Slow download speeds on the Epic Games Launcher can be frustrating. Many users report speeds significantly slower than their internet bandwidth allows. This guide outlines a two-step solution that may help resolve this issue and get your games downloading faster.
Tweaking Engine.ini File Settings
The first step involves modifying the Engine.ini configuration file within the Epic Games Launcher directory. This file controls various engine settings, including network parameters. By adjusting specific timeout and chunk download settings, you can potentially improve download performance.
Locate your Engine.ini file in the following directory: %localappdata%\EpicGamesLauncher\Saved\Config\Windows. If the file is empty, that’s fine. If not, don’t delete existing entries. Simply add the following lines to the end of the file:
[HTTP]
HttpTimeout=10
HttpConnectionTimeout=10
HttpReceiveTimeout=10
HttpSendTimeout=10
[Portal.BuildPatch]
ChunkDownloads=3
ChunkRetries=20
RetryTime=0.5These settings modify HTTP timeouts and how the launcher handles download chunks. Shorter timeouts can prevent the launcher from getting stuck waiting for a response, while adjusting chunk settings can optimize the download process. After saving these changes, restart the Epic Games Launcher.
Enabling and Setting Download Throttling
While it may seem counterintuitive, the second step involves enabling the download throttling feature within the Epic Games Launcher settings. Instead of disabling it, set the throttle limit to match your internet bandwidth speed in kilobytes per second (KB/s). For instance, if you have a 15 Mbps connection, set the limit to around 1500 KB/s (approximately 1.5 MB/s).
Crucially, avoid setting the throttle to 0, as this effectively disables it and can lead to slower speeds. Setting a specific limit seems to force the launcher to utilize the available bandwidth more consistently. While the reason behind this behavior remains unclear, many users have reported significant improvements after implementing this step. Restart the launcher and begin your download. You should observe download speeds closer to your maximum bandwidth.
Additional Observations: Intermittent Connection Issues
Some users have experienced intermittent internet connection drops specifically when downloading from platforms like Epic Games Launcher or Steam. While the cause of this issue isn’t fully understood, it appears to be related to how these platforms interact with certain modems or routers. Further investigation is needed to determine the exact cause and potential solutions. If you experience similar issues, consider checking your modem/router logs for any error messages or contacting your internet service provider for assistance.
