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How to Fix Epic Games Launcher Setup Error 2738 in Windows 11

Epic Games Launcher error 2738 usually indicates that Windows Installer cannot access VBScript. Install the Windows feature first, then use DISM, registration, and system repair steps if needed.
WorldWindows 11 Length4 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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Epic Games Launcher error 2738 usually means Windows Installer cannot access the VBScript runtime. Install or enable VBScript in Windows 11, restart the PC, and run the Epic installer again. If that fails, add the component with DISM, re-register it, and repair Windows system files.

What error 2738 means

The usual message is:

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package. This may indicate a problem with this package. The error code is 2738.

While resolving installer error 2738, Outbyte PC Repair can scan Windows for broken system elements and configuration issues as an optional diagnostic step.

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Error 2738 is generally a Windows Installer custom-action failure. Epic’s support documentation identifies the related component as Microsoft VBScript, so repeatedly downloading or reinstalling the Epic installer is unlikely to help until Windows can access that runtime.

It is not exclusively a Windows 11 error. Some Windows 11 users, including users reporting problems after version 24H2 updates, have encountered systems where VBScript is unavailable as an optional component. That does not mean every Windows 11 24H2 installation is affected.

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Microsoft has deprecated VBScript and is transitioning it to a Feature on Demand before its eventual removal in a future Windows release. See Microsoft’s deprecated-features documentation.

Fix 1: Install VBScript from Optional Features

  1. Press Windows + I.
  2. Open System > Optional features. On some Windows 11 builds, this appears under Apps > Optional features.
  3. Select View features or Add an optional feature.
  4. Search for VBScript, select it, then choose Next > Add.
  5. Restart Windows.
  6. Download a fresh installer from the official Epic support page and try setup again.

Windows may need internet access to download the Feature on Demand. On work- or school-managed computers, Optional Features may be hidden or restricted by policy.

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Fix 2: Add VBScript with DISM

If VBScript is not listed, open Command Prompt as administrator: search for Command Prompt from Start, right-click it, and select Run as administrator. Run:

DISM /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:VBSCRIPT~~~~

Wait for the command to finish. If it reports The operation completed successfully, restart Windows and retry the Epic installer.

This command is Microsoft Q&A guidance rather than a command currently published on Epic’s error-2738 page. Microsoft documents capability servicing in its Features on Demand documentation.

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  • Capability source not found: Windows Update may be unavailable, the device may be managed, or the source may not match your Windows build.
  • Error 87: Check the spelling and whether your Windows installation recognizes the capability.
  • DISM appears stuck: Allow it time to finish, then check Windows Update connectivity and restart before trying again.

Fix 3: Re-register VBScript

If VBScript is installed but the error remains, use an elevated Command Prompt and run:

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regsvr32 vbscript.dll

A successful registration displays DllRegisterServer succeeded. Restart Windows and retry setup.

Elevation matters. Microsoft’s explanation of Windows Installer errors 2738 and 2739 warns that registering the runtime without administrator rights can write registration data to the current-user hive instead of the machine-wide location Windows Installer expects.

On 64-bit Windows, the normal system locations are:

C:WindowsSystem32vbscript.dll
C:WindowsSysWOW64vbscript.dll

Use these paths for diagnosis only. Do not download replacement DLLs or copy files into either folder.

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  • Module failed to load or file not found: Continue with the Windows repair steps below.
  • Access denied: Reopen Command Prompt with Run as administrator.

Registering jscript.dll is not normally required for error 2738. It may be relevant to error 2739 or an installer that specifically uses JScript:

regsvr32 jscript.dll

Fix 4: Repair Windows components

If the VBScript file is missing or registration fails, run these commands in an elevated Command Prompt, in order:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Wait for DISM to complete, then run:

sfc /scannow

DISM repairs the Windows component store; System File Checker checks and repairs protected system files. Both commands can take time, and progress may appear paused. Do not close the window simply because the percentage has not changed for a while.

Restart Windows after both commands finish, then try:

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regsvr32 vbscript.dll

If DISM reports that source files cannot be found, the installation may need matching Windows installation media or support from Microsoft. Features on Demand media must match the Windows image version, particularly on offline, managed, Enterprise, Education, IoT Enterprise LTSC, or customized installations.

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Retry the Epic installation safely

  1. Restart Windows after making the repair.
  2. Ignore or delete the old installer.
  3. Download a fresh installer from Epic’s official website.
  4. Save it locally, such as in Downloads.
  5. Right-click it and select Run as administrator.
  6. Close other installers and system-cleaning utilities while setup runs.

Use Epic’s official launcher-installation troubleshooting if setup still fails.

If VBScript works but setup still fails

At that point, error 2738 may no longer be the active problem. Check for an incomplete previous Epic installation, stale Windows Installer data, insufficient permissions, security software interference, managed-device restrictions, or a damaged Windows installation.

Microsoft’s Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter may help with corrupted registry keys or incomplete uninstall records when the tool is available. It is not a replacement for installing a missing VBScript capability.

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If security software is suspected, use only a temporary, controlled test according to the security vendor’s instructions and restore protection immediately. Do not permanently disable antivirus protection.

What not to do

  • Do not download vbscript.dll from a DLL-download website.
  • Do not manually replace files in System32 or SysWOW64.
  • Do not import an unverified registry file.
  • Do not delete registry keys as a first-line fix.
  • Do not use an unofficial Epic installer mirror.
  • Do not reset or reinstall Windows before trying the supported component-repair steps.

Advanced registry cleanup can involve per-user VBScript or JScript registrations, different 32-bit and 64-bit registry views, and architecture-specific CLSIDs. Use it only with qualified support and a verified backup.

When to contact support

Stop modifying the registry and contact Microsoft or Epic when DISM cannot obtain VBScript, SFC cannot repair the system, the computer is managed, or the error continues after the component is installed and registered.

Include your exact error message, the output of winver, Windows edition, whether VBScript appears under Optional Features, DISM and SFC result messages, and whether the device is managed by an employer or school. Start with Epic’s error 2738 guidance and use Microsoft Support for unresolved Windows servicing problems.

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