Few things are more annoying than launching Rainbow Six Siege, getting hyped for a match, and then being blocked by a strange message: Error at Hooking API “LoadStringA”. It looks scary. It sounds technical. But don’t worry. This error is usually easy to fix if you follow the right steps.
TLDR: The “Error at Hooking API LoadStringA” usually happens because another program is interfering with the game. Most of the time, it’s caused by overlays, antivirus tools, or corrupted game files. Disable background apps, verify game files, and update your drivers. In rare cases, reinstalling the game or Ubisoft Connect solves it for good.
Now let’s break it down in a fun and simple way.
What Does “Error at Hooking API LoadStringA” Even Mean?
First, don’t panic.
This error has nothing to do with your skill level. It’s not your graphics card “dying.” It’s not a sign your PC is doomed.
The error usually means that another program is trying to inject itself into the game. Or it’s stopping the game from loading properly.
Many apps “hook” into games. They do this to:
- Add overlays (like FPS counters)
- Record gameplay
- Modify how the game runs
- Scan the program for threats
Sometimes Rainbow Six Siege doesn’t like that. And it throws this error.
Image not found in postmetaStep 1: Close All Background Apps
This is the simplest fix. And often the one that works.
Close everything that is not needed.
Especially:
- Discord overlay
- MSI Afterburner
- RivaTuner Statistics Server
- OBS Studio
- NVIDIA GeForce Experience overlay
- Steam overlay
- Overwolf
To do this:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
- Open Task Manager
- Click on suspicious or unnecessary apps
- Press End Task
After closing them, launch the game again.
If it works, congrats. One of those apps was the troublemaker.
Step 2: Disable Overlays Properly
Sometimes closing isn’t enough. Some apps reload in the background.
Disable overlays directly in their settings.
For Discord:
- Open Discord
- Go to User Settings
- Click Game Overlay
- Turn it off
For GeForce Experience:
- Open the app
- Click the gear icon
- Disable In-Game Overlay
For Steam:
- Right-click Rainbow Six Siege in your library
- Select Properties
- Uncheck Enable Steam Overlay
Overlays are cool. But they love causing this error.
Step 3: Verify Game Files
Corrupted files can also trigger this issue.
Luckily, Ubisoft Connect and Steam both allow file verification.
On Ubisoft Connect:
- Open Ubisoft Connect
- Go to Games
- Select Rainbow Six Siege
- Click Properties
- Hit Verify Files
On Steam:
- Right-click the game
- Select Properties
- Go to Installed Files
- Click Verify integrity of game files
The launcher will scan your game. It will replace damaged files.
This might take a while. Be patient. Grab a snack.
Image not found in postmetaStep 4: Run the Game as Administrator
Sometimes Windows blocks certain permissions.
Running as admin can fix that.
- Go to your game folder
- Find RainbowSix.exe
- Right-click it
- Select Run as Administrator
You can also make it permanent:
- Right-click the file
- Click Properties
- Go to Compatibility
- Check Run this program as administrator
Try launching again.
Step 5: Update Graphics Drivers
Old drivers can cause weird errors.
Especially after game updates.
Update your GPU drivers:
- If you have NVIDIA, use GeForce Experience
- If you have AMD, use Adrenalin Software
- Or download drivers from the official website
Restart your PC after updating.
Then launch the game.
Simple. But often effective.
Step 6: Temporarily Disable Antivirus
Antivirus programs sometimes overreact.
They may think the game is suspicious.
Try this:
- Disable real-time protection temporarily
- Add Rainbow Six Siege to exceptions
- Disable third-party antivirus to test
Important: Turn your antivirus back on after testing.
If disabling it fixes the issue, add the game folder as a permanent exception.
Step 7: Reinstall Ubisoft Connect
If nothing works, the launcher itself might be the problem.
Ubisoft Connect can sometimes become corrupted.
Here’s what to do:
- Uninstall Ubisoft Connect
- Restart your PC
- Download the latest version from Ubisoft’s website
- Reinstall it
You usually don’t have to reinstall the entire game. But in rare cases, that may help too.
Image not found in postmetaStep 8: Perform a Clean Boot
This sounds advanced. But it’s simple.
A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and programs.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + R
- Type msconfig
- Go to the Services tab
- Check Hide all Microsoft services
- Click Disable all
- Restart your PC
Then try launching the game.
If it works, a background service was causing the issue.
You can re-enable services one by one to find the culprit.
Common Programs That Cause This Error
Here are some usual suspects:
- RivaTuner
- Old Logitech Gaming Software
- Corsair iCUE (older versions)
- RGB control tools
- Performance boosters
- Game “optimizer” apps
Yes. Even your RGB lighting software can cause chaos.
Gaming life is funny sometimes.
Should You Be Worried?
No.
This is not a hardware failure.
It’s usually software interference.
The good news? It’s fixable in most cases within 10–30 minutes.
The bad news? Sometimes you need patience.
When to Contact Ubisoft Support
If you have tried:
- Disabling overlays
- Verifying files
- Updating drivers
- Clean booting
- Reinstalling launcher
And it still doesn’t work.
Then it might be time to contact Ubisoft Support.
Provide them with:
- Your system specs
- Error screenshot
- Crash logs
The more info you give, the faster they can help.
Final Thoughts
The “Error at Hooking API LoadStringA” looks complicated.
But the fix is usually simple.
Most of the time, it’s caused by:
- Overlays
- Background apps
- Corrupt files
- Driver issues
Start small. Close unnecessary programs.
Then move step by step.
Before you know it, you’ll be back in Siege. Holding angles. Deploying gadgets. And hopefully not getting spawn-peeked.
Good luck. Stay sharp. And may your shots always land.