Fortnite LS-0013 Launch Failed Fix
A code-specific repair sequence for “LS-0013: Game is unable to launch,” starting with Fortnite files and Launcher cache to the unusual administrator-setting conflict Epic documents.
Verify Fortnite, clear the Launcher webcache, then correct the permission state
Epic says to start with Library → Fortnite → Manage → Verify. If LS-0013 returns, fully exit Epic Games Launcher and delete only its named webcache folders. Update Windows and test the Launcher once as administrator. If the code persists, ensure Fortnite’s four named executables do not have a permanent “Run this program as an administrator” compatibility flag enabled.
LS-0013 is a Launcher handoff failure, not the name for every Fortnite crash
The code appears when Epic Games Launcher cannot complete the process of starting a game. For Fortnite, the visible result can look like a generic launch failure, but the code gives the problem its own repair order.
Epic places file verification first because the launch handoff depends on a complete local package.
Stale Launcher cache data can prevent a game from starting even when the account signs in normally.
Epic includes current Windows updates before deeper permissions or reinstall work.
A one-time elevated test and permanently stored compatibility flags are different conditions.
A clean boot comparison can reveal a program that blocks the Launcher-to-game transition.
Firewall, router controls or outdated DNS entries belong later in Epic’s sequence.
Start with reversible local checks and preserve the exact result
Repair Fortnite’s installed package without removing account data.
Remove only Epic’s named webcache folders while the Launcher is closed.
Install supported Windows updates and restart before the permission test.
Run Launcher elevated once, then inspect persistent Fortnite admin flags.
Check background software, security filtering, DNS and router controls.
Epic puts Launcher and game reinstallation near the end. Verification and cache repair are faster, reversible and tell you whether the failing layer is the game package or the Launcher state.
Verify Fortnite files without removing cosmetics or progress
Epic says corrupted or missing files can cause LS-0013. Verification compares the installed package, replaces mismatched data and leaves saved data unaffected.
Wait until Fortnite and its related launch processes are no longer active.
Start Epic Games Launcher and locate Fortnite in the game library.
Select the three dots on the right side of the Fortnite entry.
Start validation and allow any repair download to finish completely.
Launch Fortnite and record whether the exact LS-0013 code returns.
Clear only Epic Games Launcher’s named webcache folders
A corrupted Launcher cache may stop games from launching. The Launcher must be fully closed first; closing its window is not enough if the system-tray process remains active.
Open the Windows system-tray chevron, right-click Epic and select Exit.
Press Windows + R, enter %localappdata% and press Enter.
Navigate to EpicGamesLauncher → Saved in File Explorer.
Remove webcache, webcache_4147 and webcache_4430 if present.
Open Epic Games Launcher, let the cache rebuild and test Fortnite.
Epic names specific webcache folders. One, two or none of the numbered variants may exist. Treat every other folder as out of scope for this step.
One elevated Launcher test and permanent compatibility flags are not the same setting
Epic first includes a one-time Run as administrator test for Epic Games Launcher. Later, it specifically instructs Fortnite users to clear permanently stored Run this program as an administrator compatibility flags on Fortnite executables and the Launcher executable. Apply these as separate tests.
Right-click the Epic Games Launcher shortcut and select Run as administrator. Launch Fortnite once. This tests whether the current start needs elevated access; it does not permanently change Compatibility properties.
If LS-0013 remains, inspect the named Fortnite files. In Properties → Compatibility, clear Run this program as an administrator, select Apply, then OK.
| Epic-named file | Default Fortnite location | Check |
|---|---|---|
| FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping.exe | C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite\FortniteGame\Binaries\Win64 | Properties → Compatibility → administrator flag off |
| FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping_BE.exe | Administrator flag off | |
| FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping_EAC.exe | Administrator flag off | |
| FortniteLauncher.exe | Administrator flag off | |
| EpicGamesLauncher.exe | C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Launcher\Portal\Binaries\Win32 | Persistent administrator flag off |
Test background software before weakening security controls
Epic says background applications can interfere with game launches and points Windows users to a clean boot. A controlled comparison is more useful than uninstalling random programs or disabling protection indefinitely.
Use Microsoft’s documented clean-boot method, then test Fortnite once with fewer third-party services.
Capture, monitoring, RGB, overlay and optimization tools can interact with a game start.
Re-enable normal startup after the test and isolate the responsible application if the result changed.
Look for an actual Fortnite or Launcher block before creating an exclusion.
If a block is confirmed, follow the security vendor’s official instructions for the smallest scope.
If the allowance does not solve LS-0013, remove it and restore normal scanning.
Never exclude an entire drive, disable antivirus permanently or allow an unknown executable. Verify that the Fortnite installation came from Epic Games Launcher and use the narrowest documented exception only when evidence supports it.
Update Windows first; use DNS and router controls only when local launch repairs fail
Epic places operating-system updates early in the LS-0013 workflow. DNS flushing and network parental-control checks appear later because this code can also occur when the Launcher cannot complete the required connection.
| Layer | Controlled action | How to judge it |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Update | Install supported security and quality updates, then restart Windows. | Retest before changing DNS or security rules. |
| DNS reset | Follow Epic’s official Windows sequence for Winsock reset, IP release/renew and ipconfig /flushdns. | Use only after files, cache and permissions return the same LS-0013 result. |
| Router parental controls | Review a configured blacklist or parental-control rule for Epic services. | Temporarily compare with the rule disabled, then restore or correct the exact rule. |
| Firewall | Check whether the trusted Fortnite or Launcher executable is explicitly blocked. | A specific log or rule is evidence; a generic guess is not. |
Reinstall the Launcher or Fortnite only after the code survives targeted repairs
Epic puts reinstallation near the end for a reason: it costs more time and can remove installed data without fixing a permission, security or network condition.
Epic warns that its Launcher reinstall process removes installed titles. Review the official instructions and installation implications before uninstalling. Run Windows System File Checker if the Epic workflow instructs it.
Close Epic Games Launcher, remove the affected Fortnite installation through the documented process, reopen the Launcher and install again. Epic notes that another drive can be used as a comparison.
Preserve security and make every test interpretable
Remove only Epic’s named webcache folders during the cache step.
Separate the one-time Launcher test from persistent executable properties.
Use evidence, trusted files and a narrow exception only when necessary.
Verification and cache repair are the first official LS-0013 actions.
Third-party repair utilities add an unknown executable to a launch problem.
Launch once after each major step and record whether LS-0013 returns.
Keep LS-0013 separate from nearby Fortnite launch and update symptoms
| Visible symptom | Primary search intent | Correct guide |
|---|---|---|
| Epic Games Launcher displays LS-0013 | Named Launcher start-handoff error | Stay on this page. |
| Fortnite closes, freezes or never opens without LS-0013 | General PC crash or silent launch failure | Crashing and Not Launching guide |
| “Out of video memory trying to allocate…” | GPU rendering-resource allocation | Out of Video Memory guide |
| Fortnite update is stuck, loops or downloads slowly | Launcher patch and download delivery | Update Stuck or Slow guide |
| ESP-DIST or another ESP-prefixed code | Epic service-connection error family | Fortnite ESP Error guide |
| Secure Boot, TPM or IOMMU tournament message | PC firmware anti-cheat eligibility | Secure Boot, TPM and IOMMU guide |
Fortnite LS-0013 FAQ
What does Fortnite error LS-0013 mean?
LS-0013 means the Epic Games Launcher was unable to launch Fortnite. Epic’s current workflow treats damaged game files and a corrupted Launcher cache as the first two likely layers, followed by Windows, permissions, background software, security filtering and network checks.
How do I fix LS-0013 in Fortnite?
Start by verifying Fortnite files, then fully exit Epic Games Launcher and remove only its named webcache folders. Update Windows, test the Launcher once as administrator, close background conflicts and check that permanent administrator compatibility flags are disabled on the Fortnite executables. Use DNS and reinstall steps only later.
Does verifying Fortnite files delete my skins or progress?
No. Epic states that verification checks and repairs local game files without affecting saved data. Fortnite cosmetics and server-side progression remain tied to the Epic account.
How do I clear the Epic Games Launcher cache for LS-0013?
Exit Epic Games Launcher from the Windows system tray, open %localappdata%, then EpicGamesLauncher and Saved. Delete only webcache, webcache_4147 and webcache_4430 if they exist, then reopen the Launcher. Not every folder will be present.
Should I run Epic Games Launcher as administrator for LS-0013?
Epic includes one Run as administrator launch as a permission test. It separately tells Fortnite users to disable permanently stored Run this program as an administrator compatibility flags on Fortnite executables and the Launcher executable if the error persists. Test these states separately rather than mixing them.
Which Fortnite files should not have permanent administrator mode enabled?
Epic names FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping.exe, FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping_BE.exe, FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping_EAC.exe and FortniteLauncher.exe in FortniteGame\Binaries\Win64. Open Properties and Compatibility for each, and clear Run this program as an administrator if it is checked.
Can antivirus or firewall software cause Fortnite LS-0013?
Yes. Epic says antivirus or firewall configuration can block a game from connecting. Use the security product’s official instructions and a narrow Fortnite-specific allowance only after safer file, cache and Windows checks. Microsoft warns that exclusions reduce protection.
Should I reinstall Fortnite or Epic Games Launcher for LS-0013?
Only after the lower-risk checks fail. Epic places Launcher reinstallation and manual game reinstallation near the end of its LS-0013 workflow, and warns that reinstalling Epic Games Launcher removes installed titles.
