The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Epic Games error LS-0013 means the Epic Games Launcher could not start the selected game. It is a broad launch failure, not proof that the game is corrupted. The quickest low-risk path is to verify the game, clear the Epic Launcher web cache, restart and update Windows, then check permissions, overlays, security software, and any required third-party launcher.
Do not begin by deleting the game or reinstalling Windows. Follow the steps below in order, branching according to whether one game or several games fail.
Choose the right troubleshooting path
| What you observe | Start here |
|---|---|
| Only one game fails | Verify that game, remove mods and compatibility overrides, and check its requirements. |
| Several or all Epic games fail | Check the Launcher cache, updates, permissions, antivirus, firewall, and background software. |
| The problem began after installing an overlay, antivirus, VPN, or tuning utility | Temporarily close or narrowly exclude the suspected software. |
| The game uses Ubisoft Connect, Rockstar Games Launcher, EA, or another launcher | Check that it is installed, signed in, linked to the correct account, and using compatible permissions. |
| The problem occurs only on one network | Check VPNs, DNS filtering, router controls, firewall rules, and parental controls. |
What LS-0013 means
LS-0013 is Epic’s general “Launch Failed” error. It can result from missing or damaged game files, a Launcher problem, permissions, antivirus or firewall interference, a background application, a third-party launcher, network restrictions, or an unsupported game build.
A game that worked previously may begin failing after a game patch, Epic Launcher update, Windows update, graphics-driver change, or security-software change. Those events are useful clues, but LS-0013 does not identify one specific cause. Epic’s official troubleshooting sequence is available in its LS-0013 support article.
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Before changing anything
- Restart Windows.
- Open the Epic Games Launcher directly instead of using an old desktop shortcut.
- Look for Restart and Update or another pending Launcher update.
- Confirm that the game is installed and that its drive has sufficient free space.
- Try launching another Epic game. This separates a game-specific failure from a Launcher- or system-wide failure.
- Check the Epic Games service-status page before reinstalling anything.
1. Verify the game files
Verification is the best first repair for a single affected game. Epic compares the local installation with the expected files and may reacquire missing or damaged data.
- Open Epic Games Launcher.
- Open Library.
- Find the affected game and select its three-dot menu.
- Choose Manage.
- Select Verify.
- Wait for the scan and repair to finish, then restart the Launcher.
Verification should not be treated as a command to delete your game or account data. However, it may not remove incompatible mods, ReShade files, injected DLLs, custom launch arguments, or manually altered configuration files. If verification completes successfully and LS-0013 remains, continue to the next step rather than repeatedly verifying.
2. Clear the Epic Games Launcher web cache
The Launcher cache is separate from the installed game’s files. Clear the Launcher web cache, not a game’s shader cache or save-data folder.
- Exit Epic Games Launcher.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- End remaining Epic Games Launcher processes.
- Press Windows + R, enter
%localappdata%, and press Enter. - Open
EpicGamesLauncherSaved. - Rename folders beginning with
webcacheorwebcache_. For example, renamewebcachetowebcache.old. - Reopen the Launcher and try the game.
Renaming is preferable to immediate deletion because it provides an easy recovery path. The Launcher will create fresh cache data when it starts.
3. Update Windows 11 and restart
- Open Settings.
- Select Windows Update.
- Choose Check for updates.
- Install available updates.
- Restart the PC, even if Windows does not immediately require a restart.
Epic includes operating-system updates in its LS-0013 troubleshooting sequence. This does not mean a particular Windows 11 build universally fixes the error; the relevant requirements can vary by game.
4. Test administrator permissions in both directions
Running everything as administrator is not a universal solution. Epic recommends testing the Launcher as administrator, but also recommends disabling forced administrator privileges in some cases. A mismatch between the Launcher, game, and third-party launcher can prevent a game from starting.
First, test the Launcher as administrator
- Close Epic Games Launcher.
- Right-click its shortcut.
- Select Run as administrator.
- Launch the game from the Epic Library.
For a game that requires another launcher, Epic recommends testing both Epic Games Launcher and that third-party launcher with compatible permissions.
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If that fails, remove forced compatibility settings
The Epic Launcher is commonly found at:
C:Program FilesEpic GamesLauncherPortalBinariesWin32Your installation path may differ. For the Launcher executable, the game executable, and any required third-party launcher:
- Right-click the executable and choose Properties.
- Open Compatibility.
- Review Run this program as an administrator.
- Uncheck it if it was permanently enabled, then select Apply and OK.
- Test the game again.
Do not change ownership or grant broad permissions such as “Everyone” access as a first-line fix.
5. Disable overlays and background applications
Temporarily close nonessential software and restart Windows before testing with only Epic Games Launcher running. Pay particular attention to:
- Game overlays and screen recorders
- Hardware-monitoring, RGB, tuning, and overclocking utilities
- VPNs and traffic-filtering tools
- Third-party antivirus
- Mod managers, ReShade, injectors, and compatibility tools
If the game launches, re-enable software in groups until the conflict returns. This identifies the cause without permanently disabling useful programs.
Use a clean boot only as an advanced diagnostic
If ordinary shutdown testing does not isolate the conflict, Microsoft’s clean-boot procedure can start Windows with only essential drivers and startup programs. Record every change. After testing, return Windows to Normal startup and re-enable disabled services and startup items. Do not randomly disable Microsoft services or boot options.
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6. Check antivirus and Windows Firewall
Security software can block a game’s executable, Launcher communication, anti-cheat component, or required online service. Prefer a narrowly scoped exception over permanently turning protection off.
Depending on the game, the relevant files may include:
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EpicGamesLauncher.exe- The game’s primary executable
- A required third-party launcher
- Anti-cheat or Epic Online Services components supplied by the game
Add exceptions only for legitimate files in the Epic or game installation. Do not whitelist an entire drive or broad system folders. If you briefly disable protection as a diagnostic, restore it immediately afterward. For Windows Security, use Microsoft’s current exclusion instructions.
7. Remove mods and compatibility overrides
Before reinstalling a game, temporarily remove or disable mods, ReShade, injectors, community patches, custom executable replacements, and nonstandard launch arguments.
Also inspect the game’s executable under Properties > Compatibility for:
- Compatibility mode
- Forced administrator mode
- Fullscreen-optimization overrides
- DPI override settings
Epic lists disabling fullscreen optimization among broader Launcher troubleshooting options, but it is not a universal LS-0013 fix. Change one setting at a time and restore settings that do not help.
8. Check third-party launchers and the supported game build
Some Epic titles depend on Ubisoft Connect, Rockstar Games Launcher, EA, or another service. Confirm that the required launcher is installed, signed in, linked to the correct account, and updated. Launch the game from Epic rather than directly from a copied executable unless the developer specifically instructs otherwise.
Also check the developer’s support page to confirm that you are using the current retail build. Alpha, beta, press, editor, preview, or other special versions may no longer be playable. Windows 11 compatibility alone does not guarantee support for every Epic title.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems9. Update or roll back the graphics driver when timing points to it
Epic’s general Launcher guidance includes checking system requirements and graphics drivers. Download drivers from the GPU manufacturer’s official website or official update utility, not from driver-booster software.
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If LS-0013 began immediately after a driver update, use the manufacturer’s supported rollback process or test the previous stable driver. A graphics-driver problem can stop a game opening, but LS-0013 itself does not prove that the driver is responsible.
10. Flush DNS and inspect network restrictions
DNS flushing can help when the failure involves name resolution or network access. It will not repair corrupted local files.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Run:
ipconfig /flushdns- Wait for the success message.
- Restart Epic Games Launcher and retry the game.
If the problem occurs only on one network, investigate VPNs, DNS filtering, local firewall rules, router-level parental controls, school or workplace restrictions, and other content filters. Epic specifically includes parental-control settings among possible LS-0013 causes.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →11. Reinstall Epic Games Launcher
Reinstall the Launcher only after the lower-risk steps fail. Before uninstalling, record your game installation locations and back up important saves, screenshots, mods, and custom configuration files where applicable.
Reinstalling the Launcher is not automatically the same as reinstalling every game, but game registrations may not always be restored exactly as expected. Download the current installer only through Epic’s official site: store.epicgames.com. Use its official Download link rather than a third-party mirror.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.12. Reinstall the affected game safely
Manual game reinstallation is the most disruptive standard remedy. Use it only after verifying that the problem is not affecting the Launcher or multiple games.
- Confirm the game’s cloud-save behavior with the developer or Epic.
- Back up local saves, screenshots, mods, and custom configuration files.
- Close Epic Games Launcher.
- Open the game’s installation folder.
- Delete only the affected game’s folder, not the entire
C:Program FilesEpic Gamesdirectory. - Reopen the Launcher and install the game again.
You may test another drive if storage permissions, drive health, or the original installation location is suspected. If every Epic game fails, reinstalling each title first is inefficient; continue investigating the Launcher, Windows, security, account, and network layers.
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Special case: Fortnite
Epic’s administrator-setting instructions mention Fortnite-specific executables, including:
FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping.exe
FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping_BE.exe
FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping_EAC.exe
FortniteLauncher.exeThese names are not universal paths for every Epic game. For another title, inspect that game’s own executable and its support documentation.
When none of the fixes work
At this point, record the following before contacting support:
- Game name and edition
- Exact LS-0013 wording
- Whether one game or multiple games fail
- Recent Windows, driver, game, Launcher, or security-software changes
- Results of file verification and cache clearing
- Whether another launcher or account link is required
- Antivirus and firewall products in use
- Launcher logs, if support requests them
Contact Epic for Launcher, account, Epic service, or installation-registration problems. Contact the game’s developer for title-specific crashes, unsupported builds, anti-cheat requirements, missing dependencies, or game-specific executable issues.
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Epic’s broader troubleshooting guidance covers service status, updates, requirements, cache, permissions, drivers, and Launcher reinstallation: Epic Games Launcher troubleshooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LS-0013 always caused by corrupted game files?
No. Corrupted or missing files are one possibility. The Launcher, permissions, security software, overlays, third-party launchers, unsupported builds, and network restrictions can produce the same error.
Should I reinstall the game immediately?
No. Verify the game and clear the Epic Launcher web cache first. Reinstall only after checking permissions, security software, modifications, and whether other games are also failing.
Does flushing DNS fix LS-0013?
It can help with DNS or network-resolution problems, especially when the error occurs only on one network. It does not repair local game files or Launcher cache problems.
Will clearing the web cache delete my installed games?
Clearing or renaming the webcache folders under `%localappdata%EpicGamesLauncherSaved` targets Launcher cache data, not the game’s installation folder.
What if only Fortnite fails?
Verify Fortnite, remove overlays and modifications, and inspect Fortnite’s own executables and requirements. Do not apply Fortnite executable names or fixes universally to other games.
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