FFXIV: how to fix “Unable to Complete Version Check” issue?

Are you trying to launch Final Fantasy XIV, only to get the “Unable to complete version check” error message? The error reads in full : “FFXIV Launcher Error. Unable to complete version check”. It is followed by a set of numbers. Sadly, the error seems to affect almost every player on PS4 and PC and can be incredibly frustrating since it prevents you from launching the game. According to some users, the game could be working fine in one instance, only to fail in another. While there aren’t surefire fixes, we will show you a few workarounds on how to fix the FFXIV boot error.

How to Fix ‘Unable to Complete Version Check’ in Final Fantasy 14

Solution 1: Restart Your PC

This is a simple fix that’s worth a shot before you start making changes to your files and reconfiguring settings. Restarting your PC resolves many issues (for example, by stopping background processes and apps utilizing high CPU resources) and could get you back in the game. However, if restarting your PC doesn’t work, there could be network problems. In that case, try the next fix below.

Solution 2: Check for Network Connection Issues

If you’re experiencing network connection issues, then you’re likely to run into the “Unable to complete version check” error when trying to boot your game launcher. If your internet connection is to blame, here are a few fixes worth trying:

Option 1: Restart Your Router

Restarting your router could fix the issue. You could also try resetting the router by holding down the reset button for a few seconds. Check your router’s user manual for instructions on how to reset it. To restart your router, follow the steps below:

1. Disconnect all cables connecting your router to your PC. If it’s a modem, unplug it from the computer.
2. Switch off both your PC and router/modem.
3. Wait for a few minutes and reconnect the router or plug in the modem, and then turn on your PC and router/modem.
4. Once Windows loads up, find your game icon and try to launch it.

If you’re still getting the “Unable to complete version check” error in FFXIV, give the next option a try.

Option 2: Use a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) masks your browsing activity and routes your connection through a server, thereby creating a secure connection. It comes in handy, especially where there are network restrictions or when using a public network. Using a VPN can provide a workaround to the network connection issues and help you launch and update FFXIV without interruptions.

When it comes to selecting a VPN, you want a reliable, stable, fast, and secure VPN. So, be sure to check out customer reviews before settling on a particular VPN to ensure that you get value for your money. If using a VPN doesn’t fix the ‘FFXIV version check failed’ issue, try option 3 below.

Option 3: Use Your Phone’s Mobile Hotspot

According to some users, connecting their PCs to a mobile hotspot allowed them to update the launcher without issues. To connect your PC to the mobile hotspot, go to your phone settings and set up a Wi-Fi hotspot, making sure you create a strong password. Once you’re done, turn on Wi-Fi on your PC and connect to the hotspot.

Now try to launch and update FFXIV. If it works, you can switch back to your normal internet connection and enjoy playing FFXIV.

Solution 3: Update Drivers

To play games seamlessly on your PC, you need to ensure that your drivers are up to date. If one or more of your device drivers are corrupted, missing or incompatible, it’s likely to cause a myriad of errors, such as the “FFXIV Launcher Error. Unable to complete version check” error.

If you’re a computer geek, you may opt to update the drivers manually. To get the latest device drivers, you need to search for them on the manufacturers’ websites and download the drivers corresponding with your Windows version. Once you complete downloading the drivers, open their location and install them on your PC.

Alternatively, you can decide to forgo all the hassle and use a dedicated third-party tool like Auslogics Driver Updater to automatically update all your device drivers. The program is useful for both computer experts and novices with options to back up your old drivers and schedule automatic maintenance. Once you install the tool, open the “Overview” tab and click on the “Scan for driver issues” button. You can also go to the “Diagnostics” tab and select “Start scan” to get more details about the types of drivers installed on your PC and check if updates are available.

Auslogics Driver Updater will help you fix driver issues and possibly fix the FFXIV boot error.

Solution 4: Verify the FFXIV Cache on Steam

Sometimes, game files may become corrupted due to various reasons, such as a virus infection. If you are using the Steam version of Final Fantasy XIV, then try to verify the integrity of the FFXIV game cache to check if it resolves the “Unable to complete version check” error. This operation allows FFXIV to replace any missing or damaged files.

To verify your game cache on Steam, use the steps outlined below:

1. Open “Steam”, and go to “Library”.
2. Locate “Final Fantasy XIV” and right-click it.
3. Open “Properties” and go to the “Local Files” tab.
4. Click “Verify Integrity of Game Cache”.

If this fix doesn’t work or you don’t use Steam, you probably are better off trying the next fix below.

Solution 5: Edit the Final Fantasy XIV Boot Configuration File

Changing a few settings in the Boot Configuration file of FFXIV has resolved the error for most users and might just work for your case. To proceed, follow these steps:

1. Launch “File Explorer” and open your game’s folder. A quick way to do so is to copy the following path, paste it to the address bar, and press “Enter”:
   • %userprofile%\Documents\My Games\FINAL FANTASY XIV – A Realm Reborn\
2. Locate a file named cfg,and right-click on it.
3. Hover the cursor over “Open with”, and then select “Notepad”.
4. Find “BootVersionCheckMode” and change the value from “0” to “1”.
5. Click on File > Save or press Ctrl + S to save the changes.
6. Restart the FFXIV launcher and check if it runs without issues this time.

Solution 6: Reinstall Final Fantasy XIV

If none of the solutions above resolve the “Unable to complete version check” error on your Windows 10 device, the last resort is to uninstall the game and install it again. The process may take a while, but if it works, you will be smiling all over again.

To uninstall the game:

1. Right-click “Start” and select “Apps and Features”.
2. Find Final Fantasy XIV in the list of apps and features, and click on it to highlight it.
3. Select “Uninstall” and then click “Uninstall” again.
4. Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

Next, go to the official website of the FFXIV game and download the file afresh. Install the new FFXIV game, and it should launch without problems.

These are the best tips on how to get rid of the “Unable to complete version check” error in FFXIV. If none of the fixes worked, don’t give up. Share your experiences with our community by leaving a comment below, and someone might just mention a fix that we forgot to include in this post.