How To Fix Fortnite Unavailable on Epic Games Launcher - Tutorial

Introduction

Encountering the "Fortnite Unavailable" problem in your Epic Games Launcher can throw a wrench in your gaming plans, leaving you unable to dive into the action. Fear not, as this tutorial is designed to guide you through troubleshooting and resolving this issue, ensuring Fortnite or any other game in your library is accessible again. From checking launcher settings to adjusting system permissions, we'll cover essential fixes to get you back to gaming without delay. Let this be your go-to resource for overcoming common launcher obstacles and enhancing your gaming experience.

Properly Closing the Epic Games Launcher

Ensuring the Epic Games Launcher is fully closed is a crucial step in troubleshooting issues with game availability, such as when Fortnite appears as unavailable. To completely close the launcher:

1. Exit Application Window: Begin by closing the main application window as you normally would.

2. Close from System Tray: Locate the Epic Games Launcher icon in your system tray, usually found at the bottom right corner of your taskbar. Right-click on this icon and select 'Exit.' This step ensures that the launcher is not running in the background, which is necessary for a full restart or for applying certain fixes.

Exit Epic Games launcher

Resetting the Vault Cache Location

Adjusting the launcher settings is the next step in resolving game availability problems. Resetting the Vault Cache is particularly effective:

1. Open Epic Games Launcher: After ensuring the launcher is completely closed, reopen it.

2. Access Account Settings: Click on your username located in the top right corner, then select 'Settings' from the dropdown menu.

3. Find Vault Cache Setting: Scroll to find the 'Edit Vault Cache Location' option. This section is crucial as it stores and caches your games on your PC.

4. Reset Vault Cache: Click on 'Reset' next to the Vault Cache option. This action refreshes the folder location, often resolving issues preventing games from showing up correctly.

By following these steps, you ensure that any disruptions in the Epic Games Launcher's operation, particularly those affecting game visibility like Fortnite, are effectively addressed. These clear and straightforward fixes can significantly improve your gaming experience by ensuring all titles are readily accessible.

Reset the Vault Cache Location for Fortnite

Setting Epic Games Launcher to Run as Administrator

Granting administrative privileges to the Epic Games Launcher can solve a myriad of issues, including the frustrating "Fortnite Unavailable" error. By adjusting the launcher's compatibility settings to run as an administrator, you ensure it has all the necessary permissions to operate smoothly on your system. Here's how to make this crucial adjustment:

1. Locate the Launcher: Begin by searching for the Epic Games Launcher using the Start menu on your PC. Right-click on it and choose 'Open file location' to find the launcher's shortcut in the File Explorer.

2. Access Properties: Right-click on the Epic Games Launcher icon again in the File Explorer window, then select 'Properties' from the context menu.

3. Adjust Compatibility Settings: In the Properties window, navigate to the 'Compatibility' tab. Here, you'll find an option labeled 'Run this program as an administrator.' Check this box to apply the setting.

By setting the Epic Games Launcher to run as an administrator, you're removing potential barriers that could hinder its performance. This simple but effective tweak allows the launcher—and by extension, your games, including Fortnite—to access the resources they need without stumbling over permission issues.

Run the Epic Games launcher as an administrator

Clearing Fortnite Data for Troubleshooting

When Fortnite continues to show as unavailable despite following preliminary steps, a more in-depth approach is necessary. Clearing the game's stored data on your PC can help eliminate issues caused by corrupted files. Here's how to safely remove these files:

1. Access AppData: Press the Windows key, type '%localappdata%' into the search bar, and press Enter. This command opens the File Explorer to the location where application data is stored.

2. Locate Fortnite Folders: Within the opened window, search for and delete the 'Epic Games Launcher' and 'Fortnite' folders. This action removes potentially corrupted data that could be causing availability issues.

3. Restart if Needed: If you encounter difficulties deleting these folders, a restart of your PC might be necessary to unlock and remove any files currently in use or temporarily locked.

Delete the FortniteGame folder in your AppData

Utilizing a VPN for Regional Restrictions

Fortnite and other games might be unavailable due to regional restrictions imposed on content. In such cases, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can offer a workaround:

1. Choose a Reliable VPN: Services like PrivadoVPN allow you to change your server location, potentially circumventing geographical limitations that block access to certain games.

2. Proceed with Caution: While a VPN can be a solution for regional blocks, it's important to use this method as a last resort. VPNs can affect your internet speed and stability, impacting your gaming experience.

By following these steps, you can address deeper issues causing Fortnite to appear unavailable in the Epic Games Launcher, from clearing out corrupted data to considering the use of a VPN for bypassing regional game restrictions.

Get PrivadoVPN to fix unavailability issues for games in your Epic Games launcher

• How can I fix the issue of Fortnite being unavailable?

  Start by fully closing the Epic Games Launcher and restarting it. Adjust launcher settings to run as an administrator, and clear any potentially corrupted files in the Fortnite AppData folder.

• Can deleting the Fortnite folder in AppData solve the problem?

  Yes, deleting the Fortnite and Epic Games Launcher folders within %localappdata% can remove corrupted data, potentially resolving the game's unavailability issue.

• Will using a VPN help if Fortnite is unavailable due to my location?

  Using a VPN can bypass regional restrictions that might make Fortnite unavailable. However, it should be a last resort due to possible impacts on network performance.

• What should I do if I still can't access Fortnite after following these steps?

  If Fortnite remains unavailable after these troubleshooting steps, consider contacting Epic Games Support for further assistance or checking if there are any server-wide issues affecting access to the game.