where do epic games install

HaC 2025

3 min read 18-03-2025

Meta Description: Discover the default and customizable installation locations for Epic Games Launcher and its games on Windows, macOS, and other platforms. Learn how to change your install directory and troubleshoot common issues. This comprehensive guide ensures smooth installation and management of your Epic Games library.

The Epic Games Store has become a major player in the PC gaming world, offering a vast library of titles. But where exactly do those games end up on your computer? Knowing the installation location is crucial for managing your game library, troubleshooting problems, and maximizing your storage space. This guide will cover the default and customizable installation locations for the Epic Games Launcher and its games across different operating systems.

Default Epic Games Installation Locations

The default installation path varies depending on your operating system:

Windows

Epic Games Launcher: C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Launcher (or C:\Program Files (x86)\Epic Games\Launcher on 32-bit systems). This is where the launcher itself resides.
Installed Games: By default, games installed through the Epic Games Launcher will be placed in C:\Program Files\Epic Games. Each game gets its own subfolder within this directory.

macOS

Epic Games Launcher: /Applications/Epic Games Launcher.app
Installed Games: The default location for games on macOS is /Users/[Your Username]/Library/Application Support/Epic/EpicGamesLauncher. Note that the Library folder is hidden by default. You may need to show hidden files in Finder to locate it.

How to Change Your Epic Games Installation Directory

While the default locations are convenient, you might want to change them to manage storage space better, or install games on a secondary drive. Fortunately, Epic Games Launcher allows you to customize this.

Step-by-Step Guide (Windows & macOS):

Open the Epic Games Launcher: Launch the application.
Access Settings: Look for a gear or settings icon (usually in the upper right corner).
Navigate to Install Location: Find the section related to installations, downloads or library settings. The exact wording may vary slightly with Launcher updates.
Change Directory: Choose the option to change your install location. This will usually open a file browser.
Select New Location: Browse to your desired folder (e.g., a different drive or partition) and select it. Remember to create the folder if it doesn't exist.
Confirm: Save your changes. The Launcher will now install future games to your new location. Note that changing the location won't automatically move existing games. You would need to uninstall and reinstall them.

Troubleshooting Installation Issues

If you encounter problems installing games through the Epic Games Launcher:

Check your Hard Drive Space: Ensure you have enough free space on your selected drive. Games can be quite large.
Permissions: Verify that you have the necessary permissions to write to the chosen directory.
Antivirus Software: Temporarily disable your antivirus software to rule out any interference.
Reinstall the Launcher: If problems persist, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Epic Games Launcher.
Contact Epic Games Support: If you've tried the above steps and are still having issues, contact Epic Games support for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I install games to an external hard drive?

A: Yes, absolutely! Simply choose the external drive's directory when changing your installation location. Make sure it's properly connected and formatted.

Q: What happens to my existing games if I change the install location?

A: Changing the installation directory only affects future installations. Your already installed games will remain in their current location.

Q: My Library folder is hidden; how do I show it?

A: (macOS) In Finder, go to “Go” in the menu bar, then hold down the “Option” key. The “Library” folder will appear in the menu. Select it.

This comprehensive guide should help you understand and manage your Epic Games installations. Remember to always back up your important game data!