How to Fix Fortnite Error LS-0013 (Launcher Download Failed)
What LS-0013 means
LS-0013 is the Epic Games Launcher's code for a failed download. When you install or update Fortnite, the launcher pulls down gigabytes of data and assembles them into the game folder. If anything interrupts that pipeline — a file that can't be written, a permission that's denied, a security program that grabs a chunk mid-download, or corrupted cached data — the launcher gives up and reports LS-0013 instead of a more descriptive message.
The error is frustratingly vague, but it is almost always a local problem on your PC rather than an Epic server outage. If Epic's servers were down, you'd typically see a different message or the launcher would fail to sign you in at all. The good news: because the cause is local, you can fix it yourself. Your account, skins, V-Bucks, and Battle Pass progress live on Epic's servers, so nothing in this guide puts your progress at risk.
Common causes
- Corrupted game files: a partially downloaded or damaged Fortnite installation trips the downloader every time it retries.
- Corrupted launcher webcache: the launcher's internal cache files get damaged and block new downloads.
- Missing administrator permissions: the launcher can't write to protected folders without elevated rights.
- Antivirus or firewall interference: security software quarantines launcher files or blocks its network connections.
- Disk space or disk errors: an almost-full drive or bad sectors can abort large game downloads.
- Outdated launcher: an old launcher build may have download bugs fixed in newer versions.
How to fix LS-0013 — step by step
Work through these fixes in order. Most players are downloading again by step 3.
- Verify Fortnite's files in the launcher. Open the Epic Games Launcher and go to Library. Click the three-dot menu next to Fortnite and choose "Verify." The launcher scans the entire installation and re-downloads anything damaged or missing. On a large install this can take 10–20 minutes — let it finish completely, then try launching Fortnite.
- Run the Epic Games Launcher as administrator. Right-click the launcher icon in the system tray and choose Exit to close it fully. Then right-click the Epic Games Launcher shortcut and choose "Run as administrator." Elevated permissions let the launcher write game files anywhere it needs to. Retry the download.
- Clear the Epic Games Launcher webcache. Close the launcher completely. Press Win + R, type
%localappdata%\EpicGamesLauncher\Saved, and press Enter. Open thewebcachefolder and delete everything inside it (not the folder itself, just its contents). Restart the launcher — it rebuilds the cache automatically — and retry the download. This clears the corrupted internal data that commonly triggers LS-0013. - Whitelist the launcher in antivirus and firewall. Open Windows Security, go to Virus & threat protection, then Manage settings, then Exclusions, and add the Epic Games Launcher install folder as an exclusion. Then open Windows Defender Firewall, go to "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall," and make sure both the Epic Games Launcher and Fortnite are checked for Private and Public networks. Repeat in any third-party security software you use. Restart the launcher afterward.
- Reinstall the Epic Games Launcher. If nothing else worked, open Settings, go to Apps, then Installed apps, and uninstall the Epic Games Launcher. Download the latest installer from Epic's official website and install it fresh. Your Fortnite game files are kept in a separate folder and survive the launcher reinstall — after signing back in, the launcher will detect the existing installation.
Did this fix it? Quick checklist
- Fortnite downloads or updates complete without LS-0013
- The launcher signs in and shows the Library normally
- Fortnite launches into the lobby successfully
- No LS-0013 message after restarting the launcher
If LS-0013 persists, check that you have enough free disk space (Fortnite needs roughly 30 GB plus update headroom), try switching to a wired connection or a different network to rule out ISP-level blocking, and check Epic's status page for a genuine service outage before repeating the steps.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fortnite error LS-0013?
LS-0013 is an Epic Games Launcher error that means the launcher could not download or update game files. It usually points to corrupted local files, blocked permissions, or network interference rather than an Epic server outage.
Will verifying files delete my Fortnite progress?
No. Your Fortnite progress, skins, and settings are tied to your Epic account and stored on Epic's servers. Verifying only repairs local installation files.
Why does LS-0013 keep coming back?
Recurring LS-0013 is usually caused by antivirus or firewall software that keeps interfering with launcher downloads. Adding permanent exclusions for the Epic Games Launcher normally stops it.
Can I fix LS-0013 without reinstalling?
Yes — verification, running as administrator, clearing the webcache, and whitelisting the launcher resolve the error in most cases. Reinstallation is only a last resort.