How to Clear Cache in Epic Games Launcher

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Epic Games LauncherCachePerformanceTroubleshootingMaintenanceOptimizationGamingSoftwareSystem PerformanceSpeed

When using the Epic Games Launcher on your computer, over time, you may notice that the application does not run as smoothly as it did when you first downloaded it. This is common with many applications due to a build-up of cached data. In this guide, we will detail how to clear the cache from the Epic Games Launcher to potentially improve performance and resolve minor glitches.

Understanding cache

Before we get into the steps to clear the cache in the Epic Games Launcher, it's important to understand what the cache is and why it can sometimes cause problems. A cache is a hardware or software component that temporarily stores data so that future requests for that data can be served faster. This means that your computer doesn't have to rebuild the data; it simply gets it from the cache, saving time and resources.

In the context of the Epic Games Launcher, cached data can include anything from game data to images and sound files that the launcher needs to run your game properly. While the cache is generally useful for improving load times, over time, the cache can become corrupted or bloated, leading to potential problems.

Why clear the cache?

There are several reasons why you might want to consider clearing the cache in the Epic Games Launcher:

• Performance improvements: Clearing cache can sometimes boost the performance of the launcher, making it run more smoothly.
• Freeing up space: Cache files can take up a lot of space over time. Deleting them can reclaim disk space.
• Solve problems: If you are experiencing problems such as crashes, slow response, or error messages, clearing the cache can help solve these issues by removing potentially corrupted files.

Steps to clear cache in Epic Games Launcher

Now, let's take a look at the steps to clear the cache in the Epic Games Launcher. This is a straightforward process that will take just a few minutes.

Step 1: Close the Epic Games Launcher

The first step is to make sure the Epic Games Launcher is completely closed. You can't clear its cache if it's still running. To do this:

• Click the 'Quit' option within the launcher itself. To find this, look at the launcher's drop-down menu which is usually found in the upper right corner.
• Alternatively, you can right-click on the Epic Games Launcher icon in your computer's taskbar or system tray and select 'Quit'.
• For added assurance, check your system's Task Manager to make sure there are no Epic Games processes running in the background. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Task Manager. If you see an Epic Games process, select it and click 'End Task'.

Step 2: Go to the cache folder

Once the launcher is closed, the next step is to locate its cache folder on your system. Follow these instructions depending on your operating system:

For Windows:

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type %localappdata% and press Enter. This command opens the Local App Data folder.
• In the local app data folder, find and open the EpicGamesLauncher folder.
• Inside it, find the Saved folder.
• Lastly, open the Webcache folder.

For Mac OS:

• Open Finder from your Dock.
• In the menu bar, click on Go and then select 'Go to Folder'.
• Type ~/Library/Caches/com.epicgames.EpicGamesLauncher and press Enter.

These steps will take you to the location where the cache of the Epic Games Launcher is stored.

Step 3: Clearing the cache

Now that the cache location is open, you need to delete the associated files to clear the cache. Be careful to only delete files that you are sure are cache files, as this location may also contain important configuration files. Here are the steps:

• Select all the files in the Webcache folder until you see a configuration file you don’t want to delete.
• Delete all selected files. You can do this by right-clicking the selected files and choosing Delete. Alternatively, you can press the Delete key on your keyboard.
• After deleting, make sure the Trash is also emptied to completely free up disk space.

And that's it. You have successfully cleared the cache of your Epic Games Launcher.

After clearing the cache

After completing these steps, restart the Epic Games Launcher. Don't be surprised if it takes a little longer than usual to start up. This initial long loading time is because the launcher is creating a new cache from scratch.

Continue using the Epic Games Launcher as you normally would. You should find it working a little more smoothly, and any previous issues like error messages or crashes may be resolved.

Additional considerations

Clearing the cache resolves many common issues, but it may not fix all problems with the Epic Games Launcher. If problems persist, consider checking other factors such as network connection, hardware specifications, and make sure your software is up to date.

If problems persist, you may need to contact Epic Games Customer Support for further assistance. They can provide more technical guidance depending on your specific problem.

Maintaining the Epic Games Launcher

To keep your Epic Games Launcher running optimally, practice regular maintenance. You may choose to clear the cache periodically, perhaps once a month, depending on how often you use the launcher. This practice will help the application run smoothly and prevent the build-up of unnecessary files that can cause glitches.

Also, constantly check for potentially intrusive applications that may be hindering the launcher's performance. High CPU usage from background tasks or other processes may cause lag or poor performance during gameplay or launcher operation.

Finally, make sure that both your operating system and Epic Games software are always up-to-date. Software updates not only enhance performance but can also fix bugs and vulnerabilities that may hinder functionality.

Conclusion

In short, clearing the cache for the Epic Games Launcher is a practical task that can substantially improve the application's performance and resolve some common issues. The process involves stopping the launcher, navigating to the cache files, and safely deleting them. As technology users, this understanding of the cache mechanism not only works well for Epic Games, but also enhances our ability with other similar applications and general system maintenance.

Remember, great launcher operation can greatly improve your gaming experience, and these maintenance steps are simple ways to contribute to a seamless and enjoyable gaming journey.

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