Why Does My Epic Games Launcher Keep Crashing When Downloading Games?

Experiencing crashes while downloading games on the Epic Games Launcher can be incredibly frustrating. Several factors could be at play, ranging from simple glitches to more complex system issues. Identifying the root cause is crucial to implementing the correct solution. Let’s explore the common reasons behind these crashes and how to resolve them.

Common Causes of Epic Games Launcher Crashes During Downloads

  • Insufficient System Resources: Your computer might not have enough RAM or processing power to handle the download process alongside other running applications.
  • Corrupted Launcher Files: Damaged or incomplete Epic Games Launcher files can lead to instability and crashes.
  • Outdated Drivers: Old or incompatible graphics card drivers can cause conflicts, especially during graphically intensive download operations.
  • Network Issues: Unstable internet connections or firewall restrictions can interrupt the download and trigger crashes.
  • Storage Problems: Insufficient hard drive space or corrupted storage sectors can hinder the download process.
  • Software Conflicts: Conflicts with other software installed on your computer, such as antivirus programs or overlay applications, can interfere with the Epic Games Launcher.
  • Overclocking: An unstable overclock on your CPU or GPU can cause crashes during demanding tasks like game downloads.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Epic Games Launcher Crashes

1. Basic Troubleshooting

  • Restart Your Computer: This is the simplest and often most effective solution. Restarting clears temporary files and resets system processes.
  • Restart the Epic Games Launcher: Close the launcher completely and then reopen it. Ensure no background processes are running.
  • Check Your Internet Connection: Verify that your internet connection is stable and functioning correctly. Try restarting your router.

2. Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers are a common cause of crashes. Follow these steps to update them:

  • Identify Your Graphics Card: Determine the manufacturer and model of your graphics card (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080, AMD Radeon RX 6800).
  • Download the Latest Drivers: Visit the official website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA or AMD) and download the latest drivers for your specific card and operating system.
  • Install the Drivers: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the drivers. Choose a clean installation to remove any conflicting older drivers.

3. Verify Game Files

Corrupted game files can cause the launcher to crash during installation. Use the launcher’s built-in verification tool:

  • Open the Epic Games Launcher: Launch the Epic Games Launcher and navigate to your Library.
  • Find the Game: Locate the game that is causing the crashes.
  • Verify the Files: Click the three dots next to the game’s name and select “Verify.” The launcher will check and repair any corrupted files.

4. Clear the Epic Games Launcher Cache

Clearing the cache can resolve issues caused by corrupted or outdated cached data:

  • Close the Epic Games Launcher: Ensure the launcher is completely closed, including any background processes.
  • Open File Explorer: Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
  • Navigate to the Cache Folder: Type %localappdata%\EpicGamesLauncher\Saved\WebCache into the address bar and press Enter.
  • Delete the Contents: Delete all the files and folders within the WebCache folder.
  • Restart the Launcher: Reopen the Epic Games Launcher.

5. Run the Epic Games Launcher as an Administrator

Running the launcher with administrator privileges can bypass permission-related issues:

  • Right-Click the Launcher Icon: Right-click on the Epic Games Launcher icon on your desktop or in the Start Menu.
  • Select “Run as Administrator”: Choose the “Run as administrator” option.
  • Confirm the Action: If prompted, confirm the action in the User Account Control (UAC) dialog.

6. Disable Antivirus Software Temporarily

Antivirus software can sometimes interfere with the Epic Games Launcher. Temporarily disabling it can help determine if it’s the cause of the crashes:

  • Disable Your Antivirus: Right-click on your antivirus icon in the system tray and select the option to disable it temporarily (e.g., “Disable for 15 minutes”).
  • Test the Download: Try downloading the game again. If the launcher doesn’t crash, consider adding an exception for the Epic Games Launcher in your antivirus settings.
  • Re-enable Your Antivirus: Remember to re-enable your antivirus software after testing.

7. Check Hard Drive Space and Health

Insufficient hard drive space or corrupted sectors can cause crashes. Ensure you have enough free space and that your hard drive is healthy:

  • Check Free Space: Open File Explorer and check the amount of free space on the drive where you are installing the game. Ensure you have enough space for the game and additional temporary files.
  • Run CHKDSK: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command chkdsk /f /r to check and repair disk errors. You may need to restart your computer for the scan to run.

8. Reinstall the Epic Games Launcher

If none of the above solutions work, reinstalling the Epic Games Launcher might be necessary:

  • Uninstall the Launcher: Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features and uninstall the Epic Games Launcher.
  • Download the Latest Version: Download the latest version of the Epic Games Launcher from the official Epic Games website.
  • Install the Launcher: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the launcher.

9. Close Unnecessary Background Applications

Close any unnecessary applications that are running in the background. These applications can consume system resources and cause conflicts.

  • Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  • End Unnecessary Processes: Go to the “Processes” tab and end any unnecessary applications or processes that are consuming significant resources.

Prevention Tips

  • Keep Your System Updated: Regularly update your operating system and drivers.
  • Monitor System Resources: Keep an eye on your CPU, RAM, and disk usage.
  • Maintain Your Hard Drive: Regularly defragment your hard drive (if it’s not an SSD) and check for errors.
  • Avoid Overclocking: If you are overclocking your system, ensure that it is stable.

By following these troubleshooting steps and prevention tips, you should be able to resolve the crashing issues and enjoy a smoother gaming experience on the Epic Games Launcher.