PC launcher error code
Epic Games Launcher Error SU-PQR1603: Prerequisites Failed
SU-PQR1603 in one line: The Epic Games Launcher couldn't install the components it needs to update itself.
Try this first: update Windows, then run the Epic Games Launcher as administrator.
Try this first: update Windows, then run the Epic Games Launcher as administrator.
What SU-PQR1603 means
Epic Games Support says: “The necessary prerequisites have failed to install” (official page)
Epic's article covers the Self Update Failed error with codes like SU-PQR1603 and SU-PQE1223.
Likely causes
- Missing Windows updates.
- Missing Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables.
- No read/write permission on the install folder.
- A temp folder problem.
- Antivirus or firewall blocking the update.
How to fix SU-PQR1603, easiest first
- Update Windows
Start > Check for Updates, then install everything available. - Run as administrator
Right-click the Epic Games Launcher shortcut > Run as administrator. - Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables
Install the 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2015 packages (x86 and x64 on 64-bit Windows), then the latest launcher. - Check folder permissions
Install folder > Properties > Security: make sure your user has Read and Write. - Skip the prerequisite patch
Close the launcher, open shortcut Properties and add " -SkipBuildPatchPrereq" to the end of Target. - Reset TEMP and test antivirus
Set TEMP and TMP to C:\Temp, restart, and test with antivirus or firewall briefly off. Turn it back on afterwards.
| Step | What to do | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Update Windows | Official |
| 2 | Run as administrator | Official |
| 3 | Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables | Official |
| 4 | Check folder permissions | Official |
| 5 | Skip the prerequisite patch | Official |
| 6 | Reset TEMP and test antivirus | Official |
When to contact support
If it still fails, contact Epic Games Support.
SU-PQR1603 FAQ
Does this cover SU-PQE1223?
Yes. Epic's article covers SU-PQR1603, SU-PQE1223 and similar Self Update Failed codes.
Sources
Other PC launcher error codes
- 0x80070057: PC install to SSD failed: wait an hour or two, or install to the main drive.
- 0x80070002: PC can't find the item: check Xbox Status and try later.
- BLZBNTAGT00000BB8: Battle.net can't download or write update data.
- BLZBNTBGS000003F8: Battle.net lost its connection to the game server.
- INST-18-4103: EA app: incorrect hash value – installer downloaded incorrectly.
- INST-14-1603: EA app: unknown fatal error during install.
PC launcher troubleshooting guide · All PC launcher codes · Error code directory