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Decoding the Dreaded LS-0013 Error: A Comprehensive Guide for Epic Games Users

The LS-0013 error code on the Epic Games Launcher typically indicates a problem with your game files. More specifically, it usually signifies that either the launcher cannot locate the necessary files to start the game, or that the files it does find are corrupted or incomplete. This can happen for a multitude of reasons, ranging from incomplete downloads and file corruption during installation to issues with permissions and outdated launcher versions. It can also occur if you are attempting to launch a version of the game that is no longer supported, such as a beta or alpha build. Understanding the root cause is crucial to implementing the correct fix and getting back to gaming!

Troubleshooting the LS-0013 Error: A Step-by-Step Approach

Let’s dive into some practical solutions that you can implement immediately to resolve the annoying LS-0013 error.

1. Verify Your Game Files

This is the most common and often the most effective solution. The Epic Games Launcher has a built-in tool to verify the integrity of your game files, identifying and repairing any inconsistencies.

Open the Epic Games Launcher.
Navigate to your Library.
Locate the game that’s causing the error.
Click the three dots next to the game’s name.
Select “Verify.”

The launcher will then scan your game files and automatically download and replace any corrupted or missing components. This process can take some time, depending on the size of the game and your internet connection speed.

2. Run the Epic Games Launcher as an Administrator

Sometimes, the Epic Games Launcher may lack the necessary permissions to access or modify game files. Running it as an administrator grants it elevated privileges, potentially resolving the LS-0013 error.

Close the Epic Games Launcher.
Right-click the Epic Games Launcher icon on your desktop.
Select “Run as administrator.”

If this resolves the issue, consider permanently setting the launcher to run as administrator by right-clicking the icon, selecting “Properties,” navigating to the “Compatibility” tab, and checking the box labeled “Run this program as an administrator.”

3. Clear the Epic Games Launcher Webcache Folder

The launcher’s webcache can sometimes become corrupted, leading to various errors, including LS-0013. Clearing the cache can help resolve these issues.

Close the Epic Games Launcher completely. Make sure it is not running in the system tray.
Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type “%localappdata%” and press Enter.
Locate the “EpicGamesLauncher” folder.
Open the “Saved” folder.
Delete the “webcache” folder.
Restart the Epic Games Launcher.

4. Temporarily Disable Your Firewall and Antivirus Software

In some cases, your firewall or antivirus software may be mistakenly blocking the Epic Games Launcher or the game files, causing the LS-0013 error. Temporarily disabling these security measures can help determine if this is the cause.

Important: Only disable your firewall and antivirus software temporarily for testing purposes. Remember to re-enable them immediately after you’ve finished troubleshooting.

5. Perform a Clean Boot of Windows

Background programs can sometimes interfere with the Epic Games Launcher, leading to errors like LS-0013. Performing a clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, helping to identify if a background application is causing the issue.

Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type “msconfig” and press Enter.
In the System Configuration window, go to the “Services” tab.
Check the box labeled “Hide all Microsoft services.”
Click “Disable all.”
Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
Disable all startup items in the Task Manager.
Close Task Manager and click “Apply” and then “OK” in the System Configuration window.
Restart your computer.

After restarting, try launching the game again. If the LS-0013 error is resolved, you can then re-enable your startup items and services one by one to identify the culprit.

6. Reinstall the Game

As a last resort, if none of the above solutions work, consider reinstalling the game entirely. This will ensure that all the game files are properly downloaded and installed, potentially resolving any underlying issues.

Open the Epic Games Launcher.
Navigate to your Library.
Locate the game that’s causing the error.
Click the three dots next to the game’s name.
Select “Uninstall.”
Once the game is uninstalled, download and install it again.

7. Update Graphics Card Drivers

Outdated graphics card drivers can sometimes cause compatibility issues that manifest as various errors, including the LS-0013. Make sure your drivers are up to date. You can typically find the latest drivers on the manufacturer’s website (Nvidia, AMD, or Intel).

8. Disable Fullscreen Optimization

This has been known to cause conflicts.

Locate the game’s executable file (usually in the installation directory).
Right-click the executable and select “Properties.”
Go to the “Compatibility” tab.
Check the box labeled “Disable fullscreen optimizations.”
Click “Apply” and then “OK.”

Conclusion

The LS-0013 error on the Epic Games Launcher can be frustrating, but by systematically troubleshooting using the steps outlined above, you should be able to identify and resolve the underlying cause. Remember to start with the simplest solutions first, such as verifying your game files, and gradually move on to more complex solutions if necessary. Good luck, and happy gaming! For those interested in the educational aspects of gaming and how games can be used for learning, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

LS-0013 is usually related to corrupted or missing game files. Addressing the problem systematically should resolve it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the LS-0013 Error

Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to the Epic Games LS-0013 error, designed to provide further clarity and address common concerns.

Why am I getting the LS-0013 error even after verifying my game files? Even after verification, persistent LS-0013 errors could mean deeper corruption, underlying system instability, or incompatibility with your current hardware configuration. Consider reinstalling the game and updating drivers as next steps.
Can the LS-0013 error be caused by a bad internet connection? While a bad internet connection is less directly related to the LS-0013 error, an unstable connection during the download or installation of game files can lead to file corruption, which subsequently triggers the error.
Does the LS-0013 error affect all games on the Epic Games Launcher? No, the LS-0013 error is typically specific to one game at a time. It indicates a problem with the files associated with that particular game.
Is there a specific file that commonly causes the LS-0013 error? There isn’t one specific file universally responsible. The error stems from general file corruption or missing files within the game’s installation directory. The “Verify” function will find and replace these files.
How long does the “Verify” process take, and what if it gets stuck? The verification process time depends on the game size and your storage speed. If it gets stuck, try restarting the Epic Games Launcher, pausing and resuming the verification, or checking your disk for errors.
Will uninstalling and reinstalling the Epic Games Launcher fix the LS-0013 error? Uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher itself is unlikely to directly fix the LS-0013 error, as the issue is typically with the game files, not the launcher’s core files. Reinstalling the launcher can, however, resolve other potential conflicts.
Can third-party mods cause the LS-0013 error? Yes, incompatible or corrupted third-party mods can often cause game file issues and trigger the LS-0013 error. Removing or updating your mods is a good troubleshooting step.
My computer meets the minimum system requirements, but I’m still getting the LS-0013 error. Why? Meeting minimum system requirements doesn’t guarantee compatibility. Consider updating your drivers, closing background applications, and ensuring your operating system is fully updated.
Is the LS-0013 error related to the Epic Games servers being down? No, the LS-0013 error is primarily a local issue related to your game files. Server outages typically result in different error messages related to connectivity.
I’ve tried all the solutions, and the error persists. What should I do next? If all troubleshooting steps fail, consider contacting Epic Games Support directly. Provide them with detailed information about the error, the steps you’ve taken, and your system specifications.
Could the error be caused by a problem with my hard drive? Absolutely. A failing hard drive can cause file corruption and lead to errors like LS-0013. Run a disk check utility to rule out any hardware issues.
Is there any way to prevent the LS-0013 error from happening in the first place? Regularly defragmenting your hard drive (if you’re not using an SSD), keeping your drivers updated, and ensuring a stable internet connection during downloads can help minimize the risk of file corruption and the LS-0013 error.
Does disabling admin privileges for Fortnite resolve LS-0013? Disabling admin privileges for Fortnite is a less common solution. While some users report success, running the Epic Games Launcher as administrator is the more typical approach. If running as admin doesn’t work, it may be worth testing without it.
What is the error code LS 0014? This error means that the game you’re attempting to launch can’t locate a file or directory that it is pointing to.
Where can I learn more about game development and potential error codes? Websites like GamesLearningSociety.org, along with many forums, are excellent resources for learning about game development and understanding common error codes and troubleshooting techniques.

What is error code LS 0013 on Epic Games?