Fortnite is available as a free download for PC through the official Epic Games website. There is no Steam version and no third-party installer required — everything runs through the Epic Games Launcher, which is itself free and takes only a couple of minutes to set up. This guide walks you through every step, from opening your browser to landing your first game.
What you need before you start
Before downloading, make sure your PC meets the basic requirements. Fortnite officially supports Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit). Your machine should have at least an Intel Core i5-7300U or equivalent CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and a DirectX 11 compatible GPU with 4 GB of VRAM. You will also need around 30 GB of free disk space for the game files, and a stable internet connection for the initial download.
How to download Fortnite for PC
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Step 1: Go to the official Fortnite page on epicgames.com
Open any web browser and navigate to epicgames.com/fortnite. This is the only official source for Fortnite on PC. Avoid third-party download sites — they are not associated with Epic Games and may distribute unsafe files. The official page will show a prominent Download button at the top of the page.
Head to the official Epic Games Fortnite page and click the Download button. -
Step 2: Sign in or create a free Epic Games account
Fortnite requires a free Epic Games account. If you already have one — perhaps from a previous game or the Epic Games Store — sign in with your existing credentials. If not, click Sign Up and fill in your email address, display name, and password. Account creation is free and takes under a minute. You can also sign up using an existing Google, Apple, PlayStation, or Xbox account for convenience.
A free Epic Games account is required — sign up with your email or link an existing social account. -
Step 3: Download the Epic Games Launcher
After clicking the download link on the Fortnite page, your browser will save a small installer file — usually named EpicInstaller.msi — to your Downloads folder. This file is the Epic Games Launcher setup package, not Fortnite itself. The installer is roughly 60 MB, so the download completes quickly even on a slower connection. Check the file is from the official Epic Games domain before running it.
Click Download Launcher to save the EpicInstaller.msi file — it is only about 60 MB. -
Step 4: Run the installer
Open your Downloads folder and double-click EpicInstaller.msi. Windows may display a User Account Control prompt asking whether you want to allow the app to make changes — click Yes to continue. The setup wizard is straightforward: click Install and the launcher will be set up automatically. The process usually takes less than two minutes. Once it finishes, the Epic Games Launcher opens on its own.
Double-click the .msi file, approve the UAC prompt, and click Install — it is done in under two minutes. -
Step 5: Find Fortnite in the launcher and click Install
The Epic Games Launcher opens to its home screen. Use the search bar at the top and type Fortnite, or simply look for it on the home page — it is usually featured prominently. Click the Fortnite tile to open its page, then press the blue Install button. The launcher will ask you to choose an install folder (the default is fine) and then begin downloading the full game. Fortnite is approximately 29–30 GB, so download time depends on your connection speed.
Search for Fortnite in the Epic Games Launcher, then click INSTALL — it is completely free. -
Step 6: Launch Fortnite and drop in
Once the download and any initial patch installs are complete, the Install button changes to Launch. Click it to start the game. Fortnite will open, you will be prompted to log in with your Epic account (if not already signed in automatically), and you will land on the game's main menu. From there, select Battle Royale or another available mode, queue for a match, and board the Battle Bus for your first drop.
When the download finishes, click Launch — you are ready to play Fortnite on PC.
Tips for a smooth install
- Check disk space first. The game needs around 30 GB. If your C: drive is tight, choose a secondary drive during install by clicking the folder icon before you confirm the install location.
- Use a wired connection if possible. A 30 GB download over Wi-Fi can be interrupted by signal drops. An Ethernet cable keeps the download steady.
- Keep the launcher open. The download only continues while the Epic Games Launcher is running. If you close the launcher, the download pauses and resumes next time you open it.
- Enable two-factor authentication. Epic Games strongly recommends enabling 2FA on your account, and it also unlocks a free in-game reward. You can set it up under Account Settings on the Epic Games website.
Troubleshooting common issues
The download stops at a certain percentage
This usually means a temporary connection issue or a server hiccup. Close the launcher, wait a minute, then reopen it — it will pick up where it left off. If the issue persists, go to Settings in the launcher and try changing the download throttle to unlimited.
The launcher says Fortnite failed to install
Check that your antivirus software is not blocking the Epic Games Launcher. Some security suites flag the launcher's background processes. Add an exception for the Epic Games folder (typically C:\Program Files\Epic Games) and retry the install.
I get an error saying my PC does not meet the requirements
Confirm that your Windows installation is 64-bit (Settings → System → About) and that your graphics drivers are up to date. Fortnite also requires DirectX 11 or higher, which can be updated through Windows Update.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fortnite free to download on PC?
Yes. Fortnite is completely free to download and the Battle Royale mode costs nothing to play. There are optional cosmetic purchases available in the in-game shop, but they are never required to play.
Do I need Steam to download Fortnite on PC?
No. Fortnite is not available on Steam. It is distributed exclusively through the Epic Games Launcher, which you download from epicgames.com.
How large is the Fortnite download on PC?
The full Fortnite installation is roughly 29 to 30 GB. Epic Games periodically releases updates that add a few hundred MB to a few GB, so plan for slightly more space over time.
Can I install Fortnite without creating an Epic Games account?
No. An Epic Games account is required to launch the game. Creating one is free and only takes a minute; you can also link an existing Google, Apple, PlayStation, or Xbox account.
Does Fortnite run on Windows 11?
Yes. Fortnite is fully supported on Windows 11 and on Windows 10 (64-bit). The install process is identical on both versions of Windows.
Ready to play
Downloading Fortnite for PC takes just a few steps: visit epicgames.com, grab the free Epic Games Launcher, install the launcher, find Fortnite inside it, and hit Install. The whole process from browser to game takes around 5 minutes of active work — the rest is just waiting for the 30 GB download to finish. Once it is done, create a squad, board the Battle Bus, and enjoy one of the most-played games on PC.
