How to Fix “Preparing the Epic Games Launcher” Error

The error message “Preparing the Epic Games Launcher”. appears when you try to start the Epic Games Launcher. This message indicates that the launcher is attempting to initialize and read its manifests and configuration files but cannot correctly parse or load them due to corrupted or outdated data.

This usually occurs when a .item file inside the manifests folder has its InstallSize value set to 0. Additionally, leftover files from previous installations or interference from antivirus software can also cause this issue.

Now that the causes are clear, here are several proven solutions that have helped many users. Follow each one carefully to resolve the problem.

1. Change the InstallSize Value in the Manifests Files

Each manifest file in the manifests folder contains an InstallSize value that tells the launcher how large a game’s installation size is. If this value is set to 0 or the file becomes corrupted, the Epic Games Launcher will fail to start. Editing these files by changing the InstallSize value to 100 or another valid non-zero number can correct the faulty data and allow the launcher to function properly.

1. Completely close the Epic Games Launcher using the Task Manager.
2. Press Win + R and enter (replace C: with the drive where Epic Games is installed):

   C:\ProgramData\Epic\EpicGamesLauncher\Data\Manifests

   

3. Right-click a .item file and open it with Notepad.
4. Search inside the file for InstallSize.
5. Change the value to 100.
6. Save the file and close Notepad.
7. Repeat this process for all other manifest files in the folder.
8. After finishing, relaunch the Epic Games Launcher and check if it opens normally.

2. Delete the Manifests Folder of the Epic Games Launcher

Every game launcher uses a manifests folder to store data such as file size, location, and version. If any of these files become corrupted or contain invalid data, the launcher cannot read them properly, which leads to startup errors. Deleting the entire manifests folder forces the Epic Games Launcher to recreate it with fresh and accurate data on the next startup.

1. Completely close the Epic Games Launcher using the Task Manager.
2. Press Win + R and enter (replace C: with the drive where Epic Games is installed):

   C:\ProgramData\Epic\EpicGamesLauncher\Data

   

3. Find the folder named Manifests, right-click it, and select Delete.
4. Reopen the Epic Games Launcher and see if it starts correctly.

3. Uninstall Epic Games Completely and Reinstall It

Over time, cached data and configuration files can become corrupted or outdated, preventing the launcher from functioning properly. Performing a complete uninstall and reinstall removes all damaged files and forces the launcher to recreate new, clean files, dependencies, and registry entries.

1. Uninstall the Epic Games Launcher by pressing Win + R and typing:

   appwiz.cpl

   

2. Find Epic Games Launcher in the list, right-click it, and select Uninstall.
3. After uninstalling, delete any leftover files by pressing Win + R and typing:

   %localappdata%

   

4. Locate and delete the Epic Games and EpicGamesLauncher folders.
5. Go to your C: drive, enable Hidden items in the View settings, and open the ProgramData folder.
6. Find the Epic folder and delete it completely.
7. Once all residual files are removed, download the latest version of the launcher from the official Epic Games website and reinstall it.