5 Ways to Fix the “Epic Games Launcher Setup Wizard Ended Prematurely” Error

Many players install Epic Games to play Fortnite and for its free game offers. However, an Epic Games Launcher Setup Wizard installation error occurs for some users when they try to install or reinstall Epic Games. For example, a user said this about that error, “This is the first time I am downloading the Epic Games Launcher for my PC, but every time I try to install it, it gives me the message, ‘Epic Games Launcher Setup Wizard ended prematurely.”” This is how you can fix the “Epic Games Launcher Setup Wizard ended prematurely” error.

Run the Epic Games Installer With Task Manager

Many players confirm they’ve resolved the “Epic Games Launcher Setup Wizard ended prematurely” error by running the setup file for Epic Games via Task Manager with administrator privileges enabled. Doing this will grant the installer the necessary rights to install Epic Games. So, try running Epic Games Launcher with Task Manager like this:

1. Right-click any empty part of your taskbar to select the Task Manager shortcut.
2. Open the Processes tab by selecting it.
3. Click on Run this new task.
4. Select the Browse option.
   
   

   The Create new task dialog

5. First, select All files inside the drop-down menu.
   
   

   The All Files option

6. Open the folder that includes the downloaded Epic Games installer file.
7. Select the EpicInstaller file and click Open.
8. Click the Create this task with administrative privileges checkbox to select that option.
9. Press OK to run the installer file.

Install the Epic Games Launcher Via the Microsoft Store

The official Epic fix, which players confirm to work, for the “Epic Games Launcher Setup Wizard ended prematurely” error is to install the Epic Games Store app via the Microsoft Store. You don’t need a setup file to install the Epic Games MS Store app. This is how you can install the Epic Games MS Store app:

1. First, open the Microsoft Store by clicking its shortcut on the taskbar or Start Menu.
2. Type Epic Games Store in the search box and select the matching result.
   
   

   The Epic Games Store app

3. Click on Install to get the Epic app.

Install .NET Framework 4.8

NET Framework 4.8 is a module feature that needs to be enabled on your PC to install the Epic Games desktop software. Check if that feature is installed, and enable it if it isn’t. You can install .NET Framework 4.8 like this:

1. First, click the search box (or its icon) on the Windows 11/10 taskbar.
2. Next, enter Windows features in the search box.
3. Select the Turn Windows features on or off search result.
4. Now select the .NET Framework 4.8 checkbox if that feature isn’t enabled.
   
   

   The .NET Framework 4.8 checkbox

5. Click OK to proceed with the installation of the feature.

Delete Old, Leftover Epic Games Folders

If the “Epic Games Launcher Setup Wizard ended prematurely” error occurs when trying to reinstall the software, rather than a fresh install, try deleting leftover Epic Games folders. Some players confirm erasing leftover Epic folders can resolve this gaming issue. This is how you can erase old Epic Games folders:

1. Open Program Files (x86) in File Explorer.
2. Right-click the Epic Games folder to select Delete.
   
   

   The Epic Games folder

3. Next, open the Program Files directory.
4. Click the Epic Games folder with the right mouse button to select Delete.
5. Press the Install on Windows button on this Epic page.
6. Then, double-click the downloaded EpicInstaller MSI file to try installing again.

Disable Fast Startup

The fast startup feature in Windows is a potential cause for the “Epic Games Launcher Setup Wizard ended prematurely” error because it can generate installation conflicts when enabled. If fast startup is enabled, try turning off that feature like this:

1. Activate the Windows 11/10 Run accessory by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting its shortcut.
2. Enter powercfg.cpl into Run and click OK.
3. Then, click the Choose what the power buttons do navigation option.
   
   

   The Power Options applet

4. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable to access options.
5. Unselect the Turn on fast startup (recommended) checkbox.
   
   

   The Turn on the fast startup checkbox

6. Then, select Power > Restart from the Start menu.

The troubleshooting methods covered here have resolved the “Epic Games Launcher Setup Wizard ended prematurely” error for many users. There’s a good likelihood one of those potential resolutions will fix that Epic installation issue on your PC. If those resolutions aren’t enough, try asking the Epic support service for more potential fixes as instructed on this help page.