Fixing Fortnite's 'Checking for Updates' Error on Windows 10/11

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Fortnite, the popular battle royale game developed by Epic Games, has attracted millions of players worldwide. However, some users find themselves facing frustrating errors, particularly the "checking for updates" message, preventing them from diving into the game. This article aims to provide insight into what causes this error and outlines potential solutions specifically for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users.

Understanding the "Checking for Updates" Error​

The "checking for updates" error has become a common complaint among Fortnite players. Many players have expressed their frustrations on forums and social media, unsure if it's an issue with the game itself, their gaming console, or their internet connection. Such uncertainties can create a lot of hassle, especially when you're eager to jump into a match. But fear not! Below, we explore several methods to troubleshoot and potentially fix this error, ensuring your gaming experience returns to normal as quickly as possible.

1. Check the Server Status for Epic Games​

Before diving into more complex solutions, it's essential to check if the problem lies on Epic Games' end. Server outages or issues can frequently cause connection problems and update errors. You can verify the server status on the official Epic Games Status page. If the status indicates that there are issues with servers, it's best to wait until they're resolved.

2. Restart Your Router/Modem​

Sometimes, the error can stem from connectivity issues that can be resolved with a simple restart of your network hardware:
  • Unplug your router/modem from the power source.
  • Wait for about 15-30 seconds.
  • Plug it back in and allow the device to reboot fully. A fresh connection often helps in resolving temporary glitches that might be causing the Fortnite game to hang on the checking for updates screen.

3. Change Your DNS Server​

Your Domain Name System (DNS) settings could be impacting your connectivity to Epic Games’ servers. Switching to a public DNS, such as Google's, can sometimes resolve these issues:
  • Right-click the Windows logo on your taskbar and select Run.
  • Type ncpa.cpl and hit OK.
  • Right-click on your active internet connection and select Properties.
  • Choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties.
  • Select the Use the following DNS server addresses option.
  • In the Preferred DNS server, type 8.8.8.8.
  • In the Alternative DNS server, type 8.8.4.4.
  • Click OK to apply the changes. Restart your computer and try launching Fortnite again.

4. Reset Winsock and Clear the DNS Cache​

Issues related to a corrupt Winsock catalog or DNS cache can lead to connectivity problems. Here’s how to reset them:
  • Press Windows + S to open the search box and type cmd.
  • Right-click on the Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
  • Enter the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
  • netsh winsock reset
  • ipconfig /flushdns After executing these commands, restart your PC and try launching Fortnite.

5. Run Epic Games With Administrative Rights​

Sometimes, permissions issues can hinder the proper functioning of programs like Epic Games Launcher. To run it with administrative rights:
  • Right-click on the Epic Games Launcher shortcut on your desktop and select Properties.
  • Navigate to the Compatibility tab.
  • Check the box that says Run this program as an administrator.
  • Click Apply and then OK. Now, try launching Fortnite again.

6. Reset Proxy Settings​

Proxy settings can also interfere with your internet connection and affect how applications like Fortnite connect to the internet. Here’s how to reset your proxy settings:
  • Still in the Command Prompt, enter the following command:
  • netsh winhttp reset proxy
  • Hit Enter to execute the command. After resetting the proxy settings, restart your PC and try running Fortnite once again.

Conclusion​

If you've tried the solutions above and are still struggling with the "checking for updates" error, it may be worth contacting Epic Games support directly. They could provide further assistance or identify server-side issues not yet apparent to end-users. Maintaining a stable and reliable internet connection is crucial for enjoying online games like Fortnite. Hence, regularly monitoring your network setup and ensuring your hardware is functioning properly is advisable. These potential fixes should help you get back to gaming without interruption. Remember, while some of these solutions might seem straightforward, they can have a significant impact on your gaming experience. For more detailed guides and troubleshooting tips, keep an eye on forums like WindowsForum.com where gamers share their experiences and solutions. Finally, should the problem persist, or if you encounter other issues, consider referring to Epic Games’ help service for potentially more personalized guidance. For additional information regarding the original guide, check out KeenGamer's article 6 Ways to Fix the Fortnite "Checking for Updates" Error on a Windows PC.
 
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Are you getting stuck before the Fortnite Battle Bus even takes off? Encountering the dreaded “Entry Point Not Found” error can feel like hitting a brick wall just when you’re ready to jump into action. But fear not, Windows gamers! This article outlines tried-and-true ways to troubleshoot and fix the “Entry Point Not Found” issue on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC. From basic file cleanup to system-level repairs, we've got every angle covered. So, buckle up, and let’s get your game back on track.

What is the Fortnite "Entry Point Not Found" Error?​

Before diving into the fixes, let’s take a moment to understand what’s causing this mess. When Fortnite displays this error, it means the game is unable to locate a critical function or resource it needs during startup. Typically, the error message might read something like:
FortniteClient.exe-Win64-Shipping.exe – Entry Point Not Found: Exception Processing Message 0xc0000139 Parameters
Sounds cryptic, right? In simple terms, this issue often boils down to one of the following:
  • Missing or corrupted game files.
  • Issues with dependencies like Microsoft Visual C++ libraries.
  • Problems with supporting software (like Easy Anti-Cheat).
  • Incompatibilities due to outdated Windows versions or corrupted installations.
The good news? For every cause, there’s a corresponding fix. Let’s get into it.

1. Delete the Binaries Folders and Verify Game Files​

The Binaries folders in Fortnite hold essential executable files responsible for running the game. Unfortunately, if something in these folders gets corrupted, your game might stop launching.

Steps to Fix:​

  • Open File Explorer and navigate to:
    C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite\FortniteGame
  • Locate and delete the Binaries folder.
  • Next, go to:
    C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite\Engine
  • Delete the Binaries folder here as well.
Now that you’ve deleted the problematic files, it’s time to let the Epic Games launcher do the heavy lifting.
  • Open the Epic Games Launcher.
  • Go to Library and locate Fortnite.
  • Click on the ellipsis (...) next to the game and select Verify.
  • This process will scan your Fortnite installation for any missing or corrupted files and replace them automatically.
If your issue was tied to corrupted executables, this should do the trick.

2. Repair the Easy Anti-Cheat Software​

Fortnite relies on Easy Anti-Cheat to keep the game fair and free of hackers. However, sometimes this very software ends up causing issues. Good news: repairing Easy Anti-Cheat is super simple.

Steps to Fix:​

  • Open File Explorer and navigate to:
    C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite\FortniteGame\Binaries\Win64\EasyAntiCheat.
  • Locate the file named EasyAntiCheat_Setup.exe.
  • Right-click on it and select Run as Administrator.
  • When the Easy Anti-Cheat Service window pops up, make sure Fortnite is selected in the dropdown, then click Repair Service.
Once done, restart your PC and try launching Fortnite again.

3. Repair or Reinstall the Visual C++ Redistributable Package​

Fortnite runs on the Visual C++ Redistributable libraries, which provide essential instructions for running high-performance games. If these libraries are damaged, Fortnite has no choice but to throw the "Entry Point Not Found" tantrum.

Steps to Fix:​

  • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter to open Programs and Features.
  • Scroll through the list and find the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable entries.
  • Right-click on the latest one (if you have multiple versions, focus on the most recent) and select Change.
  • In the popup window, click Repair.
If the repair doesn’t work, you might need to reinstall the runtime package:
  • Visit Microsoft’s official website and download the latest version of the Visual C++ Redistributable Package. Install it, then restart your system.

4. Keep Your Windows Updated​

It’s no secret that Windows updates are a double-edged sword—some solve more problems than they cause, while others do the opposite. But in the case of dependency errors like this, an outdated OS could be the villain. Many players have resolved the "Entry Point Not Found" error simply by installing the latest patches.

Steps to Fix:​

  • Press Win + I to open Settings.
  • Navigate to Windows Update > Check for Updates.
  • If updates are available, hit Download and Install.
  • Once Windows updates are installed, restart your PC.
Windows updates often include patches for popular software libraries and game-related bugs, so this is always worth a shot.

5. Reinstall Fortnite​

If all else fails, don’t underestimate the power of a clean slate. Reinstalling Fortnite will eliminate broken configurations and files, giving you a fresh start.

Steps to Fix:​

  • Open the Epic Games Launcher and head to Library.
  • Find Fortnite, click the ellipsis (...), and choose Uninstall.
  • Confirm the uninstall prompt to remove the game completely.
  • Once uninstalled, click the Install button in the Epic Games Launcher to reinstall Fortnite.
This step will also install fresh copies of dependencies like Easy Anti-Cheat, which can resolve deeper issues.

Recap: Which Fix Works Best?​

  • Start with Deleting Binaries and Verifying Game Files (most commonly effective).
  • If that fails, repair Easy Anti-Cheat and Visual C++ Redistributable packages.
  • Don’t shy away from updating Windows—it’s quick and simple.
  • Finally, go for the nuclear option—reinstall Fortnite.
One of these steps should rescue you from the “Entry Point Not Found” error, letting you reclaim your spot on the Battle Bus.

Additional Tips and Tricks​

Got a specific error code or variation? Keep a log of what happens after trying each fix. This not only narrows the issue down but can also help Epic Games Support assist you faster should you need to raise a support ticket.
And while you’re at it, always consider maintaining clean system performance by:
  • Running antivirus scans to detect malware.
  • Keeping your Epic Games Launcher and GPU drivers up to date.
  • Avoiding software conflicts by closing unnecessary background tasks while gaming.

Final Thoughts​

Errors like “Entry Point Not Found” are frustrating, but as we’ve seen, they’re not insurmountable. With these step-by-step solutions, you can troubleshoot the issue and get back into Fortnite in no time. Don't let tech hiccups stop you from earning that Victory Royale!
Let’s hear from you! What fix worked for your setup? Got additional tricks, or did you stumble upon other solutions? Share your thoughts on the forum—because every gamer deserves a lag-free, error-free experience!

Source: KeenGamer 5 Ways to Fix the Fortnite “Entry Point Not Found” Error on a Windows PC
 
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