Top 5 Ways to Fix Can’t Uninstall Epic Games Launcher From Windows

Can’t uninstall the Epic Games Launcher from your PC even after making multiple attempts? That can happen if the program is running in the background, if there is interference from third-party apps, or due to corrupted registry files. However, these factors shouldn’t keep you from removing the Epic Games Launcher from Windows.

Top Ways to Fix Can’t Uninstall Epic Games Launcher From Windows

Although Windows makes it easy to uninstall apps or programs you no longer use, there can be times when the process does not go as expected. If you can’t uninstall the Epic Games Launcher or Epic Online Services from your PC, we have listed some potential solutions that will help.

1. Close the Epic Games Launcher Using Task Manager

Windows may have trouble uninstalling a program if it is actively running in the background. If that’s the case, you may see an error message that reads, ‘Epic Games Launcher is currently running.’ To avoid this, you’ll need to stop the Epic Games Launcher from running in the background by following the steps below.

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut to open the Task Manager.

Step 2: In the Processes tab, select EpicGamesLauncher and click the End task button at the top.

Force Close Epic Game Launcher on Windows

After this, try to uninstall the Epic Games Launcher one more time using these steps:

Step 1: Press the Windows + S keyboard shortcut to access the search menu. Type Epic Games Launcher in the text box and select the Uninstall option.

Uninstall Epic Game Launcher From the Start Menu

Step 2: In the Programs and Features window, select the Epic Games Launcher from the list and click the Uninstall option at the top.

Uninstall Epic Game Launcher From the Control Panel

2. Uninstall the Epic Games Launcher Using Command Prompt

On Windows, there are several ways to uninstall apps and programs. So, if the Epic Games Launcher doesn’t uninstall using the Settings app or Control Panel, try using the Command Prompt instead.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Terminal (Admin) from the list.

Open Terminal (Admin) on Windows 11

Step 2: Select Yes when the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears.

Open Terminal UAC Prompt

Step 3: In the console, type wmic and press Enter.

Command Prompt Window

Step 4: Paste the following command and press Enter to uninstall the Epic Games Launcher.

product where name="Epic Games Launcher" call uninstall
Delete Epic Game Launcher via Command Prompt

Step 5: Type Y and press Enter to confirm.

Confirm Delete Epic Game Launcher via Command Prompt

You will see the ‘Method execution successful’ message once the removal process is complete.

3. Remove the Epic Games Launcher From Windows Registry

Another reason why you may have trouble uninstalling programs like Epic Games Launcher is due to corrupt entries in the registry. You can try deleting any registry files associated with the Epic Games Launcher manually to see if that helps.

Since registry files carry important settings for Windows and its apps, it’s a good idea to back up all the registry files before proceeding.

Step 1: Press the Windows + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run dialog box. Type in regedit and press Enter.

Open Registry Editor

Step 2: Select Yes when the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears.

Open Registry UAC Prompt

Step 3: In the Registry Editor window, paste the following path in the address bar at the top and press Enter to quickly navigate to the Uninstall key.

Registry Editor

Step 4: Under the Uninstall key, you will find several subkeys with random numbers and letters. Each subkeys corresponds to an app or program installed on your system. Select each key and check the value next to the DisplayName string in the right pane.

Display Name in Registry Editor

Step 5: After you find the key associated with the Epic Games Launcher, right-click on it and select Delete.

Remove Epic Game Launcher From the Registry Editor

Step 6: Select Yes to confirm.

Delete Epic Game Launcher via the Registry Editor

4. Run the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter

Microsoft offers a Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter that can be helpful in such situations. It can automatically identify and fix any issues that may have been preventing you from uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher from your Windows PC. Here’s how you can use it.

Step 1: Download the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter from Microsoft’s website.

Step 2: Double-click on the troubleshooter file to run it.

Run Program Installer and Uninstaller Troubleshooter

Step 3: Select Yes when the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears.

UAC Prompt

Step 4: Click on Next.

Program Installer and Uninstaller Troubleshooter

Step 5: Select the Uninstalling option.

Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter

Step 6: Select Epic Games Launcher from the list and click Next.

Uninstall Epic Game Launcher Using Troubleshooter

Step 7: Choose the ‘Yes, try uninstall’ option to continue.

Uninstall Epic Game Launcher Using the Troubleshooter

Wait for some time, and the troubleshooter will remove the Epic Games Launcher from your PC.

5. Uninstall the Epic Games Launcher in Safe Mode

If you still can’t uninstall Epic Games Launcher at this point, one of the background processes may be interfering with Windows and causing problems. To avoid this, try uninstalling the program in Safe Mode.

To boot Windows into Safe Mode:

Step 1: Press the Windows + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run dialog box. Type msconfig in the text field and click OK.

Open System Configuration on Windows 11

Step 2: Switch to the Boot tab and tick the checkbox that reads Safe boot.

Safe Mode Configuration

Step 3: Click Apply and then OK.

Safe Mode Configuration on Windows

Step 4: Select the Restart option to boot your PC into Safe Mode.

Restart Windows into Safe Mode

After your PC boots into Safe Mode, uninstall the Epic Games Launcher via the Settings app or Control Panel. Once removed, open the System Configuration tool again, uncheck the Safe boot option, and restart your PC to exit Safe Mode.

Uninstall Your Troubles

It can be frustrating when an app or program refuses to leave your computer. Hopefully, one of the above tips has helped you uninstall Epic Games Launcher from your Windows computer, and you are at peace. As always, let us know which method worked for you in the comments below.

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Last updated on 11 December, 2023

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