How to Fix It When the Epic Games Launcher Isn't Working

Clear the Launcher Cache

The Epic Games Launcher stores various temporary files and data to ensure smooth operation. However, these files can sometimes become corrupted or outdated, leading to launcher issues. One of the first steps to take in resolving these problems is to clear the launcher cache. Doing so will remove any unnecessary or problematic files, allowing the launcher to start fresh.

To clear the cache, follow these simple steps:

Close the Epic Games Launcher if it is currently running.
Open the File Explorer on your computer.
Navigate to the following directory: %localappdata%\EpicGamesLauncher\Saved\
Locate and delete the following folders:

The “WebCache” folder
The “WebCache-ETS” folder
The “WebCache-WebCacheV01” folder

Once you have deleted these folders, you can restart the Epic Games Launcher. The launcher will create new cache files as needed, which may help resolve any issues you were experiencing. You should now be able to launch and use the Epic Games Launcher without problems.

Clearing the launcher cache is a simple yet effective troubleshooting step that can often fix minor issues with the launcher. However, if you continue to experience problems after clearing the cache, there are other steps you can take to resolve the issue.

Update the Epic Games Launcher

Keeping your Epic Games Launcher up to date is vital for optimal performance and to ensure you have access to the latest features and bug fixes. If you are encountering issues with the launcher, it is worth checking if you are running the latest version. Here’s how you can update the Epic Games Launcher:

Launch the Epic Games Launcher if it is not already running.
Click on your username in the bottom left corner of the launcher to open the main menu.
In the main menu, click on “Manage Account”.
In the account settings, navigate to the “General” tab.
In the “General” tab, scroll down to the “Epic Games Launcher” section.
Check for any available updates. If there is an update available, click on the “Update” button.
Wait for the update process to complete. This may take a few minutes depending on your internet connection speed.
Once the update is finished, restart the Epic Games Launcher to apply the changes.

After updating the Epic Games Launcher, many users find that their launcher issues are resolved. The update may include essential bug fixes or improvements that address the specific problem you were facing.

Remember to regularly check for updates to ensure you always have the latest version of the Epic Games Launcher. This will help you avoid any potential compatibility issues and ensure a smoother experience.

If updating the launcher did not fix your issue, don’t worry. There are still other troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the problem and get back to enjoying your favorite games.

Restart Your Computer

When encountering technical difficulties with the Epic Games Launcher, one of the simplest yet effective troubleshooting steps is to restart your computer. Restarting can help resolve various software glitches and conflicts that may be causing the launcher to malfunction. It allows your operating system to refresh and clear any temporary issues that might be affecting the launcher’s performance.

To restart your computer:

Save any ongoing work and close all programs.
Click on the “Start” menu in the bottom left corner of your screen.
Select the “Restart” option.
Wait for your computer to shut down and start up again.

After your computer has restarted, launch the Epic Games Launcher and check if the issues you were facing have been resolved. Restarting provides a fresh start for your system, and it often helps clear temporary glitches that may have been causing the launcher to malfunction.

If simply restarting your computer didn’t resolve the problem, don’t worry. There are still more troubleshooting steps to try in order to get the Epic Games Launcher working properly.

Disable Antivirus and Firewall Temporarily

In some cases, your antivirus or firewall software can interfere with the functioning of the Epic Games Launcher. These security measures are designed to protect your computer, but sometimes they can mistakenly block or restrict the launcher’s connectivity and operations. To check if this is causing the issue, temporarily disabling your antivirus and firewall software can help determine if they are the culprits.

Here’s how you can disable your antivirus and firewall software:

Locate the antivirus software icon or system tray in your taskbar or notification area.
Right-click on the icon and look for options such as “Disable” or “Turn off.”
If prompted, select the option to temporarily disable the antivirus program.
Once the antivirus software is disabled, repeat the same process for any firewall software you have installed on your computer.

After disabling the antivirus and firewall software, try launching the Epic Games Launcher to see if the problem is resolved. If the issue is no longer present, it is likely that the security software was causing the conflict.

Remember to re-enable your antivirus and firewall software once you have determined if they were causing the issue or not. It is important to have these security measures in place to protect your computer from potential threats.

If disabling the antivirus and firewall did not fix the issue, there are still additional steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem with the Epic Games Launcher.

Check Your Internet Connection

A stable and reliable internet connection is crucial for the Epic Games Launcher to function properly. Issues with your internet connection can cause the launcher to become unresponsive or fail to launch games. To ensure that your internet connection is not the cause of the problem, it is important to perform a few checks and troubleshooting steps.

Here are some steps you can take to check your internet connection:

Open a web browser and try visiting a few different websites to see if they load successfully. If multiple websites are not loading or are very slow, it may indicate a problem with your internet connection.
If you are connected to a Wi-Fi network, try restarting your router or modem. Simply unplug the power cable, wait for a few seconds, and then plug it back in. Allow the router or modem to fully restart before attempting to use the internet again.
If restarting your router didn’t resolve the problem, try connecting your computer directly to the modem via an Ethernet cable. By bypassing the Wi-Fi connection, you can determine if the issue is related to your wireless network.
Check if other devices on your network are experiencing similar internet connection issues. If multiple devices are affected, it is likely a problem with your network or internet service provider.
Consider running a speed test to check your internet connection’s download and upload speeds. There are numerous free speed test websites available that can provide you with accurate results.

If you find that your internet connection is unstable or experiencing issues, contact your internet service provider for assistance. They may be able to help diagnose and resolve the problem.

It is important to note that a poor internet connection can significantly impact the performance of the Epic Games Launcher. If your internet connection is not the issue, proceed to explore other troubleshooting steps to fix the problem.

Delete Temporary Files and Folders

Over time, temporary files and folders can accumulate on your computer, taking up valuable space and potentially causing issues with the Epic Games Launcher. These temporary files can become corrupted or interfere with the launcher’s functioning. Deleting them can help clear up any conflicts and create a cleaner environment for the launcher to operate.

To delete temporary files and folders, you can follow these steps:

Press the Windows key and the R key simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
Type “%temp%” (without quotes) and press Enter. This will open the temporary files folder.
Select all the files and folders in the temporary files folder by pressing Ctrl+A.
Press Shift+Delete to permanently delete the selected files and folders. Confirm the deletion when prompted.
Open the Run dialog box again by pressing the Windows key and the R key simultaneously.
Type “temp” (without quotes) and press Enter. This will open another temporary files folder.
Just like before, select all the files and folders in this temporary files folder and press Shift+Delete to permanently delete them.

Deleting these temporary files and folders will not harm your computer as they are meant to be temporary. By removing them, you are freeing up space and eliminating any potential conflicts they may cause with the Epic Games Launcher.

Once you have deleted the temporary files and folders, restart your computer and relaunch the Epic Games Launcher. This will give the launcher a fresh start and may help resolve any issues you were experiencing.

If deleting temporary files did not resolve the issue, there are still other troubleshooting steps you can take to get the Epic Games Launcher working properly.

Run the Launcher as an Administrator

Running the Epic Games Launcher as an administrator can help resolve certain issues related to permissions and access. By running the launcher in administrator mode, you give it elevated privileges and allow it to make changes that might be necessary for proper functionality.

To run the Epic Games Launcher as an administrator:

Locate the Epic Games Launcher icon on your desktop or in your start menu.
Right-click on the launcher icon.
In the context menu that appears, hover over the “More” or “Run as” option.
Click on “Run as administrator” in the submenu.

After clicking “Run as administrator,” the Epic Games Launcher will open with elevated privileges. This may help resolve any permission-related issues that were preventing the launcher from functioning properly.

Once the launcher opens, check if the issues you were experiencing have been resolved. If the launcher now works as expected, you can continue using it in administrator mode. However, it is worth noting that running applications as an administrator should be done with caution, as it can potentially expose your system to security risks. It is recommended to only run the launcher as an administrator when necessary.

If running the Epic Games Launcher as an administrator did not solve the problem, there are still other troubleshooting steps you can take to address the issue.

Reset the Winsock Catalog

The Winsock catalog is a crucial component of the Windows operating system that governs network operations, including internet connectivity. If the Epic Games Launcher is experiencing network-related issues, resetting the Winsock catalog can help restore proper functionality. This process will clear any corrupted or misconfigured settings in the catalog, allowing the launcher to establish a reliable network connection.

To reset the Winsock catalog, follow these steps:

Press the Windows key and the R key simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
Type “cmd” (without quotes) and press Enter. This will open the Command Prompt.
In the Command Prompt window, type “netsh winsock reset” (without quotes) and press Enter.
Wait for the process to complete. It may take a few moments.
Once the reset is done, restart your computer to apply the changes.

After restarting your computer, launch the Epic Games Launcher to see if the network issues have been resolved. Resetting the Winsock catalog can often fix connectivity issues that were preventing the launcher from functioning properly.

It’s important to note that resetting the Winsock catalog will reset network settings on your computer. This includes any custom network configurations you may have made. However, these settings can easily be reconfigured if necessary.

If resetting the Winsock catalog did not resolve the issue, there are additional troubleshooting steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem with the Epic Games Launcher.

Disable Proxy Server Settings

Proxy servers act as intermediaries between your computer and the internet, and they can sometimes interfere with network connections and cause issues with the Epic Games Launcher. Disabling proxy server settings can help resolve connectivity problems and ensure that the launcher can communicate directly with the internet.

To disable proxy server settings, follow these steps:

Press the Windows key and the R key simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
Type “inetcpl.cpl” (without quotes) and press Enter. This will open the Internet Properties window.
In the Internet Properties window, navigate to the “Connections” tab.
Click on the “LAN settings” button.
In the Local Area Network (LAN) Settings window, make sure the “Use a proxy server for your LAN” option is unchecked. If it is checked, uncheck it.
Click “OK” to save the changes and close the LAN Settings window.
Click “OK” again to close the Internet Properties window.

After disabling the proxy server settings, launch the Epic Games Launcher and check if the connectivity issues have been resolved. Disabling the proxy server ensures that the launcher can establish a direct connection to the internet without any interference from proxy servers.

If disabling the proxy server settings did not fix the issue, there are still other troubleshooting steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem with the Epic Games Launcher.

Reinstall the Epic Games Launcher

If you have tried various troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing issues with the Epic Games Launcher, reinstalling the launcher may be necessary. Reinstalling can help resolve any corrupted files, conflicts, or incomplete installations that may be causing the launcher to malfunction.

Here’s how you can reinstall the Epic Games Launcher:

Close the Epic Games Launcher if it is currently running.
Press the Windows key and open the Control Panel.
In the Control Panel, navigate to “Programs” or “Programs and Features.”
Locate the Epic Games Launcher in the list of installed programs.
Right-click on the Epic Games Launcher and select “Uninstall.”
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Once the uninstallation is complete, visit the official Epic Games website to download the latest version of the launcher.
Run the installer file and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the Epic Games Launcher.
After the installation is complete, launch the Epic Games Launcher and sign in to your account.

Reinstalling the launcher will provide you with a fresh installation, and it may resolve any persistent issues that you were encountering. It is recommended to download and install the latest version of the launcher to ensure you have access to the most up-to-date features and improvements.

If the problem persists even after reinstalling the Epic Games Launcher, it may be necessary to contact Epic Games Support for further assistance. They can provide additional guidance and troubleshoot the issue with you directly.

Contact Epic Games Support

If you have exhausted all troubleshooting steps and are still unable to resolve the issue with the Epic Games Launcher, it may be time to seek assistance from Epic Games Support. The support team is well-equipped to handle a wide range of technical problems and can provide you with personalized guidance to get your launcher up and running again.

Here are the steps you can follow to contact Epic Games Support:

Visit the official Epic Games website.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the “Support” link.
You will be redirected to the Epic Games Support Center.
Click on the “Contact Us” button to access the contact options.
Choose the appropriate category that best matches your issue, such as “Launcher Support” or “Account Support.”
From the available options, select the preferred method to contact support, which may include email, live chat, or submitting a support ticket.
Provide a detailed description of the problem you are facing and any relevant information that can help the support team assist you effectively.
Submit your request and wait for a response from the Epic Games Support team.

The support team will review your request and provide guidance or further troubleshooting steps tailored to your specific issue. They are dedicated to helping users overcome technical difficulties and providing the best possible support experience.

Be sure to check your email regularly for updates from Epic Games Support. They may request additional information or provide further instructions to resolve the issue. Engaging in clear and timely communication with the support team will help expedite the troubleshooting process and get you back to enjoying your games.

Remember, reaching out to Epic Games Support is a valuable resource when all other troubleshooting steps have been exhausted, and they are committed to assisting you in resolving any issues you encounter with the Epic Games Launcher.