How To Transfer Your Epic Game To Another Computer: A Comprehensive Guide

Transferring your precious Epic Games collection from one computer to another doesn’t have to be a daunting task. While the Epic Games Launcher lacks a straightforward “transfer” button, there are efficient methods to move your games without enduring lengthy re-downloads. The key is understanding how to back up your game files, relocate them, and then get the Epic Games Launcher to recognize the existing installation. Let’s dive into a step-by-step process:

1. Backup Your Game Files: This is the most crucial step. Locate the folder where your game is installed. The default location is usually C:Program FilesEpic Games[Game Name]. Copy this entire folder to an external hard drive, USB drive, or network location that’s accessible from your other computer. Ensure you have enough storage space on your external drive to accommodate the game files.

2. Install the Epic Games Launcher on the New Computer: Download the Epic Games Launcher from the Epic Games website and install it on your new computer. Log in with the same account you use on your old computer.

3. Initiate the Game Download on the New Computer: Within the Epic Games Launcher on your new computer, find the game you want to transfer in your library and click “Install.” Choose a location on your new computer’s hard drive for the installation. Let the download begin, but only for a few seconds (until a folder for the game is created). Then, immediately pause the download and completely close the Epic Games Launcher. This ensures that the Epic Games Launcher creates the necessary folder structure for your game.

4. Replace the Newly Created Game Folder with Your Backup: Navigate to the newly created game folder on your new computer (the one where you started the download). Delete all the files and folders within this directory. Now, copy the entire game folder you backed up from your old computer into this location.

5. Resume the Download in the Epic Games Launcher: Reopen the Epic Games Launcher and resume the download of the game. The launcher should now recognize the existing files and perform a verification process instead of re-downloading the entire game. This verification might take some time, depending on the game’s size and your computer’s speed.

6. Launch and Enjoy: Once the verification is complete, the Epic Games Launcher will recognize that the game is installed. You should now be able to launch and play the game on your new computer.

Understanding the Process

This method works because the Epic Games Launcher checks for existing game files during the installation process. By providing the game files from your backup, you’re essentially tricking the launcher into thinking it has already downloaded most of the game. The verification step ensures that all the files are intact and up-to-date.

Important Considerations

• Game Updates: After transferring the game, make sure to check for updates. The Epic Games Launcher might need to download and install patches to bring the game to the latest version.
• Cloud Saves: Many Epic Games titles support cloud saves. If the game you’re transferring uses cloud saves, your progress should automatically sync to your new computer when you launch the game. Ensure that Cloud Saves are enabled in the Epic Games Launcher settings.
• Sufficient Disk Space: Ensure that you have enough free space on your new computer’s hard drive to accommodate the game.
• Backup Verification: Before deleting the game from your old computer, verify that the transferred game is working correctly on your new computer.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Verification Stuck: If the verification process gets stuck for an extended period, try pausing and resuming the download. If that doesn’t work, clear the Epic Games Launcher’s cache (see FAQ section for details).
• Game Not Recognized: If the Epic Games Launcher fails to recognize the game files, double-check that you have copied the correct folder to the correct location. Also, ensure that the folder structure matches what the launcher expects.
• Corrupted Files: If you encounter errors while playing the game, the backup files might be corrupted. Try copying the files again from your old computer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about transferring Epic Games to another computer:

1. Can I transfer a game from one Epic account to another?

No, you cannot transfer games or progress from one Epic Games account to another. Purchases are tied to the specific account used to make them. Account buying, selling, or sharing is not allowed and will result in an account ban.

2. How do I get Epic Games to recognize already installed games?

The easiest way is to start the download of the game in the Epic Games Launcher, pause it after a few seconds, close the launcher, copy the game files into the created folder, and then resume the download. The launcher should recognize the existing files and verify them instead of re-downloading.

3. Does uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher delete my games?

Yes, uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher will remove all games you have installed on your computer through that launcher. Make sure you have backups if you plan to reinstall later.

4. Can I use the same Epic Games account on two computers simultaneously?

You can install and use your Epic Games account on multiple computers, but you cannot be actively logged in and playing the same game simultaneously on two different devices. Attempting to do so will likely result in being logged out of one of the devices.

5. Can I transfer my Epic Games account to another email address?

Yes, you can change the email address associated with your Epic Games account. Log in to your account, go to the Account portal, and edit your email address in the ACCOUNT INFO section. The new email address must not be in use on another Epic Games account.

6. How do I backup my Epic Games save files?

Many Epic Games support cloud saves, which automatically back up your save files. Ensure that “Enable Cloud Saves” is checked in the Epic Games Launcher settings. If a game doesn’t support cloud saves, you’ll need to manually back up the save files, usually located in the DocumentsMy Games folder or within the game’s installation directory.

7. How do I clear the Epic Games Launcher cache?

Clearing the cache can resolve issues like verification problems. Close the Epic Games Launcher completely. Then, navigate to %localappdata%EpicGamesLauncherSavedWebCache and delete the contents of that folder. Restart the launcher.

8. Will I lose everything if I uninstall a game from Epic Games?

It depends on whether the game uses cloud saves or not. If it does, your progress is safe. If it doesn’t, you’ll lose your progress unless you manually back up your save files before uninstalling.

9. Is sharing my Epic Games account allowed?

No, account buying, selling, or sharing is strictly prohibited by Epic Games and can result in a permanent account ban.

10. Can I play Fortnite without an Epic Games account?

No, you absolutely need an Epic Games account to play Fortnite. The account is necessary to track your progress, purchases, and game stats.

11. Can I link my Epic Games library to my Steam library?

You cannot directly link your Epic Games library to Steam. However, you can add Epic Games to Steam as non-Steam games, allowing you to launch them through the Steam interface. This doesn’t transfer licenses, though; it simply provides a shortcut.

12. How do I unlink my Epic Games account from other platforms?

From your Epic Games account page, go to “Connections” and then “Accounts.” You can disconnect your account from platforms like Xbox, PlayStation Network, Nintendo Switch, Twitch, and GitHub from this section.

13. What if the verification process gets stuck?

If the verification process hangs, try pausing and resuming the download in the Epic Games Launcher. If the issue persists, try clearing the launcher’s cache (see FAQ #7). If these methods fail, there may be an issue with the game files themselves, and you may need to re-download them.

14. Can I use an external hard drive as the installation location for Epic Games?

Yes, you can install Epic Games to an external hard drive. When installing the game, simply choose the external hard drive as the installation location. Ensure the drive remains connected to your computer while playing the game.

15. Can I transfer games over Wi-Fi?

While it’s possible to transfer game files over Wi-Fi, it is not the fastest or most reliable method, especially for large game files. Using an external hard drive is generally recommended for its speed and stability.

The Future of Gaming and Education

As gaming continues to evolve, its potential for education and learning is becoming increasingly apparent. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) is at the forefront of exploring these intersections, researching how games can be used to enhance learning, develop critical thinking skills, and foster creativity. Whether it’s through designing educational games or studying the impact of gaming on cognitive development, organizations like the Games Learning Society play a crucial role in shaping the future of education. Check out https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for more information.

By following these steps and keeping these FAQs in mind, you can easily transfer your Epic Games to another computer and continue enjoying your favorite games.