Elyndarin Zorkal 
Picture this: You’re about to jump into a late-night Fortnite session with friends. You click the Epic Games Launcher, heart pounding, only to see a spinning wheel and a message—“Update Required.” Suddenly, your plans stall. If you’ve ever felt that mix of frustration and confusion, you’re not alone. Knowing how to update Epic Games Launcher can save you from these moments and keep your games running smoothly.
Why Updating the Epic Games Launcher Matters
Let’s be honest—most of us ignore update prompts until something breaks. But here’s the thing: skipping updates can lead to crashes, missing features, or even security risks. The Epic Games Launcher isn’t just a gateway to your games; it’s the engine that keeps them running. Updates fix bugs, patch vulnerabilities, and sometimes add cool new features. If you want your games to load fast and your library to stay safe, you need to know how to update Epic Games Launcher the right way.
Who Needs This Guide?
If you’ve ever stared at a frozen launcher, wondered why your downloads crawl, or missed out on a new game release because your launcher wouldn’t cooperate, this is for you. Maybe you’re a parent trying to help your kid get back into Rocket League. Maybe you’re a seasoned gamer who just wants things to work. If you use the Epic Games Launcher, you’ll benefit from learning how to update it—no tech degree required.
How to Update Epic Games Launcher: The Fastest Method
Here’s the part nobody tells you: the Epic Games Launcher usually updates itself. But sometimes, it gets stuck. Here’s how to update Epic Games Launcher manually, step by step:
- Close the Launcher Completely
- Right-click the Epic Games icon in your system tray (bottom right corner).
- Click “Exit.”
- Restart the Launcher
- Double-click the Epic Games Launcher shortcut on your desktop.
- If an update is available, you’ll see a prompt or the launcher will update automatically before opening.
- Check for Updates Manually
- Click your profile icon in the bottom left corner.
- Select “Settings.”
- Scroll down and look for “Restart and Update.” If you see it, click it.
- Reinstall If All Else Fails
- Go to the Epic Games website and download the latest installer.
- Run the installer. It will overwrite your old launcher without deleting your games.
Here’s why this works: Restarting forces the launcher to check for updates. If it’s stuck, reinstalling gives you a fresh start without losing your library.
Common Problems When Updating Epic Games Launcher
Let’s break it down. Sometimes, even after you follow the steps, things go sideways. Maybe the update freezes at 99%, or you get a cryptic error code. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them:
- Stuck on “Verifying” or “Updating”: Close the launcher, open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), and end any Epic Games processes. Restart your PC and try again.
- Error Codes: Google the exact code. Epic’s support site has a list of fixes for each one.
- Slow Downloads: Pause other downloads, check your internet speed, or switch to a wired connection.
- Permissions Issues: Run the launcher as an administrator. Right-click the shortcut and select “Run as administrator.”
If you’ve ever spent an hour staring at a frozen progress bar, you know how maddening this can be. Don’t worry—most problems have simple fixes.
Pro Tips: Keep Your Epic Games Launcher Updated Automatically
Here’s a secret: You can make the launcher update itself without lifting a finger. In the settings menu, look for “Allow Auto-Updates.” Make sure it’s checked. This way, the launcher will grab updates in the background, so you’re always ready to play.
Another tip: Set your PC to restart once a week. This clears out memory and helps updates install smoothly. It sounds basic, but it works.
What If You’re on Mac?
Mac users, you’re not left out. The process is almost the same. Quit the launcher, reopen it, and let it check for updates. If you run into trouble, download the latest version from the Epic Games website and reinstall. Your games and settings will stay safe.
When You Shouldn’t Update (Yes, Really)
Here’s the twist: Sometimes, you might want to wait. If you’re in the middle of a tournament or a big project, and you see a major update, check online forums first. Rarely, updates introduce new bugs. If you see lots of complaints, it’s okay to hold off for a day or two. But don’t wait too long—security patches matter.
What to Do If Updates Break Your Launcher
If an update causes crashes or weird glitches, don’t panic. First, restart your PC. If that doesn’t help, uninstall and reinstall the launcher. Your games won’t disappear—they’re tied to your account, not the app. If you’re still stuck, Epic Games support is surprisingly responsive. Submit a ticket with screenshots for faster help.
Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Game
Learning how to update Epic Games Launcher isn’t just about avoiding headaches. It’s about keeping your games fast, your data safe, and your play sessions stress-free. If you’ve ever lost an evening to a stubborn update, you know how much smoother things feel when everything just works. So, next time you see that update prompt, don’t ignore it—embrace it. Your future self (and your squad) will thank you.
