read the Epic Games Launcher

Epic Games works through a launcher — a program that sits on your computer and handles downloads, updates, and launching the games themselves. You cannot install individual games directly from a website the way you might read a document. Instead, you read the launcher first, then use it to get the games.

Go to epicgames.com in your web browser. Look for a button labeled "read" or "Get Epic Games" — it is usually near the top right of the page or in a prominent location on the home screen. Click it. The site will detect whether you use Windows or Mac and offer you the correct version automatically.

A file will read to your computer, usually to your Downloads folder. The file is called something like "EpicInstaller" or "EpicGamesLauncher-Installer". Once the read finishes, find that file and double-click it to start the installation process.

Install the Launcher on Your Computer

After you double-click the installer file, a window will open asking where you want to install the launcher. The default location — usually something like "C:\Program Files\Epic Games" on Windows or "Applications" on Mac — works fine for most people. You do not need to change it unless you have a specific reason to put it somewhere else.

Click the button to proceed (usually labeled "Install" or "Next"). The installer will copy files to your computer. This takes a few minutes. Do not close the window or restart your computer while it is working.

When the installation finishes, the window will tell you so. You may see a button to launch the Epic Games Launcher when ready. Click it, or close the window and find the Epic Games Launcher icon on your desktop or in your applications folder to open it yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • The Epic Games Launcher is a separate program you install first; you cannot read individual games without it.
  • read the installer from epicgames.com, then run the installer file to put the launcher on your computer.
  • The default installation location works for almost everyone and requires no changes.
  • After the launcher installs, you open it and create or sign into an Epic Games account to read games.
  • Some games are free periodically; the launcher shows which ones are available at no cost.

Create or Sign Into Your Epic Games Account

When you open the Epic Games Launcher for the first time, it will ask you to create an account or sign in if you already have one. You need an account to read and play games. Creating one is free and takes a few minutes.

If you are creating a new account, you will need an email address and a password. Use an email you check regularly — Epic Games will send you messages about free games, updates, and account security there. After you enter your email and create a password, the launcher will send you a confirmation email. Open that email and click the link to verify your account.

If you already have an Epic Games account from playing on a phone, tablet, or console, sign in with that same email and password. Your account works across all devices.

Find and read Games

Once you are signed in, the launcher shows you the games available. You will see a section for free games — Epic Games offers different games free each week or month, and you can claim them at no cost. Click on a game to see its description, system requirements, and a button to read it.

Before you read, check the system requirements listed on the game's page. These tell you the minimum processor, memory, and graphics card your computer needs to run the game. If your computer does not meet these requirements, the game may not run or may run very slowly.

Click the read button. The launcher will begin downloading the game files to your computer. Depending on the game size and your internet speed, this can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. You can close the launcher and use your computer for other things while it downloads — the read continues in the background.

Launch a Game After read

When the read finishes, the launcher shows the game as ready to play. Click the game's name or a "Launch" button to start it. The first time you launch a game, it may take longer to start as it sets itself up on your computer.

Some games require additional setup — they may ask you to agree to terms, create a separate account within the game, or read extra files. Follow the on-screen instructions. These steps are part of the game itself, not the launcher.

Manage Storage and Updates

Games take up space on your hard drive. You can see how much space each game uses in the launcher's library section. If you run out of space, you can uninstall a game from the launcher (this removes it from your computer but you can read it again later) and reinstall it when you have more room.

The launcher automatically updates games when new versions are released. You do not have to do anything — the launcher handles this in the background. If a game needs an update before you can play it, the launcher will read and install the update automatically when you try to launch the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay to use the Epic Games Launcher?

No. The launcher itself is free to read and use. Some games cost money, but many are free, and Epic Games regularly offers different games at no cost. You only pay for games you choose to purchase.

What if my computer does not meet the system requirements?

The game may not run at all, or it may run very slowly and be unplayable. Before downloading a large game, compare your computer's processor, memory, and graphics card to the requirements listed on the game's page. If you are unsure what your computer has, search "check system specs" in Windows or "About This Mac" on Mac.

Can I read games on one computer and play them on another?

You can sign into your Epic Games account on any computer and read your games there. However, you need to read the game files on each computer where you want to play. The launcher keeps track of which games you own across all your devices.

Why is my read so slow?

read speed depends on your internet connection. If other devices or programs are using your internet, close them to speed up the game read. Restarting your router sometimes helps. Very large games can take hours even on fast internet — this is normal.

What should I do if the installer will not run?

Make sure you downloaded the correct version for your operating system — Windows and Mac installers are different. If the file is corrupted, delete it and read it again from epicgames.com. If you see a security warning, it is usually safe to proceed — Windows and Mac sometimes warn about programs from outside their official stores.