10 Ways to Fix Fortnite Stuck on “Checking for Updates” [2024]

Fortnite has maintained a large player base thanks to its continuous updates and fresh content with each new season. However, sometimes these updates can hit a snag, leaving players staring at the ‘Checking for Updates’ screen, unable to join the action. This common hiccup can be frustrating, but it’s often a minor roadblock on your path back to the island.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the reasons behind this pesky issue and provide you with straightforward, tried-and-tested solutions to get you back in the game. Whether it’s a server hiccup or a network bottleneck, we’ve got you covered. 

So, let’s gear up and dive into the nitty-gritty of troubleshooting this pesky problem. And remember, the only thing that should be stuck is your opponent’s feet to the floor after you’ve outmaneuvered them, not your game on the update screen.

What Causes Fortnite to Get Stuck on ‘Checking for Updates’?

When Fortnite is stuck on ‘Checking for Updates’, it typically indicates a problem where the game is unable to download and apply the latest updates. This can happen for several reasons;

• Server Issues: The game servers may be down or undergoing maintenance.
• Internet Connection: Your device might have an unstable or slow internet connection.
• Outdated Game Version: The game may need an update that hasn’t been downloaded yet.
• Corrupted Game Files: Some game files might be corrupted or missing.
• Software Conflicts: Other software on your device could be interfering with Fortnite.

Now let’s discuss how to resolve this issue effectively.

READ MORE: How to Fix Fortnite Stuck on Connecting Screen Bug ➜

How to Fix Fortnite Stuck on ‘Checking for Updates’?

Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take to potentially resolve this issue.

1. Check Server Status

Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s wise to check the current status of Fortnite servers.

1. Visit the official Fortnite Status Twitter/X account or Epic Games server status webpage to check if the servers are down.
   

   

2. If the servers are down, wait until they are back up and try again.

This will help you address the possibility of server-side issues, which are common causes of update problems. By verifying server status, you can determine if the issue is on your end or with the game’s servers, saving time on unnecessary troubleshooting.

2. Internet Connection Check

Wondering why Fortnite won’t update? Let’s start with the basics.

1. Ensure your device is connected to the internet. Test other online services or games to confirm.
   

   

2. If using Wi-Fi, try switching to a wired Ethernet connection for a more stable and faster connection.

A stable internet connection is crucial for online gaming and updates. This step ensures that your network isn’t the bottleneck, and if it is, switching to a wired connection might provide the stability needed for the update process.

3. Restart Devices

ometimes a simple and most basic troubleshooting step like this can do wonders:

1. Restart your gaming device and router.
2. After restarting, launch Fortnite to see if the issue persists.

Restarting can resolve temporary glitches in both your gaming device and network equipment. This simple action can often clear up issues that prevent Fortnite from updating properly.

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4. Change DNS Settings

Switch to a public DNS like Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) to potentially resolve DNS issues:

1. To change your DNS, go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
   
   

   

2. Right-click on your active network connection and select Properties.
   

   

3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and Click Properties.
   

   

4. Choose ‘Use the following DNS server addresses’ and enter a public DNS like Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
   

   

5. Click OK to save changes and restart your computer.

DNS issues can disrupt internet connectivity. Switching to a public DNS, like Google’s, can provide a more reliable route for your device to connect to Fortnite’s update servers.

READ MORE: What is OpenDNS (vs Google DNS) & How to Use It in 2024 ➜

5. Update Network Drivers (PC)

You might need to update your PC’s network drivers to ensure smooth communication with the internet and Fortnite’s servers. It’s pretty straightforward to update your network drivers:

1. Click on the Start button or press the Windows key.
2. Type “Device Manager” and select it from the search results.
   

   

3. In the Device Manager window, find and expand the “Network adapters” section.
   

   

4. Right-click on your network adapter listed under Network adapters.
5. Choose “Update driver” from the context menu.
   

   

6. In the Update Drivers window, select “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
   
   

   

7. Windows will search online for the latest driver software and install it automatically.
8. Once the driver update is complete, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

Outdated or corrupted network drivers can cause connectivity issues. Updating them ensures that your PC can communicate effectively with the internet and Fortnite’s servers.

6. Verify Game Files

In the Epic Games Launcher, verify the integrity of your game files, and let it repair any corrupted or missing files. To achieve this follow these steps:

1. Open the Epic Games Launcher.
   

   

2. Find the game in your Epic Games Library.
3. Click the three dots on the right side of the game line.
4. Select Manage.
5. Click the Verify button.
   

   

6. Wait for validation to complete, It may take a while to verify all your files.

Corrupted or missing game files can halt updates. The verification process checks for such issues and repairs them, which can resolve the update problem.

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7. Reinstall Fortnite

Sometimes the problem is so deep-rooted and confusing that trying to troubleshoot it only causes you more stress, and might even make the issue worse in the process. So, in this case:

1. Uninstall Fortnite from your device.
2. Download and install the latest version from the Epic Games Launcher.

A fresh install can eliminate deep-rooted issues within the game’s files. Reinstalling ensures you have the latest, uncorrupted version of Fortnite.

8. Use a Gaming VPN

You may need to install a gaming VPN to bypass regional network issues that may be affecting Fortnite updates.

1. Install a reputable gaming VPN.
2. Connect to a VPN server and try launching Fortnite again.
   

   

Sometimes, regional network issues can affect game updates. A VPN can bypass these by connecting to a server in a different location, potentially resolving the update issue.

READ MORE: What is the Difference Between a Proxy and VPN? ➜

9. System Firmware Update

You should also check for system updates to ensure compatibility with Fortnite.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Settings from the list.
   

   

2. In the Settings window, click on Windows Update in the sidebar.
   

   

3. Click the “Check for Updates” button, the system will search for available updates.
   

   

4. If your Windows 11 installation is fully up-to-date, you’ll see a message that says “You’re up to date” on the Windows Update screen in Settings.
   

   

5. If updates are available, Windows Update will display “Updates available” and list the available updates below.
6. Click “Download Now” to begin downloading the updates to your PC.
7. After the download, Windows 11 may install the update without requiring a restart. If so, click “Install Now” to proceed.
8. For major updates, a restart might be necessary. Click “Restart Now”, and Windows will close all apps, apply the updates, and restart your PC.

Outdated system firmware can lead to compatibility issues with games. Updating your device’s firmware can fix these issues and allow Fortnite to update smoothly.

READ MORE: Fortnite Won’t Launch? Try These Fixes! ➜

10. Contact Support

If all else fails, contact Epic Games support for further assistance. Epic Games support can provide personalized assistance. They can offer solutions tailored to your specific situation that might not be available in general guides.

↪ Additional Tips

• Run Epic Games Launcher as Administrator: Right-click on the launcher and select “Run as administrator.”

• Reset Network Settings: This can help resolve any network-related issues.
• Try a Different Internet Connection: Sometimes, the issue might be with your ISP.

Remember, these steps are based on common solutions and may vary slightly depending on your device and the specific nature of the problem. If the issue persists after trying these methods, it may be best to seek help from Epic Games’ official support channels.

Always refer to the official Fortnite and Epic Games resources for the most current information and support. If you encounter any issues while performing these steps, proceed with caution and consider professional assistance if necessary.

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Conclusion

In wrapping up, it’s clear that encountering the ‘Checking for Updates’ error in Fortnite can be a frustrating roadblock. However, it’s a common issue that players across the globe face, and more often than not, it’s a temporary hiccup that can be resolved with a few simple steps.

Whether it’s a server-side issue that requires a bit of patience or a quick fix like restarting your game or checking your internet connection, there’s usually a solution at hand.

As we close this guide, we hope that the insights and tips shared have been helpful. So next time Fortnite has you stuck on that update screen, take a deep breath, refer back to this article, and know that you’re just a few steps away from diving back into the action. Thanks for reading!