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LS-0013: Game is unable to launch

If you see this error code, follow the steps below to verify your game files. 

If you still see this error after you've verified your game files, it is likely that you're trying to play a version of the game that is no longer available, such as a press, beta, or alpha version. If this is the case, confirm the version of the game you own is still available to play.

Note: LS-0013 error when trying to launch Pathfinder: Kingmaker can be fixed by re-installing Royal Ascension DLC

Verify the game files

Refer to How do I verify game files in the Epic Games Launcher?

Clear the Launcher cache

Refer to How do I clear the Launcher cache on PC?

Update your operating system

Windows

Refer to the "Update Windows" (Opens in a new tab) article for more information on updating Windows.

Mac

Check out the Update macOS on Mac (Opens in a new tab) article for more information on updating MacOS.

Disable background applications 

Some background applications may be causing the installation to fail. Refer to How do I disable background applications? to disable your background applications and try again.

Games using another launcher in addition to the Epic Games Launcher

If you receive this error with a game that uses another launcher to run (i.e. Rockstar Game Services, Uplay), do the following:

  1. Right-click the shortcut for the non-Epic Games launcher (i.e. Uplay), and then click Run as administrator.
  2. Right-click the Epic Games Launcher shortcut,  and then click on Run as administrator.
  3. Click Library in the Epic Games Launcher.
  4. Launch the game you want to play.

Confirm the version of the game you own is still available to play

Some game developers release alpha or beta versions of their game that you can play prior to the release of the full game. Contact the game developer's support team to find out whether the game you own is still available to play.

Fortnite: Disable administrator privileges

Disabling administrator privileges on all of Fortnite's executables may resolve this error code. Here are the steps on how to do this:

  1. Navigate to Fortnite's executables (Default location: C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite\FortniteGame\Binaries\Win64)
  2. For each of the following executable files, right-click on them and select Properties.
    • FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping.exe
    • FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping_BE.exe
    • FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping_EAC.exe
    • FortniteLauncher.exe
  3. Click on the Compatibility tab.
  4. Uncheck the box next to Run this program as an administrator.
  5. Click on Apply.
  6. Relaunch Fortnite.

Disabling Admin on other titles may also help. If you are having trouble with a game other than Fortnite, follow the steps above, but instead, go to the folders and files of that game in steps 1 and 2, and then on step 6, try launching the game.

Reinstall Epic Games Launcher

Refer to How do I reinstall the Epic Games Launcher?

Remove the entire game manually and reinstall

  1. Turn off Epic Games Launcher.
  2. Locate the folder where the game is installed. Default location: C:\Program Files\Epic Games
  3. Delete the game folder.
  4. Run the Epic Games Launcher and reinstall the game.
    1. Alternatively, install the game on a different drive. E.g., If the launcher is installed on C:, remove it and then install it on D: (or the applicable secondary drive on your PC)

Disable Run as Admin 

We have found that in some cases disabling Run as Administrator for both the Epic Games Launcher and the Game will help game performance.

To disable Run as Administrator for the Epic Games Launcher: 

  1. Click on the yellow folder icon in the lower-left corner of the screen.
  2. Navigate to where the Epic Game Launcher is installed.
  3. By default, it is typically in: C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Launcher\Portal\Binaries\Win32
  4. Right-click on Epic Games Launcher.
  5. Select Properties.
  6. Click on the Compatibility tab.
  7. Ensure that Run this program as an administrator is unchecked.
  8. Click on the Apply button.
  9. Click on the OK button.

To disable Run as Administrator for the game:

  1. Click on the yellow folder icon in the lower-left corner of the screen.
  2. Navigate to where the Game is installed.
  3. By default, it is typically in: C:\Program Files\Epic Games.
  4. Right-click on Game executable.
  5. Select Properties.
  6. Click on the Compatibility tab.
  7. Ensure that Run this program as an administrator is unchecked.
  8. Click on the Apply button.
  9. Click on the OK button.