The Epic Games Launcher stays running in the background even after you close the window
When you click the X button on the Epic Games Launcher, the window disappears but the program keeps running. This happens because Epic Games Launcher is designed to stay active in your system tray — the small icons near your clock — so it can deliver notifications, run automatic updates, and track your playtime without you having to reopen it manually.
The launcher does this by default on Windows and Mac. It is not a bug or a sign something is wrong. It is a deliberate choice by Epic Games to keep the service ready whenever you want to play or shop. But if you want the program completely closed, you have options.
Key Takeaways
- Closing the Epic Games Launcher window does not shut down the program — it only hides it in your system tray, where it continues running in the background.
- To fully close the launcher on Windows, right-click the Epic Games icon in your system tray and select "Quit" or "Exit", or use Task Manager to end the process.
- On Mac, click the Epic Games menu at the top of the screen and select "Quit Epic Games", or force-quit it through Activity Monitor.
- You can prevent the launcher from auto-starting when you restart your computer by disabling it in your system startup settings.
- Closing the launcher does not affect games you have already installed or your ability to play them offline.
How to fully close the launcher on Windows
Look at the bottom right corner of your screen, near the clock. You should see a small arrow or caret (^) — click it to reveal the system tray icons. Find the Epic Games icon (usually a purple and white logo) and right-click it. A menu will appear with options including "Quit" or "Exit" — click that option. The launcher will now fully shut down.
If you do not see the Epic Games icon in the system tray, the launcher may already be closed, or it may be hidden. Click the arrow again to expand the full list of hidden icons. If you still cannot find it, open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc, search for "EpicGamesLauncher" or "UnrealEngine" in the process list, click it, and then click "End Task" at the bottom right. This will force the program to close.
How to fully close the launcher on Mac
Click "Epic Games" in the menu bar at the very top of your screen (not in the Dock). A dropdown menu will appear. Select "Quit Epic Games" from that menu. The launcher will shut down completely.
If the menu bar option does not appear, open Activity Monitor (search for it using Spotlight — press Command + Space and type "Activity Monitor"). Find "Epic Games Launcher" or "EpicGamesLauncher" in the list, click it, and then click the X button labeled "Force Quit" at the top left. Confirm when prompted.
Why the launcher stays open by default
Epic Games Launcher runs in the background so it can check for game updates, deliver notifications about sales or new games, and track your playtime without you having to manually open the program each time. This is standard behavior for most game launchers, including Steam and Battle.net. The company benefits because it keeps you aware of new content and sales. You benefit because your games stay current without extra steps.
The downside is that background processes use system memory and can slow down older computers. If you have limited RAM or a slower machine, closing the launcher completely when you are not gaming can free up resources.
Preventing the launcher from starting automatically
If you want the Epic Games Launcher to stay closed until you manually open it, you can disable it from your startup programs. On Windows, right-click the taskbar and select "Task Manager". Click the "Startup" tab at the top. Find "Epic Games Launcher" in the list, click it, and then click "Disable" at the bottom right. The launcher will no longer start when you restart your computer.
On Mac, go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), click "General" in the sidebar, then select "Login Items". Find "Epic Games Launcher" in the list and click the minus (−) button to remove it. The launcher will no longer auto-start.
What happens to your games when you close the launcher
Closing the Epic Games Launcher does not uninstall your games, delete your save files, or prevent you from playing games you have already installed. Games stored on your computer remain there and can still be played. However, you will not receive notifications about updates, and you will need to manually open the launcher to read new games or check for patches.
If a game requires an internet connection to verify your ownership (which most do), you will need to open the launcher and log in at least once before playing. Single-player games that do not require online verification can usually be launched directly from your game folder or desktop shortcut even if the launcher is closed.
When the launcher will not close even with these steps
Occasionally the Epic Games Launcher may refuse to close or may restart itself when ready after you shut it down. This usually means a game is still running in the background, or the launcher is stuck updating. Close any games you have open first, then try closing the launcher again.
If it still will not close, restart your computer. This will force all programs to shut down and clear any stuck processes. When your computer restarts, do not open the launcher — instead, go directly to your startup settings and disable it as described above. If the problem continues, the launcher may have a corrupted installation. You can uninstall it through your system settings (Windows: Settings > Apps > Apps & Features; Mac: Applications folder > drag Epic Games Launcher to Trash) and reinstall it fresh from the Epic Games website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does closing the launcher stop my games from running?
No. If a game is already running, closing the launcher does not affect it. The game will continue to play. However, if a game needs to verify your ownership when you start it, you will need the launcher open and logged in first.
Will I lose my save files if I close the launcher?
No. Your save files are stored on your computer or in the cloud (depending on the game), not in the launcher itself. Closing the launcher does not touch them.
Can I play games without the launcher installed at all?
Most Epic Games Store games require the launcher to verify ownership and read updates, so you cannot play them without it installed. However, some games may allow you to launch them directly from your game folder once they are installed, though this varies by game.
Why does the launcher restart after I close it?
The launcher may restart if it is set to auto-start in your system settings, or if another program is triggering it to open. Check your startup programs and disable Epic Games Launcher as described above. If it still restarts, a game or another process may be launching it automatically.
Does the launcher use a lot of memory when it is running in the background?
The launcher typically uses between 100 and 300 MB of RAM depending on your system and what it is doing. On modern computers this is not significant, but on older machines with limited RAM, closing it can free up noticeable resources.