How to Fix “Code 1002” Error in Rockstar Games Launcher?

Rockstar Games Launcher Error Code 1002 appears when the launcher fails to load essential components or connect to the required services. This issue usually appears immediately after launching the program, stopping it before it can reach the login screen or open any game.

The launcher depends on its Social Club framework, local installation files, and your Documents folder to initialize correctly. If any of these files are missing, stored in the wrong location, or blocked by network settings, the startup check fails, triggering Error 1002.

Most common causes of this error include:

• Corrupted or Missing Files: Damaged Social Club or launcher components can prevent the program from starting properly.
• Invalid Folder Paths: If the Documents folder is moved, stored on a different drive, or synced with a cloud service (like OneDrive), the launcher may not locate the required data.
• Network Restrictions: VPNs, proxies, or restricted networks can block authentication and cause the error.

With the main causes identified, you can follow the solutions below to fix the problem and get the Rockstar Games Launcher working normally again.

1. Reset Documents Folder Using Registry

Resetting the default folder location through the Windows Registry ensures the launcher can find and access its necessary files.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, then press Enter.
2. Go to:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders

3. Double-click “Personal” in the right panel.
4. Change the value to:

   %USERPROFILE%\Documents

   

5. Click OK and restart your PC.

2. Install Social Club Manually and Deny SDK Prompts

Reinstalling Social Club directly from Rockstar’s official website and skipping extra SDK components ensures the installation is clean and avoids unnecessary conflicts.

1. Close the Rockstar Games Launcher completely.
2. Visit Rockstar’s official website and download the Social Club installer.
3. Run the installer. When prompted, deny or skip any SDK or additional package prompts.
4. Finish the installation and restart your PC.

3. Allow Social Club in Group Policy Editor

If Social Club is blocked through Windows Policy, it won’t launch. Adjusting these settings allows the service to run without interference.

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to:

   Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Software Restriction Policies

3. Right-click Software Restriction Policies and choose New Software Restriction Policies → Additional Rules.
4. Right-click and select New Path Rule.
5. Browse to the Social Club installation path, set the Security Level to Unrestricted, then click OK.
6. Restart your PC to apply the changes.