EpicGamesLauncher.exe

Epic Games Launcher

Application ProcessSafeGame Launcher

CPU Usage

1-8%

Memory

80-200 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Launcher\Portal\Binaries\Win64

Publisher

Epic Games, Inc.

Quick Answer

epicgameslauncher.exe is safe. It's the official Epic Games Launcher that manages your library, downloads, updates, and launches games by running separate processes for core tasks.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Launcher\Portal\Binaries\Win64\EpicGamesLauncher.exe

Warning

Many processes normal

Launcher uses background tasks and per-task processes for updates, library checks, and downloads

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Close the launcher; you can disable startup in Windows or the app's settings; background tasks may run if enabled

What is EpicGamesLauncher.exe?

epicgameslauncher.exe is the executable for the Epic Games Launcher, the desktop app that manages your Epic library, installs and updates games, and launches titles. It runs as the main UI process and several background services that coordinate downloads, patches, cloud saves, and launcher updates.

epicgameslauncher.exe uses a multi-process model: a UI process plus background workers and per-task services that handle downloads, updates, and game launches. This isolation helps stability and keeps the launcher responsive during heavy activities.

Quick Fact: The launcher splits UI, update, and download tasks into separate processes to prevent a single issue from taking down the entire application.

Types of Epic Games Launcher Processes

Launcher UI Process: Main window, library view, and user interactions
Background Service: Handles updates, patch checks, and download management
Download/Install Process: Per-game downloads and installations run in dedicated processes
Cloud Sync Process: Syncs saves and settings with the Epic account
Launcher Helper: Auxiliary tasks like launcher integrity checks
Updater Process: Manages launcher updates and patch delivery

Is epicgameslauncher.exe Safe?

Yes, epicgameslauncher.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Epic Games downloaded from official sources (epicgames.com or via the official installer).

Is epicgameslauncher.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real epicgameslauncher.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself with similar names to trick users.

How to Tell if epicgameslauncher.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Launcher\Portal\Binaries\Win64\EpicGamesLauncher.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Epic Games\Launcher\Portal\Binaries\Win32\EpicGamesLauncher.exe. Any epicgameslauncher.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "Epic Games, Inc.".
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-8% CPU per process and 80-200 MB memory when idle. Unusual spikes or constant high usage is suspicious.
Behavior: Launcher should launch only when you open the Epic Games Launcher or start a game. If it runs without user action, scan for malware.

Red Flags: If epicgameslauncher.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, System32), runs when Windows isn't started, has no digital signature, or uses resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software immediately. Beware of similarly-named files like "epicgameslauncher_crit.exe" or "launcher.exe" from untrusted sources.

Why Is epicgameslauncher.exe Running on My PC?

The Epic Games Launcher runs to manage your library, install updates, start games, and coordinate background tasks like patch delivery and cloud saves. It may stay active to monitor for updates and respond to user actions quickly.

Reasons it's running:

Launching the Launcher: You opened the Epic Games Launcher or started a game through the launcher, which starts the main UI process.
Background Updates: The launcher checks for updates and patches in the background to keep games current.
Library Scans: It scans your installed games to verify integrity and manage downloads or installations.
Active Downloads/Installs: Games being downloaded or installed create separate processes under the launcher umbrella.
Startup or Background Services: If configured, the launcher can run on Windows startup or run background services for quick resume.

Can I Disable or Remove epicgameslauncher.exe?

Yes, you can disable epicgameslauncher.exe. It's safe to close the launcher, and you can disable startup or uninstall it if you prefer another platform.

How to Stop epicgameslauncher.exe

End Individual Tasks: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find Epic Games Launcher tasks, and End Task for the relevant items
Close the Launcher: Click the X button or use Alt+F4 to close the launcher window
Disable Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable Epic Games Launcher
Stop Background Services: In the launcher settings, disable options like 'Start on Windows startup' and 'Run background updates'
Pause Automatic Updates: In Settings > Updates, set updates to manual or pause until you're ready

How to Uninstall Epic Games Launcher

✔ Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > Epic Games Launcher > Uninstall
✔ Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Epic Games Launcher > Uninstall
✔ Optionally remove leftover Epic Games folders under C:\ProgramData\Epic and C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData

Common Problems: Launcher High CPU or Resource Usage

If epicgameslauncher.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Active game downloads or updates: Pause or cancel downloads in the launcher and resume once the system is idle
Background updates: In Settings > Updates, set updates to manual or schedule during off-hours
Library integrity checks: Let the launcher complete checks or verify integrity for problematic games
Outdated launcher: Update to the latest version via the launcher or reinstall if necessary
Disk I/O or slow drive: Free up disk space, defragment (if HDD), or move games to a faster drive
Corrupted cache: Clear the launcher cache: close the launcher, delete cache folders, and reopen

Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager and end heavy Epic Games Launcher tasks
2. Pause all downloads and updates in the launcher
3. Clear launcher cache and restart the launcher
4. Update to the latest launcher version
5. Move launcher or games to a faster drive if possible

Frequently Asked Questions

Is epicgameslauncher.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate epicgameslauncher.exe from Epic Games is not a virus. Verify the path is in C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Launcher\Portal\Binaries\Win64\EpicGamesLauncher.exe and that the digital signature shows Epic Games, Inc.

Why is epicgameslauncher.exe using so much CPU?

High CPU can occur during active downloads, game updates, or library checks. Use Task Manager to identify the exact task and pause or complete the operation, then update the launcher.

Can I delete epicgameslauncher.exe?

You can uninstall the Epic Games Launcher from Windows Settings > Apps. Note that removing the launcher will prevent you from launching games managed by Epic Games unless you reinstall.

Can I disable epicgameslauncher.exe at startup?

Yes. Disable the launcher from Windows Startup or within the launcher settings to stop automatic running at boot. You can still run games by launching them from their folders if needed.

Why does the launcher run on startup?

The launcher may be set to start with Windows to check for updates and keep games ready to install. Disable startup in Task Manager > Startup or in the launcher settings to stop this behavior.

How do I move Epic Games Launcher or games to another drive?

Use the launcher settings to set default install locations for new games and consider moving existing games via the Epic Games tool if supported, otherwise reinstall on the target drive.