First decide whether the Epic Games Launcher itself fails, a game is missing, or only one game will not start. Those problems need different checks. Start with the least disruptive fix and keep the exact error message.
Choose the right starting point
| Problem | First check |
|---|---|
| Sign-in, store or downloads fail for several people | Check Epic’s official service status. |
| The launcher is blank or displays incorrectly | Fully exit it, reopen it, then consider its web cache. |
| A purchased game is missing | Confirm the Epic account, library filters and supported platform. |
| Only one installed game fails | Check that game’s requirements and verify its files. |
Restart the launcher completely
Save any work, stop active installations safely and use the launcher’s Exit command, including its notification-area icon. Closing its main window may leave it running. Reopen it and check whether the problem returns. Restart Windows if the application remains stuck.
Check free storage, the network connection and available supported updates. If an organization manages your PC or network, ask its administrator about blocked connections rather than disabling protections.
Clear only the launcher’s web cache
- Exit the launcher, including the tray icon.
- Press Windows + R, enter
%localappdata%and press Enter. - Open
EpicGamesLauncher\Saved. - Remove only the web-cache folders named in Epic’s cache instructions, if present:
webcache,webcache_4147orwebcache_4430. - Reopen the launcher so it can rebuild the cache.
Do not delete the whole Saved folder or your game library as a substitute for this procedure. Check the folder path carefully. If you are not sure which folder is which, stop and compare it with Epic’s instructions.
Verify an installed game’s files
In the standard launcher, open Library, select the game’s three-dot menu, choose Manage, then Verify. Wait for the process to finish. The early-preview launcher can place these controls on the game’s detail page.
Epic’s file-verification guide says verification repairs changed or damaged game files without affecting saved data. Mods or intentionally changed game files can be replaced, so keep copies of changes you need.
If the problem continues
Record the launcher version, Windows version, game name and complete error. Check whether the same problem affects other games. Treat reinstallation as a later step, and confirm the consequences for installed games and local data before proceeding.
Adding a launcher shortcut to another library is separate from fixing Epic’s sign-in or ownership checks. Our Epic-to-Steam guide explains what that shortcut can and cannot do.
Frequently asked questions
Will adding the game to Steam fix Epic account problems?
No. A shortcut does not transfer ownership or remove the original launcher's account requirements.
Does closing the launcher's window always exit it?
No. Check its notification-area icon and use Exit before clearing the cache.
Should I delete the entire EpicGamesLauncher Saved folder?
No. Follow Epic's instructions for the specific web-cache folders instead of deleting unrelated files.
Does verifying game files delete my saves?
Epic says saved data is not affected. Verification can replace changed game files, including files modified by mods.