If you’ve been gaming on PC for a while, chances are you’ve used the Epic Games Launcher. It’s the gateway to popular titles like Fortnite, Rocket League, GTA V, and many others. But sometimes, this launcher stops working properly — freezing, lagging, or simply not responding at all. If your Epic Games Launcher refuses to open or crashes every time you click, you might be wondering: “Is there a way to fix this?” Well, when fixes don’t work, the best step is to uninstall and reinstall it. In this article, we’ll guide you through exactly How to Uninstall Epic Games Launcher safely and completely.
🚨 Why the Epic Games Launcher Stops Responding
Before diving into How to Uninstall Epic Games Launcher, let’s first understand why it happens in the first place. There are a few common causes:
-
Corrupted files or cache: Temporary data may get damaged and cause startup failure.
-
Outdated version: Old launcher versions can conflict with new updates.
-
Background services: Other running Epic processes may block it from starting.
-
Antivirus or firewall interference: Security software sometimes mistakenly restricts Epic’s access.
-
Software conflicts: Recently installed apps or updates can create compatibility issues.
When none of these can be fixed through simple restarts or updates, it’s time to remove and reinstall the program. Let’s move to the step-by-step guide on How to Uninstall Epic Games Launcher from your Windows or Mac system.
🧭 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Uninstall Epic Games Launcher
Here’s the detailed method to fully remove the Epic Games Launcher from your system, so you can reinstall it cleanly and get back to gaming without issues.
🪟 For Windows Users
If you’re using a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, follow these instructions carefully.
Step 1: Close the Epic Games Processes
-
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
-
Go to the Processes tab.
-
Look for any process named “EpicGamesLauncher.exe” or “EpicWebHelper.”
-
Select it and click End Task.
This ensures no background process is blocking the uninstall process.
Step 2: Uninstall via Control Panel
-
Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog.
-
Type
appwiz.cpland hit Enter. -
You’ll see a list of installed programs.
-
Scroll down and find Epic Games Launcher.
-
Right-click it and select Uninstall.
The uninstaller wizard will appear. Follow the prompts to remove the software.
Step 3: Delete Remaining Files
Even after uninstalling, some Epic Games files might remain in your system. To completely clear them:
-
Press Windows + R again, type
%localappdata%, and hit Enter. -
Find and delete the EpicGamesLauncher and Epic Games folders.
-
Then go to
C:Program Files (x86)and remove any Epic Games-related folders.
This step ensures your reinstall won’t face old data conflicts.
Step 4: Optional — Use Settings App
Alternatively, you can also go to:
-
Start > Settings > Apps > Installed Apps (or Apps & Features)
-
Find Epic Games Launcher, click Uninstall
That’s another way to complete How to Uninstall Epic Games Launcher easily on Windows.
🍎 For macOS Users
If you’re on a Mac, removing Epic Games Launcher is a bit different but still simple.
Step 1: Quit the Application
-
Go to the Dock, right-click Epic Games Launcher, and choose Quit.
-
Or use Command + Option + Esc to force quit the app if it’s not responding.
Step 2: Move to Trash
-
Open the Applications folder.
-
Drag Epic Games Launcher to the Trash.
-
Empty the Trash afterward.
Step 3: Remove Leftover Files
-
Open Finder and press Command + Shift + G.
-
Type
~/Libraryand hit Enter. -
Go to Application Support and delete any Epic Games folders.
That’s it — you’ve successfully completed How to Uninstall Epic Games Launcher from your Mac system.
🔧 Reinstalling the Epic Games Launcher
Once you’ve completely uninstalled it, you can reinstall it cleanly. This helps fix bugs, refresh game data, and improve performance.
-
Visit the official Epic Games website.
-
Download the latest version of the Epic Games Launcher.
-
Run the setup file and install it again.
Reinstalling ensures you get the latest stable version, removing corrupted data from old installations.
💡 What to Do Before You Uninstall
Before you go through How to Uninstall Epic Games Launcher, make sure of these:
-
Backup your games: If you uninstall, your downloaded game files might remain in the Epic Games directory, but it’s safer to back them up manually.
-
Note your login details: You’ll need to sign in again after reinstalling.
-
Pause any downloads or updates: Uninstalling during downloads can lead to incomplete files.
Doing these will ensure a smooth process and prevent data loss.
🚫 When Uninstalling Doesn’t Work
Sometimes, you might try uninstalling the launcher and get an error message like “The process can’t be completed” or “Epic Games Launcher is still running.” Here’s what to do:
-
Restart your computer and try again.
-
Run the uninstaller as Administrator.
-
Use a third-party uninstaller like Revo Uninstaller to remove stubborn files.
-
Check for Windows Updates, as outdated systems can block removals.
If these steps still don’t work, boot your PC into Safe Mode and uninstall from there. That usually resolves even the toughest cases.
⚙️ Cleaning Up Registry Entries (Advanced Users)
For advanced Windows users, you can also clear leftover Epic Games registry entries to ensure a completely clean uninstall.
⚠️ Note: Be careful while editing the registry. Deleting the wrong entries can harm your system.
-
Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. -
Navigate to these locations and delete Epic-related keys:
-
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareEpic Games -
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREEpic Games
-
This ensures there are no traces left, completing the process of How to Uninstall Epic Games Launcher entirely.
🧹 Final Verification
To make sure everything’s clean:
-
Check Program Files, LocalAppData, and Roaming folders for any remaining Epic Games files.
-
Restart your system.
-
Try reinstalling — it should work smoothly without freezing or crashing.
✅ Why Reinstalling Helps Fix “Not Responding” Errors
Reinstalling the launcher resets all configurations, deletes corrupted cache files, and refreshes services that could be preventing it from running. It’s often the most reliable fix for persistent issues like:
-
Launcher won’t open
-
Black screen after startup
-
Download errors
-
Update failures
-
Login issues
That’s why understanding How to Uninstall Epic Games Launcher properly is essential — it ensures your system gets a clean start for future updates.
🌟 Tips to Prevent Future Problems
Once you reinstall, here’s how to prevent the “Not Responding” issue from happening again:
-
Keep the launcher updated.
-
Regularly clear the cache via Epic settings.
-
Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date.
-
Exclude Epic Games from antivirus scans.
-
Avoid installing the launcher on a nearly full hard drive.
These small maintenance steps will help you avoid ever needing to repeat How to Uninstall Epic Games Launcher again.
🧯 Final Thoughts
When the Epic Games Launcher stops responding, it can be frustrating — especially when you just want to jump into your favorite game. But with this complete guide on How to Uninstall Epic Games Launcher, you can safely remove all its files, reinstall a fresh version, and restore smooth performance in minutes.
Whether you’re on Windows or macOS, the process is simple, effective, and guaranteed to fix most launcher-related issues. Follow the steps carefully, restart your system, and enjoy uninterrupted gaming once again.
