Epic Games error II-E1003 "Install Failed": how to fix it

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Error II-E1003 means the Epic Games Launcher could not download the game files it needs to install a game. Check your connection first, then verify the game files, clear the launcher's webcache and update the launcher. If the install still fails, change DNS, pick another install folder, or reinstall the launcher.

Applies to:Epic Games LauncherWindows (DNS step also described for Mac)
On this page

What it means

When you try to install or download a game, the Epic Games Launcher shows an Install Failed message with the code II-E1003. Epic's help page describes it as the launcher being unable to download the game files that the installation needs.

The page does not name one cause. Network or DNS trouble, a damaged launcher cache, broken game files, a full drive and security software are all possible, and the list below is not ranked by how likely each one is. The fixes go from the quickest and safest to the most disruptive, so work down the list and stop when the install goes through.

Symptoms and causes

You are likely dealing with this problem if:

  • An Install Failed dialog with code II-E1003 appears when you install or download a game in the Epic Games Launcher.
  • The game never finishes installing.

The usual causes, most common first:

Unstable network or DNS problems
If the launcher can't reliably reach the download servers, the files don't arrive and the install fails.
Corrupted launcher cache
Damaged data in the launcher's webcache folder can disrupt downloads and installs.
Corrupted or unverified game files
Files that were partly downloaded or damaged can make the installation fail.
Full or faulty install drive
If the target drive has no free space or has errors, the files can't be written.
Firewall or antivirus interference
Security software may block the install.
Wrong system date and time
An incorrect clock is one of the things worth ruling out.
Epic server problems
Occasionally the problem is on Epic's side and only waiting helps.
Outdated or damaged launcher
An old or corrupted launcher installation can fail to install games.

How to fix it

Work through these in order. They start with the quickest, safest checks and move to deeper repairs; stop as soon as the problem is gone.

1.Run the basic checks

Easy

Network and clock problems are quick to rule out.

  1. Test your internet connection, then restart your modem and router and try the install again.
  2. Check whether Epic's servers are having problems. If they are, wait and retry later.
  3. Make sure your system date, time and time zone are correct.
  4. Close the launcher, right-click it and choose Run as administrator, then retry the install.
  5. If you suspect security software, you can turn off your third-party antivirus or firewall briefly, try the install, and turn it back on immediately afterwards. Do not leave it off.

2.Verify the game files

Easy

This checks the game's files and replaces any that are damaged or incomplete.

  1. Open the Epic Games Launcher and go to Library.
  2. Click the three dots next to the game and choose Manage.
  3. Click Verify and wait for it to finish, then try installing again.

3.Clear the launcher cache

Easy

A damaged webcache can break the launcher's downloads. Epic's help page lists clearing the cache as a fix.

  1. Close the launcher completely and end any Epic Games processes in Task Manager.
  2. Press WinR, type the following and press Enter.
    Text
    %localappdata%
  3. Open the EpicGamesLauncher\Saved\webcache folder.
  4. Delete everything inside the webcache folder (not the folder itself), then start the launcher and retry.

4.Update the Epic Games Launcher

Easy

Epic's help page lists updating the launcher as a fix, and an outdated launcher is easy to rule out.

  1. Close the launcher completely, including any Epic Games processes in Task Manager, then start it again and give it a minute. If an update is available, it should install when the launcher opens.
  2. If it doesn't update, download the current launcher installer from store.epicgames.com/en-US/download and run it. Installing over the existing launcher is enough here.
  3. Retry the game install.

5.Switch to a different DNS server

ModerateChanges settings

If your provider's DNS is slow or unreliable, the launcher can fail to reach the download servers. Epic's help page lists changing DNS as one of its fixes.

Before you start: Note your current DNS settings (or leave them on automatic) so you can switch back if needed.

  1. Open the properties of your active network adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and open the IPv4 settings.
  2. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the addresses of a public DNS service. Take them from that provider's own documentation, since the sources for this article do not give specific addresses.
  3. Save, restart the launcher and try the install again. To undo the change, choose Obtain DNS server address automatically.

6.Install to a different folder or drive

Easy

This rules out a full or faulty install drive.

  1. In the launcher, click Install on the game, then Browse.
  2. Pick a different folder or a drive with plenty of free space.
  3. Click Install again.

7.Reinstall the Epic Games Launcher

ModerateChanges settings

This replaces a damaged launcher installation when updating did not help.

Before you start: Before uninstalling, note which games you have installed and where. What happens to installed games was not confirmed in the sources for this article, so be ready to download them again.

  1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps and uninstall Epic Games Launcher.
  2. Download the current launcher from store.epicgames.com/en-US/download and install it.
  3. Sign in and try the install again.

8.Reset Windows network settings

AdvancedChanges settings

A last resort for network problems you can't pin down.

Before you start: This removes saved network settings such as VPN adapters and Wi-Fi configuration. Make sure you know your Wi-Fi password before you start.

  1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
  2. Click Reset now, let the PC restart, reconnect to your network and retry the install.

Check that it worked

  • The game installs and finishes without the Install Failed dialog.
  • The game appears in your Library with a Launch button.

If it still fails

  • Try again later in case the problem is on Epic's servers.
  • Test the install on a different network, such as a phone hotspot, to separate a network problem from a PC problem.
  • Contact Epic Games support through the official help site and mention error II-E1003 and the steps you tried.
  • If the launcher won't sign in at all, see Epic Games Launcher error AS-202. If the Epic Online Services install fails, see EOS-ERR-1603.

Sources

  1. II-E1003 error: Install FailedOfficial · Epic Games
  2. Fix Epic Games error code II-E1003 · Guiding Tech

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