“Fortnite Was Not Started Correctly And Needs To Be Closed” is a frustrating error message that appears when you are all set for a match. It generally occurs due to corrupted files, outdated drivers, or conflicts with system settings. This guide explains the reasons behind the problem and provides practical solutions to fix it.
Why Does The Error Occur
The Fortnite error can occur due to several reasons:
- Files may become corrupted during installation or updates, preventing the game from launching properly.
- Graphics drivers or other essential system drivers may be outdated, leading to compatibility issues with the game.
- Background applications, especially overlays from software like Discord or recording tools, can interfere with Fortnite’s startup.
- If your system doesn’t meet the minimum requirements for Fortnite, it may struggle to launch correctly.
- Problems with your internet connection or the Epic Games servers can cause startup issues.
Also Read – Fortnite Waiting In Queue – What is it & How to Fix it
Prerequisites Before Troubleshooting Error
Before troubleshooting the error ensure the Fortnite server is working. Visit this link status.epicgames.com expand the Fortnite entry and check the service status. If the server is down, wait for the engineers to resolve the issue.
Also Read – Fixed – Fortnite Edit Glitch (Delay Errors)
How To Fix “Fortnite Was Not Started Correctly…“ Error?
Method 1 – Close Unwanted Apps Running In the Background
Some apps start up when your PC boots up and consume resources unnecessarily. If you are facing the Fortnite error, you must close redundant apps running in the background. Here are the steps:
1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. Click on the Processes tab in the left panel.
3. Scan through the list of apps and right-click on the ones you do not need.
4. Choose End task from the context menu to shut down unwanted apps.
5. After the apps have been shut down and your CPU resources have been freed, launch Fortnite to check if you face the same error again.
Note – Some experts have recommended closing Discord and Chrome as these apps consume most of the PC resources.
Also Read: Fortnite VPN Ban: Quick Workarounds to “You Were Kicked Out…”
Method 2 – Reboot PC & Router/Modem
If you receive the “Fortnite Was Not Started Correctly And Needs To Be Closed” error message, the first step is to reboot everything. A simple restart will work wonders and fix all the minor glitches. Here is what you need to do.
1. Turn off the router/modem using the power switch.
2. Next, shut down your PC.
3. Wait for a couple of minutes.
4. Restart your PC and power on the router/modem switch.
5. Connect to the internet and relaunch the Epic Game Launcher to play Fortnite.
Method 3 – Scan & Repair Corrupted Game Files
If the issue persists after a simple restart, then the problem is more serious than we thought, and we will have to dig deeper to troubleshoot it. Experts have stated that one of the major causes of this issue is corrupted game files. The Epic Games Launcher is equipped with a search and restore tool to scan your PC for corrupted game files and restore the corrupted ones. Here are the steps for what you need to do.
1. Open the Epic game launcher and click on the Library icon.
2. Locate Fortnite among the list of installed games and click on the three dots next to it.
3. Finally, click on the Verify button and wait.
4. After completing the scan and repair process, you can launch the game and check if the issue is resolved.
Method 4 – Use DirectX 11
DirectX 12 is the latest version of DirectX, but there appears to be an issue that prevents Fortnite from running on systems with DirectX 12. It requires the previous version, DirectX 11, to function properly. Many gamers have found success by changing Fortnite’s properties to launch with DirectX 11, allowing the game to start without problems. To do this, follow the steps outlined below.
1. Launch the Epic Games Launcher and click on Settings.
2. Locate Fortnite and click on it to view the options related to it.
3. Check the box before Additional Command Line Arguments.
4. Type “d3d11” in the text box.
Method 5 – Update Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
The Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable is necessary to launch a game, providing an environment for games developed in C++. Several issues could affect this tool, but the first step is to update it and see if it resolves it. Download the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable version, install the file, and check if that helps. You must download it from Microsoft’s official website only.
Method 6 – Update Graphics Driver
Graphics drivers enable communication between your graphics card and the operating system. Keeping these drivers updated is essential, as outdated, missing, or corrupted drivers can cause problems like “Fortnite not launching.” Here are three ways to update your drivers.
Update via the OEM Website
Visit the official website of your device’s manufacturer (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo) > Navigate to the support, drivers, or downloads section > Enter your device’s model or serial number >Download the latest drivers, firmware, or BIOS updates >Double-click the downloaded file > Reboot your PC after installation to ensure all changes take effect.
Update Via Device Manager
The Device Manager is an inbuilt driver updater tool that helps users update their driver to the latest versions available on the Microsoft servers. Here are the steps to use this tool.
Press Win + X to open the Power Menu and choose Device Manager > Click on Display Adapters to reveal your graphics card > Choose Update Driver.
Update Via Advanced Driver Updater
Advanced Driver Updater is a third-party application designed to streamline the driver update process, enabling you to update all your drivers with just a few clicks without relying on specific servers. This effective tool scans your PC to quickly identify and fix driver issues. Here’s how to use it:
1. Click the Download button below to get the setup file for Advanced Driver Updater.
2. Double-click the downloaded file to install Advanced Driver Updater.
3. Once the app is installed, open it and click the “Start Scan Now” button.
4. A list of outdated drivers will be presented on your screen within the app interface.
5. Locate the Graphics driver and click the Update button next to it.
6. Wait for the driver updation process to complete and reboot the PC
Also Read: ‘Warning: Known Issues with Graphics Driver’ | How to Fix
Method 7 – Reinstall The Game
If none of the previous solutions worked, your final option is to reinstall Fortnite. Given that Fortnite is a large game, we’ve placed this solution at the end of the list. However, if all else fails, you will need to completely reinstall the game.
Have You Fixed the Error?
In conclusion, if you’ve encountered the “Fortnite Was Not Started Correctly And Needs To Be Closed” error, exploring various troubleshooting methods to resolve the issue is important. From updating graphics drivers and verifying game files to checking for software conflicts and ensuring your system meets the game’s requirements, there are several steps you can take. If the problem persists after trying these solutions, contact Epic Games support for further assistance.
