Fix Epic online services has failed to install Error EOS-ERR-1603 in Windows

Sometimes, players face a problem when running or installing Epic Games Launcher. In case, you face this error while trying to install the games and its statement is “Epic online services has failed to install Error Code: EOS-ERR-1603” then please read through this article to resolve the problem.

Many users have acknowledged that the leading cause behind the problem is a missing sub-folder in the Epic Games main folder. This was discovered when one of the users noticed that the Registry was pointing to a folder that didn’t exist. See: Fix Epic Games Error 500 in Windows 11 or 10. Now to fix the EOS-ERR-1603 error on your system follow the methods ahead.

Epic online services has failed to install EOS-ERR-1603

Here is how to fix Epic online services has failed to install EOS-ERR-1603:

Create a missing sub-folder

In the Registry Editor window, the path points to a folder with the path C:\Program Files (x86)\Epic Games\Epic Online Services. However, it has been observed that the last sub-folder usually goes missing. In this case, you can consider creating this sub-folder. The procedure is as follows:

1. Open the File Explorer window and navigate to the following path:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Epic Games\

2. Right-click on the free space and select New >> Folder.
3. Name the new folder “Epic Online Services” (without the quotes).
4. Hit Enter to save the path and reboot your system.
5. Since the Epic Online Services folder has been created, the Registry path will be complete, and the error will be resolved.

Install the launcher in a different directory

By default the Epic Games Launcher is installed in the Program Files directory of C: drive. If you change the location of the installation then the launcher is successfully installed and does not show error EOS-ERR-1603.

1. Go to C: drive and open Program Files (x86).
2. Create a new folder named Epic Games.
3. Install the launcher in this folder. The location will be C:\Program Files (x86)\Epic Games.

Install all the Windows Updates

Besides pushing new features and fixing problems, Windows Updates push security updates to the system. In case, these security updates are missed, the installation of certain games wouldn’t be possible. In this circumstance, you can update your Windows system to the latest version.

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Settings from the menu.
2. In the left pane, go to the Windows Update tab.
3. In the right pane, select Check for updates.
4. Reboot the system.

Install .Net Framework

..Net Framework is necessary for almost all games to install and run. When you encounter  Epic Games EOS-ERR-1603 then there is a possibility that this application is not installed on your system.

1. Press Windows and R then type apppwiz.cpl and hit Enter.
2. On the Programs and Features window, click on Turn Windows features on or off from the left pane.
3. On the new window, check .Net Framework 3.5 and click on OK.

4. When the application is installed, restart your computer.

Read: How to Automate .Net Framework 3.5 installation on Windows 10

Use Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter

Windows provides a troubleshooter to get rid of the issues that cause installation problem. This can help when Epic Games is not installing and showing error EOS-ERR-1603. Use the troubleshooter by following the steps:

1. Download Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter and unzip the file.
2. Double click on MicrosoftProgram_Install_and_Uninstall.meta.diagcab.
3. Click Next on the troubleshooter.
4. Select Installing.
5. The tool will detect the problems and display a list of programs.
6. Select Epic Games Launcher in that and click on Next.

7. Follow the options that you see accordingly.

Reset the Epic Games launcher cache

If the Epic Games launcher cache files are missing or corrupt, you can consider deleting them.

1. Press Windows and R.
2. When Run dialog box opens, type %localappdata% and hit Enter.
3. File Explorer will appear with the concerned folder.
4. Find EpicGamesLauncher folder and open it by double-clicking.
5. Search the folders webcache, webcache_4147, and webcache_4430 and delete them.

Uninstall and Reinstall the launcher

Sometimes, the Epic Games launcher is silently installed and obstructs the further installation process. See if the app is not installed on your system and uninstall if it already exists.

1. Right-click on Start and select Settings.
2. Select Apps from the left pane.
3. From the right pane, click on Installed apps.
4. Once a list of all the programs is visible, look for Epic Games.
5. Click on three dots and select Uninstall.

6. Follow the onscreen instructions and at last restart the system.
7. Then, open the Epic Games setup and install the launcher.

Run the Epic Games launcher as an administrator

Certain permissions with the Epic Games launcher lie with the System Administrator. For many games, installation might not be possible unless you run the Epic Game launcher as an administrator.

1. Search for Epic Games in the Windows Search bar.
2. When the option appears, right-click on this and select Run as administrator.
3. Now that the Epic Games launcher is open in Administrator mode, you can download and install your game.

Methods:
Create a missing sub-folder
Install the launcher in a different directory
Install all the Windows Updates
Install .Net Framework
Use Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter
Reset the Epic Games launcher cache
Uninstall and Reinstall the launcher
Run the Epic Games launcher as an administrator

That’s all!!