Epic Games is among the leading game library services in the world along with Steam and several other platforms. Besides distribution, Epic Games is also responsible for some popular E-Sports titles like Fortnite and Rocket League. In today’s world, games can easily reach 100 GB, especially if it contains tons of resources and visual effects. This is also the case for multiplayer online games. Due to this, game updates also increased in size, drastically affecting download speeds. If you are about to play your favorite title, it is quite annoying to be greeted by a 100GB update. However, it is another story if you encounter slow downloads despite having a fast and reliable connection. Sadly, this is the case for several Epic Games users who encounter download issues on the platform. Most of the time, download-related problems on Epic Games are caused by server downtimes and slow network speeds. However, it can also be due to third-party antivirus blocking the launcher’s access to your network or your storage not being able to keep up with data transfers. In this guide, we will show you how to fix slow downloads on Epic Games. Let’s jump right in!
1. Check Epic Games Servers.
When you encounter download issues on Epic Games, the first thing you should do is identify where the problem is coming from. Since you are using an online service, a server-related problem can easily affect your downloads. Luckily, Epic Games has a dedicated status page that you can access anytime to check for issues and downtimes. If the servers are offline, the only option you have is to wait since server-related problems can’t be resolved on your end. On the other hand, you can head to the next solution if there are no issues with the servers.
2. Restart Your Computer.
One of the easiest ways to resolve most issues on any app or platform is to give your device a restart. This should reload your system resources and eliminate temporary problems that cause issues with your apps and games. Follow the steps below to restart your PC: Once done, go back to Epic Games and try downloading your games.
3. Check Your Network Connection.
A slow internet connection is one of the main culprits for slow downloads on any platform. If your internet is not working as it should, then don’t expect to get the most out of your monthly subscription. To confirm if your network is the problem, run a test using Fast.com to measure its upload and download speed. If the result confirms an issue with your network, power cycle your network device to refresh the connection with your ISP’s servers. Disconnect your router from the outlet and wait for 5 to 10 seconds before plugging it back in. Once done, run another test to confirm if the restart worked. If not, contact your provider and ask them to address the issue.
4. Close Other Applications.
There might be some applications running on your computer that consumes bandwidth, explaining the slow download speed. To ensure that all your bandwidth is dedicated to Epic Games, close online applications running in the background. Here’s what you need to do: Once done, try downloading on Epic Games to check if the problem is solved.
5. Update Network Drivers.
Faulty network drivers could also be the reason you encounter slow downloads on Epic Games. To ensure that your drivers are working correctly, update your network drivers to the latest version possible. See the steps below to update your network drivers: Restart your system to apply the changes and see if your download speed improved.
6. Avoid Using Your Computer.
If you are connected to a high-speed network, there’s a good chance that your storage could not keep up with the data transfers provided by your connection. This results in your downloads stopping randomly to allow your storage to process the data. While this won’t usually happen on modern SSDs, it is something worth mentioning. If you notice unusual hangs or lags on your computer while downloading, avoid using it in the meantime until the download is complete.
7. Use A Wired Connection.
While most computers support high-speed wireless connection, nothing can match the stability and performance a trusty LAN cable can provide. If you encounter downloading issues on Epic Games, try connecting to a wired network. On the other hand, you can also try placing your computer near your modem or router to improve wireless reception if using a LAN cable is not possible.
8. Contact Epic Games.
If none of the solutions above worked, the last thing you can do is report the problem to Epic Games. Head to their support page and contact their team to ask for assistance regarding the issue you’re experiencing. When asking for help, make sure to provide all the important information such as account details, your location, and the game you’re downloading. You can also browse the other guides on their page and see if you can find anything useful. That wraps up our guide on how to fix slow downloads on Epic Games. If you have questions, please leave a comment below, and we’ll do our best to answer them. If this guide helped you, please share it. 🙂
