Fortnite LS-0013 error means the Epic Games Launcher cannot start Fortnite. Epic recommends checking game files before clearing launcher cache, updating Windows and inspecting application permissions. It is a launch failure on PC, not a matchmaking issue and not a reason to unlink your account.
Follow the steps for your specific device and test a fresh Fortnite session after each change. These fixes are based on Epic’s instructions for this error, not a general graphics or controller preset.
Verify Fortnite in the launcher
Open Epic Games Launcher, visit Library, find Fortnite and click its three-dot menu. Choose Manage and then Verify. Wait while installed files are checked and repaired where needed. Epic puts this at the top of its LS-0013 troubleshooting because corruption can stop a game launching. Verification isn’t a deliberate reset of your Epic cloud inventory and is quicker than another full download.
Clear the launcher cache
Exit Epic Games Launcher fully, including the tray icon. Press Windows+R, enter %localappdata% and open EpicGamesLauncher > Saved. Follow Epic’s cache instructions to remove the webcache folder variants, then reopen the launcher so it regenerates them. Fortnite LS-0013 error can appear when launcher data is damaged. Don’t delete unrelated files from Windows or the whole local profile.
Fortnite LS-0013 error: update Windows
Open Windows Settings and install legitimate supported Windows updates, then restart. Epic lists operating-system updates among its LS-0013 steps. Launcher and anti-cheat components rely on Windows services that must start correctly. Random DLL replacement downloads aren’t a safe substitute for using Windows Update, and changing Fortnite graphics quality won’t repair a process that never launches.
Inspect the Fortnite executable permissions
Epic’s Fortnite-specific advice names files in FortniteGame > Binaries > Win64: FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping.exe, its BE and EAC variants, and FortniteLauncher.exe. Right-click each, open Properties > Compatibility, and uncheck Run this program as administrator if forced on. Apply and retest. This can fix permission problems even when the launcher itself is working normally.
Fortnite LS-0013 error: why administrator advice differs
Epic also describes testing the launcher as administrator in some cases, while advising removal of forced admin settings on Fortnite executables in another step. These aren’t contradictory if treated as separate checks. Record which program you changed and what happens afterwards. For Fortnite LS-0013 error, indiscriminately enabling administrator rights everywhere can create new permission mismatches.
Close interfering background apps
An overlay, monitoring utility or security software can prevent components launching. Temporarily close nonessential apps, then retry Fortnite. Epic suggests clean-boot troubleshooting if normal fixes fail. If an antivirus specifically blocks the legitimate executable, use that manufacturer’s instructions for a narrow exception. Do not permanently turn off protection or install a modified launcher from an unofficial site.
Fortnite LS-0013 error: dNS and network checks
Epic includes DNS refresh and network restrictions among its later LS-0013 remedies. Those tests are more relevant when the launcher also has connection problems. If you can download updates and sign into Epic but cannot start Fortnite, focus first on game files, compatibility and software interference. Don’t change router settings merely because the error contains letters and numbers.
Reinstall after the other checks
If nothing works, Epic lists reinstalling the launcher and then the game as later steps. Check free disk space, keep copies of any local control configuration you need, and capture the exact launch error for support. Fortnite LS-0013 error should be distinguishable from Easy Anti-Cheat error 30005, which involves a different startup component.
Related Guides
Fortnite error and connection help.
Official source: Epic Games Fortnite Support.
