Fix Windows 10 Can’t Launch Epic Games Launcher – Opens and Closes Quickly

If you’re encountering the frustrating issue where the Epic Games Launcher opens and closes rapidly without giving you a chance to use it, you’re not alone. Many Windows 10 users have faced this problem, and fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve it. In this guide, we’ll provide you with practical solutions to help you get the Epic Games Launcher running smoothly again.

1. Check for Multiple Launcher Instances

One of the most common reasons for the Epic Games Launcher to misbehave is having multiple instances of it running at the same time. To check for this, follow these steps:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
Look for any entries related to the Epic Games Launcher under the “Processes” tab.
If you find any, select them and click on “End Task” to close all instances of the launcher.
Try launching the Epic Games Launcher again.

2. Run the Launcher as an Administrator

Sometimes, permission issues can prevent programs from running properly. Running the Epic Games Launcher as an administrator can often remedy this situation. Here’s how:

Right-click on the Epic Games Launcher shortcut icon.
Select “Run as Administrator” from the context menu.
Confirm any prompts that may appear.

Once you do this, see if the launcher opens successfully.

3. Update Windows 10

It’s essential to keep your operating system up-to-date. If your version of Windows 10 is below 1909, consider updating it to the latest version. Here’s how:

Click on the Start menu and select “Settings” (the gear icon).
Go to “Update & Security” and click on “Windows Update.”
Click “Check for updates” and install any available updates.
After updating, restart your computer and try launching the Epic Games Launcher again.

4. Check for GPU Performance Settings

Windows might be limiting the performance of the Epic Games Launcher. You can change the graphic performance settings by following these steps:

Open the “Settings” menu and go to “System.”
Click on “Display” and scroll down to “Graphics settings.”
In “Graphics performance preference,” choose “Classic app” and then find the Epic Games Launcher.
Once you add it, select “Options” and set it to “High Performance.”
Restart your PC and try launching the Epic Games Launcher again.

5. Disable Background Applications

Some applications running in the background can interfere with the Epic Games Launcher. Consider disabling any unnecessary applications to see if that resolves the issue:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Review the list of running applications and right-click on those you don’t need.
Select “End Task” to close them.
After that, attempt to run the Epic Games Launcher.

6. Clear Epic Games Launcher Cache

Corrupted cache files can also cause issues with the launcher. Here’s how to clear the cache:

Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialogue box.
Type %localappdata% and hit Enter.
Navigate to the “EpicGamesLauncher” folder.
Delete the “Saved” folder therein.
Restart the Epic Games Launcher and check if it opens correctly.

7. Reinstall the Epic Games Launcher

If all else fails, reinstalling the Epic Games Launcher might be necessary. Be sure to back up any important data first:

Go to “Settings” > “Apps” and find Epic Games Launcher.
Click on it, then select “Uninstall.”
Once uninstalled, visit the Epic Games website to download the latest version of the launcher.
Install it and check if the issue persists.

Conclusion

Experiencing the issue where the Epic Games Launcher opens and closes quickly can be distressing, especially if you’re eager to dive into your favorite games. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve the problem. Always remember to keep your system and applications updated to avoid such issues in the future. If you continue to experience difficulties, don’t hesitate to reach out to Epic Games support for additional assistance. Happy gaming!