How to Clear the Epic Games Launcher Cache

Clearing the Epic Games Launcher cache can help with blank screens, loading problems, sign-in issues, or display glitches. The cache contains temporary data used by the launcher’s web interface; removing it makes the launcher rebuild that data when it starts again. It is not the same as clearing a game’s cache, reinstalling a game, or deleting cloud saves.

Before you begin, make sure you know your Epic Games account sign-in details. You may need to sign in again after clearing the cache. The folder names and navigation can differ slightly between Windows versions, but the steps below apply to the Windows desktop launcher.

What You’ll Need

A Windows PC with the Epic Games Launcher installed
Permission to close the launcher and remove files in your Windows user folder
Your Epic Games account sign-in details, in case the launcher asks you to log in again

Step-by-Step

Save your work and exit games. Close any game running through Epic Games. Let downloads or updates finish if possible; closing the launcher can pause them, and you may need to resume them afterward.
Quit the launcher completely. Click the Epic Games icon in the notification area near the Windows clock, right-click it, and choose Exit if that option is shown. Then check Task Manager: press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, look for Epic Games Launcher processes, select them, and choose End task. Do not end unrelated processes.
Open your local app data folder. Press Windows key + R to open Run. Type %localappdata% and press Enter. This opens the Local folder for your Windows user account without requiring you to find the account name manually.
Find the Epic Games Launcher folder. Open EpicGamesLauncher, then open Saved. The usual path is %localappdata%\EpicGamesLauncher\Saved. If you do not see that folder, confirm that the launcher has been installed and run on this Windows account.
Remove only the web cache folders. Look for folders named webcache, webcache_#### (where the suffix is a number), or similar webcache variants. Select those cache folders and delete them. If Windows asks for confirmation, approve it. Do not delete the entire Saved folder or folders for games.
Reopen Epic Games Launcher. Start it from the Start menu or desktop shortcut and give it time to recreate its temporary files. The first launch may take a little longer. Sign in if prompted, then check whether the original issue has cleared.

Deleting the web cache folders does not uninstall games. It also should not remove game progress, which is usually stored in a game-specific location or synchronized through that game’s cloud-save feature. Still, avoid deleting files outside the named web cache folders.

Common Mistakes

Deleting the wrong folder: The target is the web cache folder or folders inside EpicGamesLauncher\Saved. Deleting the full Saved folder or an installation folder can remove data the launcher needs.
Leaving the launcher running: If its background process is active, Windows may block deletion or the launcher may recreate files before the cleanup is complete. Exit it and check Task Manager first.
Confusing launcher cache with game data: These steps clear the launcher interface cache, not temporary files maintained by an individual game. Game-specific troubleshooting may require that game’s own support instructions.
Expecting a cache clear to fix every problem: It can help with corrupted temporary interface data, but it will not necessarily fix an account outage, network problem, damaged game installation, or graphics driver issue.
Using a third-party cleaner unnecessarily: You can remove the named folders directly in File Explorer. Avoid tools that promise a fix but ask you to delete unfamiliar folders or change system settings.

Tips

Delete only folders whose names clearly begin with webcache. If the names do not match, stop rather than guessing.
If you want a reversible option, move the web cache folders to the Recycle Bin instead of permanently deleting them. Empty the bin later after confirming the launcher works.
Keep your login information available. A cache reset can make the launcher behave like a fresh session and request authentication again.
After reopening, allow the launcher to load fully before deciding the problem remains. It needs to rebuild its cache, and the initial screen can take longer than usual.
If you use a different operating system, do not apply the Windows folder path blindly. Check Epic Games support instructions for the operating system and launcher version you use.

Troubleshooting

The webcache folder is missing

Check that you opened the Local app data folder for the Windows account that runs Epic Games Launcher. Confirm the nested path is EpicGamesLauncher\Saved. If the folder still is not there, launch the Epic Games Launcher once, exit it fully, and check again. Do not create or delete folders at random.

Windows says a file is in use

Exit the launcher from the notification area, then open Task Manager and end any remaining Epic Games Launcher processes. Try deleting the cache folders again. If a file remains locked, restart Windows, do not open the launcher, and repeat the deletion before launching it.

The launcher still has the same problem

Restart the computer and check your internet connection. If the issue is limited to one game, use the launcher’s game-management options to verify that game’s files; menu names may vary slightly by version. If sign-in fails, check that your account credentials are correct and consult Epic Games support rather than repeatedly deleting unrelated files.

The launcher will not start after clearing the cache

Double-check that you removed only the web cache folders. Restart Windows and try again. If the launcher still fails, use Epic Games’ official support guidance for repairing or reinstalling the launcher; do not remove game installation folders unless you intend to uninstall those games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing the Epic Games cache delete my games?

No. Removing the launcher’s web cache folders does not uninstall games. Do not delete the launcher’s installation directory or game folders as part of this procedure.

Will I lose game progress or cloud saves?

These steps target launcher interface files, not game saves. Save locations vary by game, so avoid deleting game-specific folders and check that game’s support guidance if you are troubleshooting progress or saves.

Do I need to clear the cache regularly?

No routine schedule is needed. Try it when the launcher has a display, loading, or sign-in problem that may involve temporary interface data.

Does clearing the cache log me out?

It may. Keep your account sign-in details handy and complete any authentication prompts when the launcher opens.

Can I clear the cache while a game is running?

Close the game and fully exit the launcher first. This avoids files being in use and helps the launcher rebuild its cache cleanly on the next start.

Further reading: Epic Games Player Support. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.