How to Update Epic Games Launcher and Its Games on Windows 11

If you use the Epic Games Launcher to play popular titles like Fortnite, GTA V, or Rocket League, keeping it up to date is essential. Regular updates ensure better performance, bug fixes, and access to the latest features. However, unlike some game clients, Epic Games Launcher doesn’t always make it obvious when or how updates are applied.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to update the Epic Games Launcher and your installed games on Windows 11, along with a few troubleshooting tips in case updates fail to download or install properly.

How Epic Games Launcher Updates Work

The Epic Games Launcher usually updates automatically when you start it. Every time you open the client, it checks for the latest version and downloads any available updates before fully launching.

However, sometimes the launcher doesn’t update automatically due to connection issues, corrupted files, or background restrictions. In that case, you’ll need to trigger the update manually or reinstall the launcher.

1. Update the Epic Games Launcher Automatically

If automatic updates are working correctly, the launcher will take care of itself.

To ensure it’s up to date:

Close the Epic Games Launcher completely.
- Right-click the Epic Games icon in the system tray and choose Exit.
Reopen it from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
When it starts, it will automatically check for updates.

If an update is available, you’ll see a short download progress bar before the launcher opens. Once the update completes, you’ll be running the latest version.

2. Manually Update the Epic Games Launcher

If the launcher fails to update automatically, you can manually force an update by reinstalling the latest version over your existing installation — this won’t delete your games.

Go to the official Epic Games website:
https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/download
Download the latest installer for Windows.
Once downloaded, run the installer.
When prompted, choose the same installation directory as your current Epic Games Launcher.

The installer will detect your existing setup and replace outdated files with the latest version. After installation, open the launcher, and you’ll have the most recent update applied automatically.

3. Enable Background Updates for Games

By default, Epic Games Launcher updates installed games automatically when you launch it. But you can also enable background updates, allowing games to stay updated even when you’re not playing.

Open the Epic Games Launcher.
Click your profile icon in the top-right corner and select Settings.
Scroll down to the Manage Games section.
Make sure Allow Auto-Updates is checked.
Optionally, enable Allow Background Updates to let Epic update games while it’s running in the background.

With these options enabled, your games will stay current without manual intervention.

4. Manually Update Individual Games

If a specific game doesn’t update automatically, you can trigger its update manually.

Launch the Epic Games Launcher.
Go to the Library tab.
Locate the game you want to update.
Click the three-dot menu (⋯) next to the game’s name.
Select Manage.
If an update is available, you’ll see an Update button — click it.

If the button doesn’t appear, try restarting the launcher or verifying the game files (explained below).

5. Verify Game Files to Fix Update Issues

Sometimes game updates fail because of corrupted or missing files. Verifying the game ensures all files are correct and automatically re-downloads damaged components.

Open the Epic Games Launcher.
Navigate to the Library tab.
Find the game having update issues.
Click the three-dot menu (⋯) → Manage → Verify.

Epic will check all files for that game and repair or re-download anything missing. Once complete, relaunch the game to confirm the update has been applied.

6. Restart the Epic Games Launcher

If updates seem stuck or don’t show up, restarting the launcher can refresh connections and force update checks.

Right-click the Epic Games Launcher icon in the taskbar or system tray.
Select Exit.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Ensure no EpicGamesLauncher.exe process is still running — if it is, right-click and choose End task.
Reopen the Epic Games Launcher.

It will automatically check for updates again when it starts.

7. Clear the Epic Games Cache

A corrupted cache can prevent the launcher from downloading updates properly. Deleting it can resolve most update-related problems.

Press Windows + R, type: %localappdata%\EpicGamesLauncher and press Enter.
Open the Saved folder, then delete the webcache folder.
Restart your computer and reopen the Epic Games Launcher.

The cache will rebuild automatically, and updates should start working again.

8. Check Your Internet Connection and Firewall

Poor network connectivity or overly restrictive firewalls can block update downloads.

To fix this:

Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
Temporarily disable VPN or proxy servers if you’re using any.
Add an exception for Epic Games in Windows Defender Firewall:
1. Press Windows + S, type Windows Defender Firewall, and open it.
2. Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
3. Click Change settings → Allow another app, then browse to: C:\Program Files (x86)\Epic Games\Launcher\Portal\Binaries\Win64\EpicGamesLauncher.exe
4. Check both Private and Public boxes and click OK.

After that, restart the launcher and try updating again.

9. Reinstall the Epic Games Launcher (Last Resort)

If none of the above fixes work, a clean reinstall of the Epic Games Launcher can resolve persistent update issues.

Press Windows + I → Apps → Installed apps.
Find Epic Games Launcher, click the three-dot menu, and select Uninstall.
After uninstallation, open File Explorer and go to: C:\Program Files (x86)\ Delete any remaining Epic Games folder if it exists.
Download the latest installer from Epic Games’ official site.
Run the setup and install it again.

After reinstalling, log in to your account, and your game library will automatically repopulate — no need to redownload games if they’re still in the same folder.

Wrapping Up

Keeping your Epic Games Launcher and its games updated ensures smooth performance, stability, and access to the latest features.

In most cases, updates happen automatically when you start the launcher. But if they don’t, you can manually trigger updates, enable background updating, or reinstall the launcher to restore functionality.

Once updated, you’ll be ready to jump right back into your games with the latest patches and improvements.