If Fortnite crashes, will not open, or appears as “Running” without a window, start with the exact error message and symptom: Epic’s recommended fixes differ by situation. Search any displayed error code first, then verify the game files before trying more disruptive steps.
Before changing settings, identify what is happening
Note the exact error text or code, whether Epic Games Launcher shows Fortnite as “Running,” when the problem began, and whether a controller is connected. Also note whether Fortnite fails immediately or only after extended play. Those details help select a relevant fix; the symptom alone does not establish a cause.
If an error message or code appears, use Epic’s Fortnite technical support to look up that specific error before following general crash steps.
Try the low-risk checks first
Check system requirements
If there is no specific error, compare the PC with Fortnite’s current minimum system requirements in Epic’s support guidance. If the PC does not meet them, Epic identifies an upgrade as a possible path; do not assume a particular component needs replacing without checking the actual specifications.
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Verify Fortnite’s files
- Open Epic Games Launcher and select Library.
- Find Fortnite and open its game menu. In the current route, choose Manage, then Verify. Labels or layout may vary between Launcher versions.
- Wait for verification to finish, then try launching Fortnite again.
File verification checks the installation and can repair damaged or missing game files. Epic includes it early in its general crash troubleshooting sequence.
Clear Launcher cache, check graphics drivers, and consider DirectX 11
If verification does not help, Epic’s general sequence also recommends clearing the Epic Games Launcher cache and ensuring video drivers are up to date. If the PC is using DirectX 12, trying DirectX 11 is another step in that sequence. Change one thing at a time and test after each change so you can tell whether it helped.
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If Epic Games Launcher says Fortnite is running but no window appears
For this specific symptom, Epic recommends verifying Fortnite’s files, repairing Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC), and adding the Fortnite folder to Windows Security exclusions. Follow Epic’s running-but-not-opening instructions for the repair and exclusion steps. If they do not resolve the issue, Epic advises reinstalling EAC or continuing with its wider crash troubleshooting sequence.
If Easy Anti-Cheat will not install or launch
Epic states that “Easy Anti-Cheat is required to play Fortnite.” Its installation guide provides separate instructions for Windows 10 and Windows 11; use the instructions for your version of Windows rather than improvising a repair. Epic also notes that installing Fortnite on the same drive as Windows may avoid registry or permissions problems.
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If crashes, freezing, or a black screen involve graphics
DirectX 12 symptoms
For crashes, freezing, or a black screen when using DirectX 12, Epic says Performance Mode may help. Follow the current steps in its graphics troubleshooting guide; the exact settings and Launcher options can change.
Laptops and PCs with more than one GPU
On a laptop or other multi-GPU system, check the relevant NVIDIA or AMD controls and make sure Fortnite is assigned to the high-performance GPU. Epic includes this check in its graphics troubleshooting guidance.
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If the problem began after a Windows or PC update
For a problem that started after a PC update, Epic’s targeted steps are to verify that the PC meets Fortnite’s minimum requirements and delete the local GameUserSettings file before relaunching. The file is located at %localappdata%FortniteGameSavedConfigWindowsClient. Epic’s PC-update troubleshooting article gives the procedure; follow it carefully, since deleting a settings file resets local configuration.
If the issue began after a Fortnite update instead, Epic says graphics drivers may be responsible for hitching or crashes. Updating or reinstalling the driver may help, but the timing does not prove the driver is the cause. See Epic’s post-update troubleshooting guidance.
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If you see “The application has hung and will now close” with a controller connected
Epic’s first step for this message is to disconnect the controller, restart the PC, and relaunch Fortnite. If the message remains, update Windows and GPU drivers, verify Fortnite’s files, and consider reinstalling Fortnite, following the controller-related error instructions.
If graphical problems appear only after extended play
Problems that show up after a long session may warrant checking airflow, but that symptom alone does not prove overheating. Epic recommends unblocking vents, cleaning dust from fans and airflow areas, and using the PC in a ventilated space. See its graphics troubleshooting guide.
When to move to more disruptive troubleshooting
If the steps matching your symptom do not work, Epic’s general sequence proceeds to running Epic Games Launcher as administrator, reinstalling the Launcher and Fortnite, checking the Fortnite folder exclusion in Windows Security, trying another drive, performing a clean boot, checking drive errors, and removing the local FortniteGame folder. Use Epic’s full crash troubleshooting steps for the current instructions. Avoid starting with a complete reinstall while verification and cache-clearing remain untried.
If Epic’s troubleshooting sequence does not resolve the problem, its guidance is to contact the hardware manufacturer. The exact cause cannot be diagnosed without details such as the error message, Windows version, PC specifications, GPU, and recent changes.
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