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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.
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.
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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