Epic Games is a well-known name in the gaming world, offering everything from free games to titles and huge discounts. However, just like any other service, Epic Games’ users can sometimes face slow or struck downloads when using the Epic Games Launcher. If you’re downloading games like Fortnite or GTA V, installing an update, or just growing your library, a slow or blocked download can be annoying.
In this detailed guide, we’ll know the common reasons for slow or stuck downloads on Epic Games and provide solutions to get you back into the game.
Why are your Epic Games Downloads Slow or Struck?
Before we look into fixes, it’s important to know the possible reasons behind slow/stuck download problems. Some factors can contribute to slow or paused downloads. Knowing what they are can help you solve the problem successfully.
1. Epic Games Server Issues
Epic Games Servers can sometimes become overloaded during big updates or free game events. This can affect download speed or cause downloads to stop altogether. Server-side problems are common during big events or when the game demands are high.
2. Poor Internet Connection
Your Internet Connection speed plays a key role in slow downloads. Weak Wi-fi, Internet slowdown, or network jam can lead to Epic Games downloads taking much longer than expected or being stuck.
3. High Network Traffic
If you’re sharing your internet connection with many devices like smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, etc., your bandwidth might be loaded. This can cause slow downloads for Epic Games. Particularly if various devices are streaming videos, browsing, or using large amounts of data.
4. Epic Games Launcher Issues
At times, the Epic Games Launcher itself can be the problem. If it’s running in the background with outdated files, corrupted caches, or settings that limit speed, it can result in slow downloads, stuck installations, or failures to initiate downloads.
5. Antivirus or Firewall Interference
Security software like Firewalls or Antivirus software may unknowingly block or limit downloads from Epic Games, thinking they are harmful files. This could cause either a complete blockage of your download or reduced speeds.
6. Background Processes
Other applications running in the background can take in resources. Like internet bandwidth or processing power, and increase the speed of downloads. If your system is loaded with processes, it can cause slower downloads.
How to Fix Slow or Stuck Epic Games Downloads?
Now we know the common reasons, let’s find the answers for fixing slow or stuck downloads. Follow these methods to speed up your downloads and make sure of an easy gaming experience.
1. Check Epic Games Server Status
Before trying any complex solutions, the first thing you should do is check if Epic Games is facing any server-side issues. Sometimes, Epic Games experiences downtime for scheduled maintenance or struggles with sudden shutdowns. On Epic Games’ status page, check if there is any running server maintenance or server shutdown. You can also check Epic Games’ social media accounts to check for any news about server problems.
If there’s an issue, there is nothing you can do but wait until Epic Games solves it.
2. Check Internet Connection
Internet connection is the main part of any download. It’s important to ensure your speed is up to the task. Follow these steps to check and improve your internet connection:
Step 1: Go to a testing website like Speedtest.net.
Step 2: Do a test to see your download and upload speed.
Step 3: Contact your ISP if the downloading speed is less than 10 Mbps to upgrade for better speed.
Step 4: Try using a wired connection. If the speed is good but downloads are still slow. Ethernet is more stable than Wi-Fi. Disconnect other devices to clear data capacity. Try restarting your router again.
3. Pause and Resume Downloads
If the download is stuck, try pausing and resuming the download. This easy way can often fix temporary issues with the Launcher. Here is how to do this:
Step 1: Open Epic Games Launcher.
Step 2: Go to the “Downloads” section.
Step 3: Click the “Pause” button.
Step 4: Wait for a few seconds, then click “Resume”.
This makes the launcher reconnect to a better server.
4. Restart the Epic Games Launcher
The Epic Games Launcher can find errors or glitches by itself. If too many games are downloaded or the launcher has been open for a while. It can slow down. Here is what you can do:
Step 1: Completely close Epic Games Launcher.
Step 2: Press ‘Ctrl + Shift + Esc‘ to open Task Manager. Make sure that no remaining Epic Games processes are running in the background.
Step 3: Restart Epic Games Launcher. Check if the download speed improves.
A fresh Restart can fix small bugs or glitches within the Launcher.
5. Clear Epic Games Cache
Corrupted or outdated cache files can sometimes cause slow or struck downloads in Epic Games. The Epic Games Launcher stores temporary files in the form of a cache. Here’s how to clear the cache:
Step 1: Close the Epic Games Launcher.
Step 2: Press ‘Windows + R’ to Open the Run Dialog Box.
Step 3: Type ‘%localappdata%‘ and press ‘Enter.
Step 4: Open ‘Epic Games Launcher folder.
Step 5: Delete the saved folder.
Step 6: Restart Epic Games Launcher and download it again.
6. Adjust Download Speed Limit
The Epic Games Launcher allows you to limit the speed of downloads. To conserve bandwidth for other tasks. If the limit is set too low, your downloads will be slow. Here’s how to adjust the speed limit:
Step 1: Open the Epic Games Launcher.
Step 2: Click on your Profile icon in the bottom left corner and select Settings.
Step 3: Scroll down to the ‘Downloads’ section.
Step 4: Find the ‘Limit Bandwidth’ option. Adjust the slider to allow enhanced speed.
By ensuring that the download speed isn’t being unnecessarily slowed down. You should notice a boost in download speeds.
7. Change Download Region
Epic Game’s server uses different servers for downloading. Your region could be experiencing higher traffic. Changing the download region to a less crowded server can help in speeding up downloads. Here’s how you can do this:
Step 1: Open the Epic Games Launcher.
Step 2: Go to the ‘Settings’ menu.
Step 3: Scroll down to the Downloads.
Step 4: Under Download Region, select a region with less traffic. Or one that is nearer your location.
This can help reduce delays and enhance download speed significantly.
8. Disable Firewall and Antivirus Temporarily
Antivirus software or Firewalls may mistakenly block or limit the downloads. By thinking it’s a potential threat, causing downloads to be slow and stuck. Temporarily disabling these applications can help identify if they’re causing the problem. Here’s how:
For Windows Defender
Step 1: Open ‘Windows Security > Firewall & Network Protection’.
Step 2: Click ‘Allow’ an app through Firewall. Ensure Epic Games Launcher is allowed.
For Third-Party Antivirus
Step 1: Temporarily disable ‘Real-Time Protection’ (check your AV settings).
Note : Re-enable protection after downloading.
You can also add Epic Games to the exception list in your Antivirus Settings to prevent future problems.
Read Also: Top Ways To Disable Avast Antivirus
9. Try Disabling HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
HDD can make your downloads in your PC slow even when your download location is not in HDD. Disabling HDD might help in your Epic Games downloads faster and quicker.
Temporarily Disable the HDD: If you have multiple drives (SSD and HDD), you can try disabling the HDD while downloading and installing games, then re-enabling it when the process is complete. HDD are slower than SSD, so once the download is complete we can enable the HDD.
Physically Disconnect: As a more extreme measure, you can physically disconnect the HDD while downloading and installing games, ensuring that the launcher only uses the SSD.
Follow these steps to disable the HDD:
Step 1: Press ‘Windows + X’ and select Disk Management.
Step 2: Click on the HDD you want to disable and go to Properties.
Step 3: Click on the Drivers Tab;
Step 4: Select the Disable Device button.
10. Close Background Applications
Running other applications in the background. Especially ones that consume bandwidth (e.g., streaming services or large downloads). This can slow down your Epic Games downloads.
To speed up downloads, follow these steps:
Step 1: Press ‘Ctrl + Shift + Esc’ to open Task Manager.
Step 2: Close unnecessary programs. Especially those consuming internet bandwidth (browsers, streaming apps, etc.).
Step 3: Disable Windows Update temporarily (Settings > Windows Update > Pause).
Step 4: Use QoS (Quality of Service) on the router to focus on gaming traffic.
By freeing up system resources, Epic Games will have more bandwidth and power to prioritize the downloads.
You can also use Advanced Driver Updater by Systweak, which can optimize hardware performance and make your PC work smoothly while multitasking.
11. Change your Engine.ini File
Editing the Engine.ini File can help your Epic Games downloads run faster. Give this a try by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Press ‘Windows + R’ to open the Run Dialog Box.
Step 2: Type %localappdata% and press Ok.
Step 3: Open folder Epic Games Launcher > Saved > Config > Windows.
Step 4: Find Engine.ini. Right-click and select Notepad.
Step 5: Copy and paste this:
[HTTP]
HttpTimeout=10
HttpConnectionTimeout=10
HttpReceiveTimeout=10
HttpSendTimeout=10
[Portal.BuildPatch]
ChunkDownloads=3
ChunkRetries=20
RetryTime=0.5
12. Change DNS Server to Google or Cloudflare
A slow DNS can affect your download speeds. Switching to a faster DNS can help to speed up the downloads. Here’s how you can do this:
Step 1: Press ‘Win + R’. Type ‘ncpa.cpl’ and click on OK.
Step 2: Right-click your ‘Network Adapter > Properties’.
Step 3: Choose ‘IPV4 > Properties’.
Step 4: Select ‘Use the following DNS Server Addresses’.
Step 5: Enter– Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Google).
Alternate DNS: 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).
Step 6: Select OK. Restart your PC.
13. Check for Windows and Driver Updates
Outdated Windows Versions or drivers can sometimes cause issues with software performance, including download speeds. Make sure your system is up to date. Here’s how:
Step 1: Check for Windows Update – Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Step 2: Update your Adapter Drivers through Device Manager.
You can also use Advanced Driver Updater by Systweak, which can easily scan outdated drivers and update them to the latest version.
Step 1: Download & Install Advanced Driver Updater
Step 2: Check for Outdated Driver
Step 3: Update Driver with Advanced Driver Updater
Step 4: Please restart your PC to complete the driver update process
14. Update or Reinstall the Epic Games Launcher
If everything fails to work, reinstalling or updating the Epic Games Launcher can fix this issue.
To Update the Launcher
Step 1: Open the Launcher. Check for Updates.
To Reinstall the Launcher
Step 1: Uninstall the Epic Games Launcher.
Step 2: Open Epic Games Website. Download the latest version of the installer.
Step 3: Install and log in again.
A fresh reinstallation can help clear out any remaining problems with the software.
Conclusion
A slow or struck download on Epic Games can be annoying. These above-given fixes can help to resolve this issue. Whether it’s checking server status, improving your internet connection, clearing cache files, or adjusting your download settings. You now have all the knowledge that will help you to get to your gaming.
By following the solutions given in this guide, you can easily tackle slow or stuck downloads. You can again enjoy your gaming time by just following these quick steps.
If the problem continues, don’t hesitate to contact Epic Games support for further assistance. Happy Gaming!
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