Why Fortnite Freezes While Checking for Updates

Fortnite is an incredibly popular Battle Royale game that relies on a stable internet connection for various tasks, including syncing and updating. However, it can be frustrating when the game gets stuck on the “Checking for Updates” screen for what feels like an eternity. But fear not, as we have the solutions to help you overcome this situation.

Why Does Fortnite Take So Long to Check for Updates?

Whether you are playing on a PC, Xbox, or PlayStation, there are several reasons why Fortnite may take forever to check for updates:

• Epic Games server problem: If the Epic Games servers are offline, undergoing maintenance, or experiencing technical issues, Fortnite will remain frozen on the “Checking for Updates” screen.
• Internet connectivity issues: A weak and unstable internet connection or network misconfiguration can also cause this problem.
• Antivirus and Firewall: Sometimes, your antivirus or firewall can block the connection to the Epic Games server, resulting in Fortnite being stuck while checking for updates.
• Corrupted game files: It’s possible that the game files have been corrupted, preventing the game from being updated.

What to Do When Fortnite is Stuck on Checking for Updates

Before you dive into major troubleshooting steps, there are a few things you can do to avoid any unnecessary inconvenience:

• Check Epic Games server status: Make sure to check if there are any server-related issues occurring remotely.
• Restart your PC/Console: Sometimes, all it takes is a simple restart to resolve the issue. Don’t forget to power cycle your router or modem as well.
• Disable antivirus and firewall: Temporarily disabling your antivirus and firewall can help determine if they are causing the problem.

If you’ve tried the above quick fixes and Fortnite is still frozen on the “Checking for Updates” screen, follow these methods one by one:

1. Change DNS

If the DNS provided by your ISP is causing communication problems between your PC or Console and the Fortnite server, you can change your DNS address by following these steps:

1. Open Windows Settings by pressing Win + I on your keyboard.
2. Navigate to Network & Internet and select Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
3. Click on Edit for the DNS server assignment.
4. If it’s set to Automatic, change it to Manual.
5. Enable IPv4 and set the DNS addresses as 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
6. Save the settings and restart your PC.

Note: If you’re using a game console, make sure to change the DNS settings there as well.

2. Reset the Network

1. Open Windows Settings again.
2. Go to Network & Internet and click on Advanced network settings.
3. Select Network Reset.
4. Click on Reset and restart your Windows PC.

If necessary, you can also learn how to solve Fortnite being stuck on the connecting screen.

3. Run Internet Troubleshooter

If the problem persists, try running the internet troubleshooter on your computer. It can diagnose and fix common network-related issues that might be causing Fortnite to freeze.

4. Update Network Driver

1. Right-click on the Windows logo icon on the taskbar and go to Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right-click on the preferred driver and select Update driver.
4. Choose the option to Search automatically for drivers and follow the instructions to complete the process.

For a more effective network driver update, we recommend using Outbyte Driver Updater. It can find the most recent official driver that’s compatible with your network adapter, resolving various connectivity issues in multiplayer games like Fortnite.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

5. Repair Fortnite

In some cases, Fortnite may become frozen while checking for updates due to internal game files issues. Verifying and repairing the game files can be the best solution:

1. Open the Epic Games Launcher.
2. Go to Library.
3. Click on the three horizontal dots beside Fortnite and select Manage.
4. Click on Verify and wait for the process to finish.
5. Now, launch the game and see if the issue is resolved.

Additional Steps

If Fortnite is still frozen or taking forever on the “Checking for Updates” screen, you can also try these steps:

• Try a different internet connection or use a gaming VPN if needed.
• Reset your internet router.
• Consider reinstalling the game if you suspect it’s appropriate.
• Keep Windows or Xbox/PlayStation firmware updated to the latest version.

Interested in fixing Fortnite crashing issues? Check out our guide on how to resolve them.

This article has provided insights into why Fortnite may get stuck on checking for updates and offered various solutions to overcome this problem. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section.