Gaming · Windows
Fortnite Crashing on Startup or Randomly on Windows 11? Try These Fixes
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Confirm the PC meets Fortnite's requirements, verify the game, clear the launcher cache, update the graphics driver, and test without nonessential background software before considering reinstalling.
Check the exact crash and requirements
Record any error text and confirm the PC meets Fortnite's current requirements. Search Epic Support for a specific code before applying a general crash sequence.
Verify Fortnite
In Epic Games Launcher > Library, open Fortnite's three-dot menu, choose Manage > Verify, and wait for completion. Test the same launch once.
Clear the launcher cache
Exit the launcher fully and delete only Epic's listed webcache folders under %localappdata%\EpicGamesLauncher\Saved. Reopen it after the folders are removed.
Update the graphics driver
Install the current driver directly from Intel, AMD, or NVIDIA for the installed graphics hardware, then restart Windows. Do not use an unknown driver updater.
Test background conflicts
Close nonessential overlays, capture tools, and tuning utilities for one controlled launch. Re-enable them individually after identifying whether the crash stops.
Reinstall only after preserving data
If Epic's earlier steps fail, preserve local settings or clips you need and reinstall Fortnite through the launcher. Contact the hardware maker if Epic's full PC sequence still fails.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If Fortnite shows Running without a window, use Epic's dedicated running-but-not-opening procedure.
- If crashes began after a specific update, check Fortnite's official known-issues channels before changing Windows broadly.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.