Fix: Umamusume Pretty Derby Stuck on Loading Screen

If Umamusume Pretty Derby fails to load or gets stuck on an infinite loading screen on your PC, the problem is usually caused by system-level conflicts or missing components rather than the game itself. In most cases, the game fails to initialize properly due to corrupted configuration files, missing multimedia support, or issues with how Windows handles the game’s resources.

These problems can prevent the game from starting up correctly, resulting in a looped or frozen loading screen. Fortunately, there are several proven solutions that can help you rebuild necessary files, restore missing features, and repair any corrupted data, allowing the game to load normally.

Before You Begin

  • Close unnecessary apps: Background applications can interfere with the game’s resources.
  • Run the game as an administrator: Right-click the launcher or executable and select Run as administrator.
  • Update Windows: Ensure your system has the latest updates installed.

1. Launch Umamusume Directly from the Installation Folder

Launching the game from its installation directory ensures it uses the correct files and resources, bypassing issues caused by corrupted shortcuts, misconfigured launchers, or third-party overlays like the Steam overlay.

If the game runs this way, it indicates that the issue lies in your shortcut or launcher setup.

  1. Make sure Umamusume Pretty Derby and related launchers are fully closed.
  2. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
  3. Navigate to the installation folder. By default:
    C:\Program Files (x86)\DMM\Umamusume
  4. Locate the game’s executable (usually umamusume.exe).
  5. Right-click it and select Run as administrator.
  6. If it launches successfully, recreate a clean desktop shortcut by right-clicking the executable and selecting Send to → Desktop (create shortcut).

2. Rename the Umamusume Configuration Folder

The “Umamusume” folder contains configuration files, cached resources, and temporary data that the game uses to launch quickly and apply personal settings. Corruption in these files can cause an infinite loading screen.

By renaming this folder, you force the game to create a fresh set of default configurations on the next launch.

Warning: Game progress is stored on the server, but local preferences (graphics settings, keybindings) may reset. Always keep a backup before renaming or deleting this folder.

  1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to the folder where Umamusume is installed. By default:
    C:\Program Files (x86)\DMM\Umamusume
  3. Right-click the folder named Umamusume, select Rename, and change the name (e.g., Umamusume_Backup).
  4. Launch the game again. A new folder will be created automatically.

To restore: If this does not work, delete the new folder and rename your backup back to Umamusume.

3. Install Windows Media Feature Pack (For Windows N Editions)

The Media Feature Pack provides essential video and audio components required for games like Umamusume to run. Without it, the game may fail to initialize or freeze at startup.

Warning: Installing optional features requires a system restart. Save your work before proceeding.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to System > Optional features.
  3. Click View features.
  4. Search for Media Feature Pack, select it, click Next, then click Add.
  5. Restart your PC after installation.

4. Repair or Verify Game Files

If files are missing or corrupted, repairing the game can restore them to their original state. This prevents loading errors caused by incomplete or damaged files.

Warning: This process may take several minutes and use significant bandwidth if large files need redownloading.
For DMM Launcher:

  1. Launch Umamusume from the DMM client.
  2. Click the menu icon at the bottom right.
  3. Select Repair Data.
  4. Wait for the repair to finish, then relaunch the game.

For Steam Users:

  1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
  2. Right-click Umamusume → PropertiesInstalled Files.
  3. Click Verify Integrity of Game Files.

If none of the above solutions resolve the issue:

  • Contact DMM Support: Visit the official support page and provide details about your system and issue.
  • Reinstall on a different drive: If you have another storage drive, a clean install there may resolve stubborn issues.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hamza Mohammad Anwar


Hamza Mohammad Anwar is an intermediate JavaScript web developer with a focus on developing high-performance applications using MERN technologies. His skill set includes expertise in ReactJS, MongoDB, Express NodeJS, and other related technologies. Hamza is also a Google IT Certified professional, which highlights his competence in IT support. As an avid problem-solver, he recreates errors on his computer to troubleshoot and find solutions to various technical issues.