How to Change Download Location on Epic Games?

How to Change Download Location on Epic Games?

Here’s how to easily change the download location on Epic Games: To move the install location of a game you haven’t installed yet, you can specify a new directory during the installation process. To move a game you’ve already installed, you need to move the game files manually.

Understanding Download Location Management in Epic Games

The Epic Games Launcher is a popular platform for downloading and playing a wide range of games. By default, the launcher installs games to a predetermined directory on your primary hard drive. However, there are several reasons why you might want to change download location on Epic Games. Perhaps your primary drive is running low on space, or you want to keep your games organized on a separate drive for performance reasons. Whatever the motivation, knowing how to manage download locations can significantly enhance your gaming experience.

Benefits of Changing Download Location

There are several advantages to customizing where Epic Games stores your game files:

• Freeing Up Space: Moving games to a different drive can relieve space constraints on your primary operating system drive.
• Improving Performance: If you have a faster storage device (like an SSD), installing games there can improve loading times and overall performance.
• Better Organization: Keeping games separate from your other files makes it easier to manage your data and back up important information.
• Avoiding Windows Reinstalls: If you are planning to reinstall Windows, keeping your game files on a separate partition or drive saves you having to re-download everything.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Download Location for New Installations

This method applies to games you haven’t yet installed.

1. Open the Epic Games Launcher.
2. Navigate to the Epic Games Store or your library and find the game you want to install.
3. Click on the game to initiate the installation process.
4. Before clicking the “Install” button, look for the “Options” link, or a gear icon which will allow you to customize the installation.
5. Click the “Browse” button next to the installation path.
6. Choose your desired download location (e.g., a different drive or folder).
7. Click “Install.” The game will now download and install to the location you specified.

Step-by-Step Guide to Moving Already Installed Games

This method requires a bit more manual work but is necessary for moving games you’ve already installed.

1. Locate the game’s installation directory. The default location is usually C:Program FilesEpic Games. However, you can verify the installation location by right-clicking on the game in your Epic Games library and selecting “Manage”. This will display the install location.

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2. Close the Epic Games Launcher. Ensure it is completely shut down from the system tray as well.

3. Copy the game folder to your desired new location. Do not cut and paste initially, copy. Make sure the copy completes fully.

4. Rename the original game folder in the original location (e.g., add “_OLD” to the end of the folder name). This allows Epic Games to detect that the game is no longer in its expected location.

5. Open the Epic Games Launcher.

6. Go to your Library and find the game you just moved. The launcher should now recognize that the game is no longer installed and display an “Install” button.

7. Click the “Install” button. On the installation dialog, set the install location to the new location where you copied the files.

8. Verify the installation. The launcher should quickly discover the existing files and verify them, skipping the full download process. It will perform a file integrity check and then complete.

9. Delete the original (renamed) game folder. Once you have verified the game is working correctly in its new location, you can delete the renamed folder in the old location to free up space.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Forgetting to Close the Launcher: Trying to move files while the Epic Games Launcher is running can lead to errors and incomplete installations. Always ensure the launcher is completely closed before making changes.
• Incorrect Installation Path: Specifying the wrong installation path can cause the launcher to redownload the entire game. Double-check the path before starting the installation process.
• Insufficient Disk Space: Make sure you have enough free space on the target drive before moving or installing a game. Check storage requirements before initiating the process.
• Corrupted Game Files: If the game files become corrupted during the copying process, the launcher may not be able to verify the installation. Use reliable file transfer methods and consider verifying the integrity of the files after copying.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems, consider the following:

• Launcher Not Recognizing the Game: Ensure you have correctly set the installation path to the new location in the launcher.
• Download Loop: This often happens when the launcher detects incomplete or corrupted files. Try verifying the game files within the launcher.
• Installation Errors: Check your disk space, internet connection, and firewall settings.
• Restarting the Launcher and/or PC: Often, a simple restart can fix unexpected issues.

Advanced Tips and Considerations

• Using Symbolic Links (Symlinks): For advanced users, symlinks can create a virtual link between the old and new locations, allowing the launcher to think the game is still in its original directory. However, this method requires command-line knowledge and isn’t recommended for beginners.
• Third-Party Tools: While not officially supported, some third-party tools claim to simplify game migration. Use these tools with caution, as they may pose security risks. Always research thoroughly before using any third-party software.
• Backing up Game Files: Before moving or modifying any game files, create a backup to prevent data loss in case something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I change the download location of multiple games at once?

While you can set a default installation location in the Epic Games Launcher settings, you can only specify a new download location on a game-by-game basis before you install it. For already installed games, the manual moving process applies.

What happens if I run out of space during installation?

The installation will be paused and you will receive a notification. You’ll need to free up space on the target drive before continuing. Consider uninstalling other programs or deleting unnecessary files.

Will moving a game affect its save data?

Generally, save data is stored separately from the game files, often in the Documents folder or in the cloud. Moving the game itself should not affect your save progress. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your save data as a precaution.

How do I find the default download location for Epic Games?

The default download location is typically C:Program FilesEpic Games. You can view and modify the default location in the Epic Games Launcher settings under “Settings” -> “General” -> “Default Install Location”.

Is it possible to revert back to the original download location?

Yes, you can repeat the process described above to move the game back to its original location. Make sure to follow the steps carefully to avoid any issues.

Does changing the download location affect game updates?

No, changing the download location should not affect game updates. The Epic Games Launcher will still be able to automatically update your games regardless of their installation directory.

What if the “Install” button doesn’t appear after moving the game files?

Make sure you have completely closed the Epic Games Launcher, renamed the original game folder, and then restarted the launcher. If the “Install” button still doesn’t appear, try clearing the launcher’s cache.

How do I clear the Epic Games Launcher cache?

Close the Epic Games Launcher completely. Then, press Windows Key + R, type %localappdata%, and press Enter. Navigate to the EpicGamesLauncher folder, then Saved, and delete the WebCache folder. Restart the launcher.

Can I install Epic Games on an external hard drive?

Yes, you can install Epic Games and your games on an external hard drive. Just select the external drive as the download location during the installation process. Ensure the external drive is connected when you launch the Epic Games Launcher.

Is there a limit to the number of times I can change the download location?

There is no practical limit to how often you can change download location on Epic Games, but keep in mind the moving and verification process can take some time.

What if I accidentally delete the original game folder before verifying the installation?

In this case, you may need to redownload the entire game. Always verify the installation before deleting the original files.

Why is my game still downloading to the old location even after I changed the setting?

This is likely because you changed the default install location but did not specify a new location for the specific game during the installation process. Ensure you select the correct path for each game you install.