Is Epic Games Launcher Down? Check Server Status & Fixes

Nick Leason

-Nov 2, 2025

Is Epic Games Launcher Down? Check Server Status & Fixes

Experiencing issues with the Epic Games Launcher? You're not alone. Problems can arise from server outages, connectivity issues, or software glitches. This guide provides steps to check the launcher's status and troubleshoot common problems to get you back to gaming.

Key Takeaways

Check the Epic Games Server Status page first to identify widespread outages.
Troubleshoot your internet connection, as connectivity issues are a common cause.
Update the Epic Games Launcher to the latest version to resolve potential bugs.
Clear the launcher's cache and webcache to remove temporary files that may be causing problems.
Contact Epic Games Support if the issue persists after troubleshooting.

Introduction

The Epic Games Launcher is the gateway to popular games like Fortnite, Rocket League, and many others. When the launcher goes down, it can disrupt gaming sessions and prevent access to purchased games. Understanding how to diagnose and resolve these issues is crucial for any PC gamer. This article outlines the steps to check the Epic Games Launcher's status, troubleshoot common problems, and get back to playing your favorite games.

What & Why

The Epic Games Launcher can experience downtime for various reasons:

Server Outages: Epic Games' servers may go down for maintenance or due to unexpected issues. This is often the most common reason for widespread launcher problems.
Connectivity Issues: Problems with your internet connection can prevent the launcher from connecting to Epic Games' servers.
Software Glitches: Bugs or corrupted files within the launcher itself can cause it to malfunction.
Updates: Ongoing updates to the launcher can sometimes cause temporary instability.

Understanding the potential causes helps narrow down the troubleshooting steps.

Benefits of Troubleshooting

Minimize Downtime: Quickly identify and resolve the issue to get back to gaming faster.
Prevent Frustration: Avoid unnecessary frustration by knowing how to address common problems.
Maintain Access to Games: Ensure you can access your purchased games and continue playing.

Risks of Ignoring Issues

Missed Events: Downtime can cause you to miss out on limited-time events and challenges in games like Fortnite.
Account Security: While rare, persistent launcher issues could potentially expose you to security vulnerabilities if left unaddressed.

How To Check Epic Games Launcher Status and Troubleshoot

Here’s a step-by-step guide to checking the Epic Games Launcher status and troubleshooting common issues:

Step 1: Check the Epic Games Server Status Page

The first and most crucial step is to visit the official Epic Games Server Status page. This page provides real-time information on the status of various Epic Games services, including the launcher, game servers, and other online components.

How to Access: Go to https://status.epicgames.com/ in your web browser.
What to Look For: Check for any red indicators or messages indicating an outage or degradation of service. Pay close attention to the specific services that are affected.
Example: If the status page shows "Game Services" as having an outage, it means there's a problem with the game servers themselves, which could prevent you from logging in or playing online.

Step 2: Verify Your Internet Connection

If the Epic Games Server Status page indicates that all services are operational, the next step is to verify your internet connection. A stable and reliable internet connection is essential for the launcher to function correctly.

How to Check:
- Run a Speed Test: Use a website like Speedtest.net to check your internet speed and ping.
- Check Router/Modem: Ensure your router and modem are properly connected and functioning. Try restarting them by unplugging them for 30 seconds and then plugging them back in.
- Test Other Devices: Check if other devices on your network can access the internet. If not, the problem may be with your internet service provider (ISP).
What to Look For:
- Slow Speeds: If your internet speed is significantly slower than usual, it could be causing the issue.
- High Ping: High ping (latency) can also cause problems with online games and the launcher.
- Intermittent Connectivity: If your internet connection is dropping frequently, it can disrupt the launcher's operation.

Step 3: Update the Epic Games Launcher

Using an outdated version of the Epic Games Launcher can lead to compatibility issues and bugs. Make sure you have the latest version installed. — NFC West Standings: Latest Updates & Analysis

How to Update:
1. Open the Epic Games Launcher: Launch the launcher on your computer.
2. Check for Updates: The launcher typically checks for updates automatically upon startup. If an update is available, it will prompt you to install it.
3. Manual Check (if necessary): If the launcher doesn't prompt you for an update, you can try manually checking by clicking on your profile icon in the top right corner and looking for an "Update" option.
4. Restart the Launcher: After the update is installed, restart the launcher to apply the changes.

Step 4: Clear the Epic Games Launcher Cache

The Epic Games Launcher stores temporary files in its cache, which can sometimes become corrupted and cause problems. Clearing the cache can resolve these issues.

How to Clear Cache:
1. Close the Epic Games Launcher: Make sure the launcher is completely closed before proceeding.
2. Open Task Manager (Windows): Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
3. End Epic Games Processes: Look for any Epic Games Launcher processes and end them.
4. Navigate to the Cache Folder:
  - Windows: Open File Explorer and type %localappdata%\EpicGamesLauncher\Saved\WebCache into the address bar.
  - macOS: Open Finder, press Command+Shift+G, and enter ~/Library/Caches/com.epicgames.EpicGamesLauncher
5. Delete the Contents: Delete all the files and folders within the WebCache directory.
6. Restart the Launcher: Launch the Epic Games Launcher again.

Step 5: Run the Epic Games Launcher as Administrator

Running the Epic Games Launcher as an administrator can resolve permission-related issues that may be preventing it from functioning correctly. — Car Accident Lawyer: When To Hire & What To Expect

How to Run as Administrator:
1. Locate the Epic Games Launcher Shortcut: Find the shortcut on your desktop or in the Start Menu.
2. Right-Click the Shortcut: Right-click on the shortcut.
3. Select "Run as Administrator": Choose the "Run as administrator" option from the context menu.
4. Confirm the Action: Windows may prompt you with a User Account Control (UAC) dialog. Click "Yes" to allow the launcher to run as an administrator.

Step 6: Reinstall the Epic Games Launcher

If none of the above steps work, reinstalling the Epic Games Launcher may be necessary. This will ensure that you have a clean installation of the software.

How to Reinstall:
1. Uninstall the Launcher:
  - Windows: Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, find the Epic Games Launcher, and click "Uninstall."
  - macOS: Drag the Epic Games Launcher application from the Applications folder to the Trash.
2. Download the Latest Version: Go to the Epic Games website and download the latest version of the launcher.
3. Install the Launcher: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the launcher.
4. Restart Your Computer: After the installation is complete, restart your computer.

Examples & Use Cases

Scenario 1: Fortnite Login Issues: Players are unable to log in to Fortnite. Checking the Epic Games Server Status page reveals a widespread outage affecting game services. Solution: Wait for Epic Games to resolve the server issue.
Scenario 2: Launcher Crashing on Startup: The Epic Games Launcher crashes immediately after being launched. Clearing the cache resolves the issue. Solution: Follow the steps in Step 4 to clear the launcher's cache.
Scenario 3: Slow Download Speeds: Download speeds within the launcher are significantly slower than expected. Running the launcher as an administrator improves download speeds. Solution: Follow the steps in Step 5 to run the launcher as an administrator.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Best Practice: Regularly Check Server Status: Before troubleshooting, always check the Epic Games Server Status page to avoid wasting time on issues that are beyond your control.
Best Practice: Keep Launcher Updated: Ensure you have the latest version of the launcher to minimize compatibility issues and bugs.
Common Mistake: Ignoring Internet Connection: Many users overlook their internet connection as a potential cause. Always verify your internet connection before proceeding with other troubleshooting steps.
Common Mistake: Not Clearing Cache: Failing to clear the cache can prevent you from resolving issues caused by corrupted temporary files.

FAQs

Q: How do I check the Epic Games Server Status? A: Visit the official Epic Games Server Status page at https://status.epicgames.com/ to see the current status of various Epic Games services.

Q: What does it mean if the Epic Games Launcher is "down"? A: It means that the launcher is experiencing technical difficulties, such as server outages or software glitches, which may prevent you from accessing games and services. — Haslet, TX Zip Code: Find Your Address

Q: How often does the Epic Games Launcher go down? A: The frequency varies, but Epic Games typically experiences occasional downtime for maintenance or due to unforeseen issues. Checking the server status page will give you an idea if it is down.

Q: Can I still play my games if the Epic Games Launcher is down? A: It depends on the game. Some games may allow you to play offline, while others require a connection to Epic Games' servers. Check the individual game's requirements.

Q: What should I do if none of the troubleshooting steps work? A: If you've tried all the troubleshooting steps and the issue persists, contact Epic Games Support for further assistance.

Conclusion with CTA

Experiencing issues with the Epic Games Launcher can be frustrating, but by following these troubleshooting steps, you can quickly identify and resolve common problems. Remember to check the Epic Games Server Status page first, verify your internet connection, and keep your launcher updated. If all else fails, don't hesitate to contact Epic Games Support. Now get back to gaming!

Last updated: October 26, 2023, 18:23 UTC