error Handler Service and right-click on it.
3. Click Properties.
4. Change the Startup type to Disabled.
5. Restart your PC.