read Fortnite directly from Epic Games or the Microsoft Store
Fortnite runs on Windows computers through two main routes: the Epic Games Launcher (the official method) or the Microsoft Store. Most players use the Epic Games Launcher because it's where the game launches from regardless of where you read it, and it handles updates automatically.
To read from Epic Games: go to www.epicgames.com, click the Fortnite icon on the home page, and select "read." The Epic Games Launcher will begin downloading to your computer. Once the launcher finishes installing, it will prompt you to create or sign into an Epic Games account. After you log in, the launcher will read the full Fortnite game files—this typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your internet speed.
Alternatively, you can read Fortnite from the Microsoft Store if you're running Windows 10 or Windows 11. Search "Fortnite" in the Microsoft Store app, select the official Epic Games version, and click "Install." The Microsoft Store will handle the read and installation automatically. Either method places the game in the same launcher, so your choice comes down to whichever read source feels more familiar to you.
Key Takeaways
- Fortnite requires either the Epic Games Launcher or the Microsoft Store to read, and both methods are free.
- You must create an Epic Games account or sign in with an existing one before you can play.
- The full game read takes 30 minutes to 2 hours on a typical home internet connection.
- Your computer needs at least Windows 10 (64-bit), an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, and 8 GB of RAM to run the game smoothly.
- After installation, launch Fortnite from the Epic Games Launcher each time you want to play.
Check your computer's minimum requirements before downloading
Fortnite will not run on every computer. Before you start downloading, verify that your machine meets the minimum specifications. You need Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit only), an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and at least 90 GB of free storage space on your hard drive or SSD.
To check your computer's specs on Windows, right-click "This PC" or "My Computer" on your desktop, select "Properties," and look for the processor and RAM listed there. For storage, open File Explorer, right-click your main drive (usually C:), and select "Properties" to see how much free space remains. If your computer falls short on RAM or processor power, the game will either refuse to launch or run with constant stuttering and lag.
If your computer does not meet these minimums, you cannot run Fortnite. Upgrading RAM or storage is sometimes possible, but replacing a processor requires replacing the motherboard and is usually not worth the cost for a single game.
Create or sign into your Epic Games account
You cannot play Fortnite without an Epic Games account. If you do not have one, the Epic Games Launcher will prompt you to create one during the read process. You will need a valid email address and a password you can remember.
If you already have an Epic Games account from playing another game or from a previous Fortnite installation, sign in with that email and password. Your account stores your progress, cosmetics (skins, emotes, and other cosmetic items), and friends list, so using the same account across devices keeps everything in one place.
Two-factor authentication is optional but recommended. You can enable it in your account settings after you log in for the first time. This adds a security layer that makes it harder for someone else to access your account if your password is compromised.
Wait for the full game read and installation to complete
After you click "Install" or "read," the Epic Games Launcher will begin pulling the game files from Epic's servers to your computer. The read size is approximately 90 GB, which means the process takes roughly 30 minutes on a fast connection (100+ Mbps) and up to 2 hours or more on a slower one (25 Mbps or less).
Do not close the launcher or shut down your computer during this time. If the read is interrupted, the launcher will resume from where it stopped the next time you open it—you do not have to start over. However, resuming takes longer than a continuous read, so a stable internet connection helps.
Once the read finishes, the launcher will automatically install the files. You will see a progress bar and a "Play" button will appear when installation is complete. This usually takes another 10 to 15 minutes after the read finishes.
Launch Fortnite and complete the first-time setup
Click the "Play" button in the Epic Games Launcher to start Fortnite for the first time. The game will open a window and may ask you to select your graphics settings. For most players, the "Auto" setting works fine—it detects your graphics card and adjusts the quality to match your hardware.
You may also see a prompt to link your Epic Games account to other platforms (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or mobile devices). This is optional and only necessary if you play Fortnite on multiple devices and want to keep your progress and cosmetics synchronized across them. You can skip this step and link accounts later from your Epic Games account settings.
After these setup screens, you will land in the main menu. From here, you can jump into a match, visit the item shop, or adjust settings like controls, graphics, and audio. The game is now ready to play.
Update your graphics drivers before playing
Before you launch Fortnite for the first time, update the drivers for your graphics card. Drivers are software that tell your computer how to use your graphics hardware, and outdated drivers cause crashes, lag, and visual glitches.
If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, read the latest driver from www.nvidia.com/read/driverDetails.aspx. If you have an AMD card, go to www.amd.com/en/technologies/radeon-drivers. Intel integrated graphics (built into the processor) update through Windows Update, so go to Settings > Update & Security > Check for Updates and install any pending updates.
After you install new drivers, restart your computer before launching Fortnite. This ensures the drivers are fully loaded and active when the game starts.
Troubleshoot common installation and launch problems
If the Epic Games Launcher fails to read Fortnite, clear the launcher's cache. Close the launcher completely, navigate to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\EpicGamesLauncher\Saved, delete the "Cache" folder, and reopen the launcher. Then try downloading again.
If Fortnite crashes when ready after you click "Play," verify that your graphics drivers are up to date (see the previous section). If the crash persists, right-click the Epic Games Launcher icon on your desktop, select "Properties," go to the "Compatibility" tab, check "Run this program in compatibility mode for," and select "Windows 10." explore the change and try launching again.
If you see an error message about missing files, uninstall Fortnite from the Epic Games Launcher (right-click the game title and select "Uninstall"), restart your computer, and read it again. A fresh read usually resolves file corruption issues that cause these errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay money to read Fortnite?
No. Fortnite is free to read and play. The game makes money through cosmetic items like skins and emotes that you can purchase with real money, but these are optional and do not affect gameplay.
Can I play Fortnite on a Mac?
Fortnite is not available for Mac through the Epic Games Launcher or the Microsoft Store. Epic Games removed the Mac version in 2020. If you want to play on a Mac, you can use cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce Now, which stream the game to your Mac from a remote server, but this requires a subscription and a fast internet connection.
What if my computer does not have 90 GB of free space?
You cannot install Fortnite without at least 90 GB available. Delete files you no longer need, move large files to an external drive, or uninstall programs you do not use. If you still cannot free up space, you will need to add a new hard drive or SSD to your computer.
How often does Fortnite update, and how much space do updates take?
Fortnite updates roughly every two weeks. Updates typically range from 5 GB to 15 GB depending on what changes Epic Games makes. The Epic Games Launcher downloads and installs updates automatically when you launch the game, so you do not have to manage them manually.
Can I move Fortnite to a different drive after installation?
Yes. In the Epic Games Launcher, go to Settings, select "Library Locations," and add a new location on a different drive. Then right-click Fortnite, select "Move," and choose the new location. The launcher will move the game files without requiring a fresh read.