How do I change my Epic Games directory?

You can change your Epic Games directory by understanding the distinct processes for relocating the Epic Games Launcher application itself versus moving your installed games.

Changing the Epic Games Launcher's Installation Directory

If you wish to relocate the Epic Games Launcher application, the primary method involves a complete uninstallation followed by a fresh installation in your desired location.

Step-by-Step Guide: Reinstalling the Launcher

Backup Your Game Data (Optional but Recommended): Before proceeding, consider backing up your installed games if you wish to avoid re-downloading them. While uninstalling the launcher removes all games you have installed on your computer from its registered list, the actual game files often remain. You can move these game folders to a temporary location on your hard drive.
- Tip: You can usually find your Epic Games installations in C:\Program Files\Epic Games\ (Windows) or /Users/Shared/Epic Games/ (macOS) by default. Copy the game folders to a different location.
Uninstall the Epic Games Launcher:
- Windows:
  - Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
  - Find "Epic Games Launcher" in the list, click on it, and select Uninstall. Follow the on-screen prompts.
  - Alternatively, open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, locate "Epic Games Launcher," and click Uninstall.
- macOS:
  - Open your Applications folder.
  - Drag the "Epic Games Launcher" application icon to the Trash.
  - Right-click on the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
- Important Note: Uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher will remove all games you have installed on your computer from its registered list. This means you will need to re-add these games by pointing the launcher to their existing files or re-download them after the launcher's reinstallation.
Delete Remaining Files (Optional): After uninstallation, residual files might remain.
- Windows: Check and delete any remaining folders in:
  - C:\Program Files (x86)\Epic Games\
  - C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\EpicGamesLauncher\
  - C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\EpicGames\
- macOS: Check and delete any remaining folders in:
  - /Users/Shared/Epic Games/
  - /Users/[YourUsername]/Library/Application Support/Epic Games/
Download the Launcher: Visit the official Epic Games website and download the latest installer for your operating system.
Install to New Location: Run the downloaded installer. During the installation process, you will be prompted to choose an installation directory. Select your new desired location, for example, on a different drive or a specific folder.

Changing Game Installation Directories

Unlike the launcher itself, managing game installation locations offers more flexibility, whether for new downloads or moving existing games.

For New Game Installations

When installing new games through the Epic Games Launcher, you can specify the installation path.

Open Epic Games Launcher: Launch the application.
Navigate to Library: Go to your games Library from the left-hand menu.
Initiate Installation: Click on the game you wish to install.
Choose Install Location: When prompted, the launcher will present a default installation path. Click Browse or Change to select a different drive or folder for that specific game.
Confirm Installation: Proceed with the installation.

Moving Existing Installed Games

You can move already installed games without needing to re-download them, though it requires a few manual steps to re-link them with the launcher.

Close Epic Games Launcher: Ensure the launcher is completely shut down before moving any game files.
Locate Game Folder: Find the game's current installation folder. Typically, Epic Games stores games in C:\Program Files\Epic Games\[GameName] on Windows or /Users/Shared/Epic Games/[GameName] on macOS.
Move the Folder: Cut or copy the entire game folder to your desired new location (e.g., D:\Games\Epic Games\[GameName]).
Initiate "Install" in Launcher: Reopen the Epic Games Launcher.
Cancel Installation & Specify New Path:
- Go to your Library.
- Click Install on the game you just moved.
- The launcher will prompt you for an installation path. Crucially, do not let it start downloading files.
- Look for a Browse or Locate button near the installation prompt. Click it and navigate to the new location where you moved the game folder (e.g., D:\Games\Epic Games\[GameName]).
- Select the folder.
Verify Files: The launcher should then "Verify" the existing files in the new location rather than re-downloading them, ensuring all files are intact and up-to-date. This process may take some time.

Comparison of Directory Changes

Action	Target	Method	Impact on Games
Change Launcher Location	Epic Games Launcher	Uninstall and Reinstall	All installed games are removed from the launcher's registry. Requires re-linking or re-downloading.
Change Game Location (New)	Specific Game	Choose path during installation prompt	None. Game installs directly to the chosen location.
Change Game Location (Existing)	Specific Game	Manual file move + launcher's "Locate" or "Verify" function (after an "Install" attempt)	Requires launcher to verify files in new location; avoids re-downloading.

Best Practices and Tips

Storage Space: Always ensure your target drive has sufficient free space for the game or launcher to prevent installation errors or performance issues.
SSD vs. HDD: For significantly better loading times and overall game performance, it is highly recommended to install games on a Solid State Drive (SSD) if possible.
Organize Your Games: Create dedicated and descriptive folders for your games on different drives (e.g., D:\Games\Epic Games, E:\Games\Steam) to keep your library organized and easy to manage.
Game Saves: While moving game folders typically doesn't affect cloud saves, consider backing up local game saves for single-player titles if they are stored within the game's installation directory.