The error message “Preparing the Epic Games Launcher”. seems whenever you strive to begin the Epic Games Launcher. This message signifies that the launcher is trying to initialize and skim its manifests and configuration information however can not accurately parse or load them due to corrupted or outdated knowledge.

This often happens when a .merchandise file inside the manifests folder has its InstallSize worth set to 0. Additionally, leftover information from earlier installations or interference from antivirus software program can even trigger this concern.

Now that the causes are clear, listed below are a number of confirmed options which have helped many customers. Follow each fastidiously to resolve the downside.

1. Change the InstallSize Value in the Manifests Files

Each manifest file in the manifests folder accommodates an InstallSize worth that tells the launcher how giant a recreation’s set up dimension is. If this worth is about to 0 or the file turns into corrupted, the Epic Games Launcher will fail to begin. Editing these information by altering the InstallSize worth to 100 or one other legitimate non-zero quantity can right the defective knowledge and permit the launcher to operate correctly.

1. Completely shut the Epic Games Launcher utilizing the Task Manager.
2. Press Win + R and enter (substitute C: with the drive the place Epic Games is put in):

   C:ProgramDataEpicEpicGamesLauncherKnowledgeManifests

   

3. Right-click a .merchandise file and open it with Notepad.
4. Search inside the file for InstallSize.
5. Change the worth to 100.
6. Save the file and shut Notepad.
7. Repeat this course of for all different manifest information in the folder.
8. After ending, relaunch the Epic Games Launcher and verify if it opens usually.

2. Delete the Manifests Folder of the Epic Games Launcher

Every recreation launcher makes use of a manifests folder to retailer knowledge akin to file dimension, location, and model. If any of those information turn into corrupted or comprise invalid knowledge, the launcher can not learn them correctly, which leads to startup errors. Deleting the complete manifests folder forces the Epic Games Launcher to recreate it with recent and correct knowledge on the subsequent startup.

1. Completely shut the Epic Games Launcher utilizing the Task Manager.
2. Press Win + R and enter (substitute C: with the drive the place Epic Games is put in):

   C:ProgramDataEpicEpicGamesLauncherKnowledge

   

3. Find the folder named Manifests, right-click it, and choose Delete.
4. Reopen the Epic Games Launcher and see if it begins accurately.

3. Uninstall Epic Games Completely and Reinstall It

Over time, cached knowledge and configuration information can turn into corrupted or outdated, stopping the launcher from functioning correctly. Performing an entire uninstall and reinstall removes all broken information and forces the launcher to recreate new, clear information, dependencies, and registry entries.

1. Uninstall the Epic Games Launcher by urgent Win + R and typing:

   appwiz.cpl

   

2. Find Epic Games Launcher in the checklist, right-click it, and choose Uninstall.
3. After uninstalling, delete any leftover information by urgent Win + R and typing:

   %localappdata%

   

4. Locate and delete the Epic Games and EpicGamesLauncher folders.
5. Go to your C: drive, allow Hidden gadgets in the View settings, and open the ProgramData folder.
6. Find the Epic folder and delete it fully.
7. Once all residual information are eliminated, obtain the newest model of the launcher from the official Epic Games web site and reinstall it.