Seeing Error Code 5021 inside the RSI Launcher can stop you from installing Star Citizen. The installer fails before downloading the main game files, so you never reach the menu. This error feels frustrating because nothing loads, even if your internet is fine. The good thing is that this problem is local on your system, not a game account issue, and you can fix it with a few changes. This guide explains what the error means, the causes, and the steps you can follow to get Star Citizen installed.
What Is Star Citizen Error Code 5021?
Error 5021 is an installation failure inside the RSI Launcher. The launcher tries to place files, create folders, or unpack game resources, but something on your computer blocks the process. The installer stops and shows this code because it cannot move forward.
This can happen before the first download or after updating the launcher. It does not remove your RSI account, your Star Citizen access, or your purchased ships. It only affects the installation process on your system.
Common Causes of Error Code 5021
Several simple problems can create this error. Here are the most frequent causes:
- Folder permissions block the launcher from creating game files
- Old or corrupt files inside the Star Citizen directory
- Damaged launcher cache inside AppData
- Antivirus or firewall blocks the patch files
- Installing the game inside Program Files which has restricted access
- Outdated version of the RSI Launcher
- VPN or unstable internet connection
- Windows user account lacks proper write access
- External drive disconnects during install
Any of these can stop the game from installing and show the same 5021 message.
How to Fix Star Citizen Error Code 5021
Fixing this depends on both Windows settings and launcher checks. Start with simple steps, then use deeper fixes if the error continues.
1. Restart the RSI Launcher with Administrator Rights
Running the launcher without admin rights often triggers permission issues. When you run it as admin, Windows grants it direct access to your disk, and the installer can write files without being blocked.
Here are the steps you can follow:
- Close the RSI Launcher
- Right-click the launcher icon
- Select Run as administrator
- Try installing the game again
This simple step fixes many installation stalls.
2. Change the Installation Folder
The Program Files directory can block game data because Windows protects it. Star Citizen needs a folder with full write access, especially for large patch files and shader folders.
You can do this by:
- Picking a folder on your main SSD like C:\Games\StarCitizen
- Creating a new folder on another drive if your main drive is full
- Avoiding folders synced with OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive
A fresh folder prevents file lock issues and helps avoid corruption.
3. Clear RSI Launcher Cache
The launcher stores a lot of cache data in the AppData folder. When this data becomes corrupt, the launcher fails before starting the download, and clearing the cache forces the launcher to rebuild all files cleanly.
Here are the steps you can follow:
- Close the RSI Launcher completely
- Press Windows key plus R
- Type %appdata%
- Open the RSI folder
- Delete the Launcher folder
- Start the launcher again
This refresh repairs broken configuration files that cause the 5021 error.
4. Remove Corrupted Star Citizen Folders
If you tried installing before, a half-installed StarCitizen folder may still exist. The installer may try to use those broken files, and that triggers 5021.
Here are the steps you can follow:
- Go to your Star Citizen install path
- Delete the entire StarCitizen folder
- Confirm all files are gone
- Empty your Recycle Bin
- Restart your PC
- Try installing again
A full reset of the folder clears any damaged patch data.
Read Also: How to Fix Star Citizen Error Code 6000
5. Reinstall the RSI Launcher
The launcher itself may be damaged. A clean reinstall replaces all dependencies, libraries, and update files.
Steps to do it:
- Uninstall the RSI Launcher from Windows
- Delete RSI folders from these paths:
- %appdata%
- %localappdata%
- Restart your PC
- Download the newest launcher from the official RSI website
- Install it and run it as admin
If the launcher was corrupt, this fixes it.
6. Whitelist RSI Launcher in Antivirus and Firewall
Security programs often block game installers by mistake. Because Star Citizen downloads many large files, some antivirus tools treat them as suspicious.
You can fix this by:
- Adding RSI Launcher to your antivirus “allowed” list
- Adding the Star Citizen folder as a safe location
- Allowing the launcher through your Windows Firewall
- Turning off real-time scanning temporarily while installing
This prevents false blocks.
7. Turn Off VPN or Proxy
Star Citizen patch servers do not always work well with VPNs. A VPN can slow or break the download. If your VPN changes IPs during install, the installer can crash.
Try disabling:
- VPN apps
- Proxy settings
- Custom DNS tools
- Gaming network boosters
A clean connection helps the launcher download files correctly.
8. Check Drive Health and Free Space
Sometimes the error happens because the drive fails to write files. Low disk space or a failing HDD can stop the installer.
Check for:
- At least 100 GB free for Star Citizen
- Prefer installing on SSD
- Run a quick disk scan using Windows Check Disk
Bad sectors or low space can trigger the error.
Prevention Tips to Avoid Star Citizen Feature Errors
You can avoid Error 5021 by keeping your system clean and ready for large installs. These tips help prevent the problem in the future:
- Use a clean folder outside Program Files
- Keep the launcher updated
- Restart your PC before patching
- Avoid using VPN during installation
- Keep enough free SSD space
- Whitelist the launcher once to avoid future blocks
- Delete old Star Citizen folders if you move the game
These small habits reduce installation errors.
Conclusion
Star Citizen Error Code 5021 happens when the RSI Launcher cannot place or update game files. It usually comes from folder permissions, cache issues, corrupted files, or security software blocking the installer. Most players fix it by changing the install folder, clearing the cache, or reinstalling the launcher.
If the error continues after all fixes, you can contact RSI Support and send your logs. They can check if the issue comes from your Windows setup or from a launcher problem on their side.
