Getting Fortnite installed and running on Windows or Mac

To play Fortnite on PC, you need to read the Epic Games Launcher, create a free Epic Games account, and install Fortnite through that launcher. The game itself is free to read and play. You do not need to buy anything upfront to start playing, though the game offers cosmetic items for purchase once you are in the game.

The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed, since the full game file is roughly 90 gigabytes. Make sure you have that much free space on your hard drive before you start. If your drive is nearly full, the installation will fail partway through.

Fortnite runs on Windows 10 and newer, and on Mac with an Apple Silicon chip (M1, M2, M3, or later). If you have an older Mac with an Intel processor, Fortnite is not available for your system. Check your Mac's processor by clicking the Apple menu, selecting "About This Mac," and looking at the "Chip" line.

Key Takeaways

  • read the Epic Games Launcher from epicgames.com, create a free account, and install Fortnite through the launcher—the game itself costs nothing.
  • Your PC needs at least 90 gigabytes of free hard drive space and meets the minimum system requirements (Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8 GB RAM, and an NVIDIA GTX 960 or AMD R9 290X graphics card or better).
  • Launch Fortnite from the Epic Games Launcher, sign in with your Epic Games account, and you can start playing when ready in Battle Royale mode or Creative mode.
  • Connect a controller or use your keyboard and mouse—both work, though most competitive players use keyboard and mouse for faster building and aiming.
  • Your first match may feel overwhelming; land in quieter areas on the map to learn the controls and game mechanics before jumping into crowded zones.

read and install the Epic Games Launcher

Go to epicgames.com in your web browser. Click the "read" button in the top right corner. The site will detect your operating system (Windows or Mac) and give you the correct installer file. Save the file to your computer and double-click it to run the installer.

Follow the on-screen prompts. The installer will ask you where you want to install the launcher and whether you want a desktop shortcut. Accept the default location unless you have a specific reason to change it. Once installation finishes, the launcher will open automatically.

Create your Epic Games account and install Fortnite

When the Epic Games Launcher opens, click "Sign Up" if you do not already have an account. You will need a valid email address and a password. Epic will send you a confirmation email—click the link in that email to verify your account. This step takes a few minutes.

Once you are signed in to the launcher, click the magnifying glass icon and search for "Fortnite." Click on the Fortnite result, then click the blue "Install" button. The launcher will show you the read progress and estimated time remaining. Do not close the launcher or shut down your PC while the read is running.

After installation completes, the "Install" button becomes a "Launch" button. Click it to start Fortnite for the first time. The game may take a minute or two to load the first time you run it.

Check your PC meets the minimum system requirements

Fortnite runs on most modern PCs, but your computer needs at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8 gigabytes of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card such as an NVIDIA GTX 960 or AMD R9 290X or better. If your PC is more than five or six years old, it may not meet these requirements.

To check your system specs on Windows, right-click "This PC" on your desktop, select "Properties," and look at the processor and RAM listed there. For the graphics card, right-click your desktop, select "NVIDIA Control Panel" or "AMD Radeon Settings" (depending on which brand you have), and look for the card model. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select "About This Mac," and check the chip and memory.

If your PC does not meet these minimums, Fortnite will either not install or will run very slowly with frequent stuttering and lag. In that case, you may want to consider upgrading your graphics card or RAM, or playing on a different device.

Set up your controller or keyboard and mouse

Fortnite works with a keyboard and mouse, a game controller, or both at the same time. Most players use a keyboard and mouse because building structures (a core part of Fortnite gameplay) is faster and more precise with a keyboard. A controller works fine for casual play, but competitive players almost always switch to keyboard and mouse.

If you are using a controller, plug it in or pair it via Bluetooth before you launch Fortnite. The game will recognize it automatically. If you are using a keyboard and mouse, make sure they are plugged in or paired as well. Once Fortnite launches, you can customize your key bindings in the Settings menu under "Input" to match your preferences.

Launch Fortnite and start your first match

Click the "Launch" button in the Epic Games Launcher. Fortnite will open and ask you to sign in with your Epic Games account (the same one you used to install the game). After you sign in, you will see the main menu with options for Battle Royale, Creative, and Save the World.

Battle Royale is the main game mode: 100 players land on an island, scavenge for weapons and items, and fight until one player or team remains. Creative mode lets you build and explore without combat. Save the World is a paid mode focused on cooperative missions and is not part of the free game.

Click "Battle Royale" to enter the queue. The game will place you in a lobby with other players, and after a short countdown, you will board a flying bus and jump onto the island. Your first few matches will feel chaotic—land in a quiet area away from other players so you can practice moving, looting, and building without being shot at when ready.

Understand the basic controls and gameplay loop

When you land, your goal is to find weapons, shields, and healing items scattered around buildings and in chests. Use your keyboard or controller to move, aim, and shoot. You can also build walls, ramps, and platforms using materials you harvest from trees, rocks, and buildings. Building is what makes Fortnite different from other shooters—it is how you defend yourself and reach high ground.

A shrinking safe zone called the storm forces all remaining players closer together as the match goes on. If you are outside the safe zone when the storm closes, you take damage and will die if you do not reach the zone in time. The last player or team alive wins the match and sees a "Victory Royale" screen.

Your first matches will likely end with you being eliminated. That is normal. Each match teaches you something about the map, the weapons, or how other players move. After a few hours of play, the controls and strategy will feel much more natural.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay money to play Fortnite?

No. Fortnite Battle Royale is completely free to read and play. The game offers cosmetic skins, emotes, and battle passes for purchase, but none of these give you an advantage in combat. You can play and win without spending any money.

What if my PC is too slow or keeps freezing during matches?

Lower your graphics settings in the game menu. Go to Settings, select "Video," and reduce the resolution, frame rate cap, and graphics quality. Start with "Low" or "Medium" settings and test a match. If the game still stutters, lower the settings further. A lower frame rate is better than constant freezing because you can still play and react.

Can I play Fortnite with friends on console or mobile?

Yes. Fortnite supports cross-platform play, so you can squad up with friends on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or mobile devices. You all need to be in the same party through the Epic Games launcher or in-game friends list.

How do I change my keybinds for building?

Open Fortnite and go to Settings, then Input. Scroll to the "Building" section and click on each action (Build Wall, Build Ramp, Build Floor, Build Roof) to reassign the keys. Most players rebind these to keys closer to their movement keys for faster access during combat.

What does the battle pass do?

The battle pass is an optional purchase that gives you weekly challenges and unlocks cosmetic rewards as you complete them. It costs about $10 per season (a season lasts roughly 10 weeks). You do not need it to play or win—it only changes how your character looks and provides cosmetic items.