How to Clean Install Fortnite: Your Ultimate Guide to a Fresh Start

Fortnite, the battle royale behemoth, can sometimes suffer from performance issues, corrupted files, or just plain weirdness. When simple troubleshooting steps fail, a clean install can be the solution you need to get back to Victory Royale glory. A clean install ensures that every trace of the game is removed before reinstalling, providing the freshest possible start.

Here’s how to perform a clean install of Fortnite:

1. Uninstall Fortnite Through the Epic Games Launcher: Open the Epic Games Launcher, go to your Library, find Fortnite, click the three dots (meatball menu), and select Uninstall.

2. Uninstall the Epic Games Launcher (Optional but Recommended): For the cleanest install, it’s best to uninstall the Launcher. Open the Control Panel (Windows) or Applications Folder (Mac), find Epic Games Launcher, and uninstall it.

3. Manually Delete Remaining Fortnite Files: Even after uninstalling, some files might linger. This is where the “clean” part comes in!

   • Windows: Open File Explorer and navigate to these locations, deleting any Fortnite or Epic Games folders you find:

     • C:Program FilesEpic Games
     • C:Users[Your Username]AppDataLocalFortniteGame
     • C:Users[Your Username]AppDataLocalEpicGamesLauncher
     • C:ProgramDataEpic

     Important: Make sure to replace [Your Username] with your actual Windows username. You may need to enable showing hidden files and folders to see the AppData folder. To do so, in File Explorer, click “View” and check the “Hidden items” box.

   • Mac: Open Finder and navigate to these locations, moving any Fortnite or Epic Games folders you find to the Trash:

     • /Applications/Epic Games Launcher.app
     • ~/Library/Application Support/Epic
     • ~/Library/Caches/com.epicgames.EpicGamesLauncher
     • ~/Library/Logs/EpicGamesLauncher

     Important: The ~/Library folder is hidden by default. To access it, open Finder, click “Go” in the menu bar, hold down the Option key, and then click “Library”.

4. Restart Your Computer: This ensures that all processes related to Fortnite and the Epic Games Launcher are completely shut down.

5. Reinstall the Epic Games Launcher: Go to the Epic Games website and download the latest version of the Epic Games Launcher.

6. Reinstall Fortnite: Open the Epic Games Launcher, log in, go to your Library, and click on Fortnite to begin the installation.

By following these steps, you’ll have performed a thorough clean install of Fortnite, eliminating potential conflicts and ensuring a smoother gaming experience. This process often resolves issues related to corrupted files, installation errors, and performance problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further help you understand clean installing Fortnite and related issues.

How do I back up my Fortnite settings before a clean install?

Your Fortnite settings, including keybindings and graphical preferences, are usually stored in the cloud and tied to your Epic Games account. However, to be extra safe, you can manually back up the GameUserSettings.ini file located in C:Users[Your Username]AppDataLocalFortniteGameSavedConfigWindowsClient. After reinstalling, you can copy this file back to the same location.

Will I lose my skins and progress if I clean install Fortnite?

No. Your skins, battle pass progress, and other account-related data are stored on Epic Games’ servers and are linked to your account. As long as you log in with the same account you used previously, everything will be restored.

Why is my Fortnite still lagging after a clean install?

If you’re still experiencing lag after a clean install, the issue might be related to your internet connection, hardware limitations, or server-side issues. Make sure your drivers are up to date, your internet connection is stable, and check the Epic Games Server Status page for any reported problems. A VPN might also help bypass ISP throttling.

How do I verify my Fortnite game files?

To verify game files in the Epic Games Launcher, go to your Library, find Fortnite, click the three dots (…), select Manage, and then click Verify. This process checks for and replaces any corrupted or missing files.

What is the difference between a normal uninstall and a clean install?

A normal uninstall simply removes the main game files. A clean install goes a step further by also removing any remaining files, folders, and registry entries that might be causing issues. This ensures a completely fresh start for the game.

Does uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher delete my games?

Yes, uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher does remove all installed games, including Fortnite. That’s why it’s a crucial step in a truly clean install.

How do I delete Epic Games cloud saves?

You can disable cloud saves in the Epic Games Launcher by clicking your profile icon, going to Settings, and unchecking the “Enable Cloud Saves” checkbox. However, deleting existing cloud saves requires more technical steps and might not be directly accessible through the launcher. Consider contacting Epic Games Support for guidance.

Why is it so hard to uninstall the Epic Games Launcher sometimes?

Sometimes the Epic Games Launcher is difficult to uninstall because background processes are still running. Try closing the launcher completely from the system tray and using Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to end any related processes. If that doesn’t work, restarting your computer in Safe Mode might help.

How long does it take to reinstall Fortnite?

The reinstallation time depends on your internet speed and the performance of your storage drive. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. The game file is very large, so be prepared to wait.

My Fortnite crashes after the clean install. What should I do?

If Fortnite crashes after a clean install, make sure your graphics drivers are up to date. Also, check the minimum system requirements for Fortnite and ensure your computer meets them. You might also need to adjust your in-game graphics settings to lower levels.

How can I free up disk space for Fortnite?

Before reinstalling, consider freeing up disk space by uninstalling unused programs, deleting temporary files, and emptying your recycle bin or trash. Fortnite requires a significant amount of storage space, so make sure you have enough room.

Will a clean install improve my Fortnite FPS?

A clean install can improve your FPS (frames per second) if the previous installation was suffering from corrupted files or conflicts. However, FPS is also heavily influenced by your hardware, graphics settings, and internet connection. Don’t expect a dramatic increase in FPS solely from a clean install if your hardware is the bottleneck.

Can I move my Fortnite installation to another drive?

Yes, you can move your Fortnite installation to another drive. The easiest way is to uninstall Fortnite and then reinstall it, specifying the new drive as the installation location. There are also more complex methods involving copying the files and updating the Epic Games Launcher’s configuration, but these are generally not recommended unless you’re comfortable with advanced troubleshooting.

How do I fix Fortnite installation errors?

Installation errors can be caused by various factors, including corrupted download files, insufficient disk space, or conflicts with other software. Try these steps:

• Verify the downloaded files through the Epic Games Launcher.
• Ensure you have enough disk space.
• Temporarily disable your antivirus software.
• Run the Epic Games Launcher as an administrator.
• Check your internet connection.
• If all else fails, try the clean install process described above.

Where can I learn more about game development and technology?

To dive deeper into game development, technology, and the educational aspects of gaming, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. It’s a great resource for understanding the broader implications and potential of games in education and beyond. The Games Learning Society offers valuable insights into how games can be used as powerful tools for learning and skill development, demonstrating that gaming is not just a form of entertainment but also a valuable educational resource.

A clean install of Fortnite is a powerful troubleshooting step that can resolve many common issues. By following these steps and understanding the FAQs, you’ll be well-equipped to get your game running smoothly and back to enjoying Victory Royales!