How to fix
Epic Games error code LS-0013
on Windows

I'm encountering error code LS-0013 when trying to launch games through the Epic Games Launcher. It keeps saying the game is running, but nothing opens. I've tried restarting, but it doesn't help. How do I fix this?

Epic Games LS-0013 error is a relatively common issue for Windows users, mostly when trying to play games like Fortnite, Rocket League, or Alan Wake via the Epic Games Launcher. The error tends to indicate that the game failed to load due to a conflict or an absent piece, sometimes followed by an annotation that the game is already running, even if it is not.

Mostly, LS-0013 occurs when files for the game are corrupted or do not exist. The issue has also been experienced by users when the game's executable is blocked by the antivirus program or while running software overlays like GeForce Experience or Discord. It can also be caused if launch permissions are being limited, particularly when the game or the launcher is not run with admin privileges.

There were a lot of reports regarding LS-0013 affecting games after a large update to either Windows or the Epic Games Launcher itself. The error has also been discovered initiated after modifying installation directories or executing third-party performance optimizers. In the past, similar problems have been resolved by players validating game files, reinstalling affected pieces like Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables, or modifying compatibility settings for the game.

Since the permanent cause of LS-0013 is unlikely to be consistent, simplifying it into something particular could require some trial and error. Once it gets tiresome or confusing, using a professional PC repairer like [d1] makes the task easy by automatically finding broken dependencies, correcting permission issues, and restoring important elements, including gaming setups.

Fix 1. Verify game files

Corrupted or missing game files are a common reason for error code LS-0013. Verifying the integrity of the files ensures that any damaged or incomplete data is repaired through the Epic Games Launcher.

• Open Epic Games and go to your Library.
• Locate the game you are having trouble with.
• Right-click on the game and select Manage.
• At the top, click Verify and wait.
• Try playing the game again.

Fix 2. Run the launcher as an administrator

Lack of proper permissions can prevent games from launching and result in LS-0013 errors. Running the Epic Games Launcher with administrative rights can bypass these restrictions.

• Locate the Epic Games Launcher shortcut on the desktop (of the EXE file in the installation folder).
• Right-click and choose Properties from the context menu.
• Navigate to the Compatibility tab.
• Tick the box for Run this program as an administrator.
• Click Apply, then OK.
• Open Epic Games Launcher to check if the issue is resolved.

Fix 3. Clear Epic Games Launcher cache

Epic Games, like any other program, generates cached files, which might occasionally become corrupted. To address this, you can clear caches as follows:

• Close the Epic Games Launcher if it's open.
• Press the Windows key and type %localappdata% and press Enter.
• Locate the Epic Games Launcher folder and open it.
• Go to the Saved folder.
• Here, delete the following:
  webcache_4147
  webcache_4430
• Restart the Epic Games Launcher.

Fix 4. Check for antivirus interference/run Clean Boot

Some antivirus programs falsely detect game executables as threats and block them. Temporarily disabling security software may help identify if it's the cause.

• Open your antivirus software and disable it - check if the problem is gone.
• If the error persists, run a Clean Boot to identify the app causing conflicts:
• Type msconfig in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Go to the Services tab and tick the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox.
• Select Disable all.
• Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
• Here, right-click on each of the non-Windows entries and select Disable.
• Close down the Task Manager.
• Go to the Boot tab and tick the Safe Boot option.
• Restart your computer and check if the problem is resolved.

Fix 5. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables

Games often rely on Visual C++ components. If these are missing or broken, it can lead to launch issues. Reinstalling them ensures the game has the required runtime environment.

• Launch the Control Panel and open Programs > Uninstall a program.
  Here, scroll down and check the list of installed versions of Visual C++.
  Open any browser and head over to the official Microsoft Visual C++ download page.
• Download and install all the missing versions of Visual Studio (note: if you are using a 64-bit system, install both x86.exe and x64.exe files)
• Restart your PC and check whether the problem is resolved.
• If not, try reinstalling each of the following components:
  Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package (x86)
  Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2012
  Visual C++ Redistributable Packages for Visual Studio 2013
  Visual C++ Redistributable Packages for Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022.
• Restart your PC when done.

Fix 6. Use compatibility mode

Some games may not fully align with your system configuration and throw an error during launch. Running the game in compatibility mode can resolve these issues.

• Right-click on the application shortcut or executable file.
• Go to Properties and select the Compatibility tab.
• Check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for and choose an older version of Windows from the dropdown menu.
• Click Apply and OK, then launch the application.

Fix 7. Reinstall the game

If none of the above steps work, the installation itself might be faulty. Reinstalling the game removes corrupted data that could be causing the LS-0013 error.

• Open the Start menu and go to Settings.
• Click on Apps/Installed apps.
• Find the affected game (e.g., Hades) in the list.
• Click on the game and select Uninstall/pick three dots > Uninstall.
• Follow the prompts to uninstall the game.
• Restart your computer.
• Reinstall the game from the official source.