If you’re trying to install the Epic Games Launcher but encountering the dreaded “Setup Wizard ended prematurely” error, don’t worry! This guide will walk you through several solutions to fix the issue and get the launcher up and running.
Why Does This Error Occur?
The primary reason for this error is a bloated Windows installation. Your system may be holding onto unnecessary cached data, or it might have permission-related issues preventing a successful installation.
Step-by-Step Fixes
1. Disable Fast Startup
Fast Startup can cause your Windows session to retain old system data, which may interfere with the Epic Games Launcher installation. Here’s how to disable it:
Open the Power Options settings.
Click on “Choose what the power buttons do.”
Click on “Change settings that are currently unavailable.”
Uncheck “Turn on fast startup.”
Save changes and restart your PC.
After restarting, try running the Epic Games Launcher installer again.
2. Remove Previous Installations
If you had the Epic Games Launcher installed before, remnants of the old installation could be causing conflicts. Follow these steps to fully uninstall it:
Open Settings > Apps and locate Epic Games Launcher.
Uninstall both Epic Games Launcher and Epic Games Services.
Navigate to C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86) and delete any remaining Epic Games folders.
Restart your computer and attempt the installation again.
For a thorough cleanup, use a third-party uninstaller like Revo Uninstaller to remove all leftover files.
3. Install from the Microsoft Store
Instead of downloading the installer from Epic Games’ official website, try installing it via the Microsoft Store:
Open Microsoft Store.
Search for Epic Games Launcher.
Download and install from there.
If you’re prompted to download an .exe file instead of an .msi, don’t worry—it simply redirects you to install from the Microsoft Store.
4. Run the Installer as Administrator
By default, Windows does not provide an option to run .msi files as an administrator, so follow these steps:
Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and open Task Manager.
Click File > Run new task.
In the Create new task window, browse to the Epic Games Launcher installer file.
Check the box “Create this task with administrative privileges.”
Click OK to run the installer.
5. Fix Internet Connection Issues
If the error persists, the installer might be failing due to network issues. To fix this:
Reset your network settings:
Open Settings > Network & Internet.
Click Network reset, then restart your PC.
Use a VPN:
Some users have reported that using a VPN allows the installer to reach Epic Games’ servers.
Install a VPN, connect to a different region, and retry the installation.
Use Mobile Data:
If you have a mobile data plan, try tethering your phone’s internet to your PC during installation.
Once the installation is complete, switch back to your regular internet connection.
Conclusion
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the “Setup Wizard ended prematurely” error and successfully install the Epic Games Launcher. If you’re still facing issues, consider reaching out to Epic Games Support for further assistance. Happy gaming!