Fortnite PC launch errors and crashes: verification to settings reset

Record the error message first. If it names a code, search that code in Epic support. Without a message, check minimum requirements: clearing a cache will not make an underpowered PC meet them.

Before deleting the installation

1. In the Epic Games Launcher library, open Fortnite's three-dot menu → Manage → Verify and wait for completion. Verification checks and repairs damaged or differing files; Epic says saved data is unaffected.
2. Test the same launch situation again. Continue if the problem remains.

File verification: Epic — Verify game files

Clear the launcher cache

Fully close the launcher using Exit on the Epic icon in the system tray. Open Win+R → %localappdata% → EpicGamesLauncher → Saved. Remove only webcache, webcache_4147 and webcache_4430 if present. Do not confuse the launcher cache with the installed game directory.

The official cache article also describes Mac: quit the launcher, use Finder to empty webcache in ~/Library/Caches/com.epicgames.EpicGamesLauncher, then relaunch. The Fortnite launch troubleshooting here targets PC.

Launcher cache instructions: Epic — Clear launcher cache

If clearing the cache does not help

Check graphics driver updates and running the launcher as administrator. If necessary, consider reinstalling the launcher and then the game. Epic also lists checking the Fortnite folder's antivirus exclusion, installing on another drive, isolating background-app interference and checking the drive for errors. Test the same symptom after each step rather than changing everything at once.

Complete PC crash/error/performance checklist: Epic — PC crash troubleshooting

Understand the final settings reset first

If startup crashes persist, consider resetting FortniteGame under %localappdata%. This can reset in-game settings: take screenshots of them first.

1. Close Fortnite and the Epic launcher.
2. Open Win+R → %localappdata% and delete FortniteGame.
3. Restart the PC and run the Epic launcher as administrator.
4. Open Library → Fortnite's three dots → Manage → Verify; after verification, launch the game.

Settings reset and preparation: Epic — Reset FortniteGame

If these steps do not resolve the issue, Epic's overall guide recommends your hardware manufacturer's support. Provide the error screen, PC specifications, the point where launch stops and the steps already tried to avoid repeating checks.