Fix Epic Games Error LS-0013 on Windows 11

LS-0013 appears when launching games through the Epic Games Launcher on Windows 11, preventing titles like Fortnite from starting. This error often points to issues with game file integrity, conflicting software, or permission settings. Addressing these underlying causes restores normal game launches and reduces repeated troubleshooting.

Run Epic Games Launcher as Administrator

Granting the Epic Games Launcher administrator privileges addresses permission conflicts that can block games from launching. Running the launcher as administrator ensures it can access all required files and system resources, which has resolved LS-0013 for many users.

Close the Epic Games Launcher if it is running. Right-click the Epic Games Launcher shortcut on your desktop or in the Start Menu.

Select Run as administrator. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes to allow changes.

Once the launcher opens, attempt to start your game from the Library. If this resolves the error, you can set the launcher to always run as administrator by right-clicking the shortcut, choosing Properties, navigating to the Compatibility tab, and checking Run this program as an administrator. Click Apply and OK.

Verify Game Files Integrity

Corrupted or missing files prevent games from starting and can trigger LS-0013. The Epic Games Launcher includes a built-in verification tool that checks for and repairs file issues.

Open the Epic Games Launcher and select Library.

Locate the affected game (such as Fortnite), click the three dots next to it, and select Manage.

Click Verify. Wait for the process to finish. This may take several minutes depending on game size.

Once verification is complete, try launching the game again.

Clear Epic Games Launcher Webcache

Corrupted webcache files in the Epic Games Launcher can interfere with authentication and game launches. Clearing the webcache removes these files and prompts the launcher to rebuild them, which can resolve LS-0013.

Exit the Epic Games Launcher by right-clicking its icon in the system tray and choosing Exit.

Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type %localappdata%

and press Enter.

Navigate to the EpicGamesLauncher folder, then open the Saved subfolder.

Delete the webcache folder.

Restart your computer and open the Epic Games Launcher again. Try launching your game.

Update Windows 11 and Graphics Drivers

Outdated system files or graphics drivers can prevent games from launching properly. Keeping Windows 11 and your GPU drivers current addresses compatibility issues and improves stability.

Click the Start button and select Settings. Go to Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install any available updates and restart your PC if needed.

Visit your graphics card manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA or AMD) and download the latest driver for your model. Install the driver and restart your computer.

Launch Epic Games Launcher and attempt to start your game.

Disable Conflicting Background Applications

Software such as antivirus programs, firewalls, or peripheral drivers (like RGB lighting software or specialized mouse drivers) can conflict with Epic’s services or Easy Anti-Cheat, leading to LS-0013. Temporarily disabling or uninstalling these applications can help isolate the cause.

Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall software. If the game launches successfully, add Epic Games Launcher and the game’s executables to your security software’s exception list before re-enabling protection.

Close unnecessary background applications, especially those related to hardware peripherals or overlays. You can do this by opening Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), selecting the app and clicking End Task.

Try launching the game again to check if the error is resolved.

Adjust “Run as Administrator” Settings for Game Executables

For some games, especially Fortnite, having the “Run as Administrator” setting enabled on the game’s executables can cause LS-0013. Disabling this setting restores normal launch behavior.

Navigate to the game’s installation folder. For Fortnite, the default path is C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite\FortniteGame\Binaries\Win64.

Right-click each of these files: FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping.exe, FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping_BE.exe, FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping_EAC.exe, and FortniteLauncher.exe. Choose Properties.

Go to the Compatibility tab. Uncheck Run this program as an administrator if it is selected. Click Apply and OK.

Repeat these steps for the Epic Games Launcher executable if needed.

Try launching your game through the Epic Games Launcher.

Reinstall Epic Games Launcher and the Game

If previous steps do not resolve LS-0013, reinstalling both the Epic Games Launcher and the affected game can address persistent file corruption or configuration problems. This method removes all related files and settings, providing a clean installation environment.

Uninstall the Epic Games Launcher by opening Add or Remove Programs from the Start Menu, selecting Epic Games Launcher, and clicking Uninstall.

After uninstalling, manually delete any remaining Epic Games folders from C:\Program Files, C:\Program Files (x86), C:\ProgramData, and your user’s AppData directories.

Download the latest Epic Games Launcher installer from the official website and install it.

Reinstall the affected game through the launcher.

Caution: Reinstalling the launcher will remove all installed Epic games, requiring you to redownload them.

Check Game Version Availability and Account Issues

Attempting to launch outdated, beta, or press versions of a game can trigger LS-0013 if those versions are no longer supported. Additionally, account or web browser issues can interfere with authentication.

Confirm that your game version is current and available to play. If you suspect you are on an unsupported version, contact the game developer’s support team to verify availability.

If you recently changed your default web browser, revert to the browser originally used for Epic Games authentication or clear the launcher’s webcache as described above. This addresses login and account recognition issues tied to browser settings.

Resolving LS-0013 on Windows 11 involves systematically addressing file integrity, permissions, background software, and account issues. Applying these steps restores normal launch behavior for Epic Games titles and reduces future launch failures.