Epic Games Error II-E1003, install failed, files could not be downloaded
Error II-E1003 means the Epic Games Launcher could not download the game files needed for installation, so the install fails. Epic describes it as a download failure, and its own guidance is to update the launcher, verify the game files, clear the cache, and change DNS, with reinstalling the launcher only as a last resort.
The fix, in order
Update the Epic Games Launcher. Close the launcher fully and reopen it so it can update itself, since an outdated launcher can fail downloads.
Verify the game files. In the launcher library, open the game entry, choose Manage, then Verify, and let it check and repair the installed files.
Clear the launcher's web cache. Close the launcher fully, open %localappdata%\EpicGamesLauncher\Saved, delete the webcache folder, then reopen the launcher and try the install again.
Change the DNS settings. Switch the network adapter's DNS to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, which can fix a download that fails because the provider's DNS cannot resolve Epic's download servers.
Run the launcher as administrator. Right-click the Epic Games Launcher and choose Run as administrator, which rules out a permissions problem writing the downloaded files.
Restart the router and the PC. A stale network route can break a long download, and a restart forces a fresh connection to Epic's servers.
Reinstall the launcher only as a last resort. Epic warns that uninstalling and reinstalling the launcher removes the games installed through it, so try the update, verify, cache, and DNS steps first.
If it still happens
If II-E1003 keeps failing at the same point, check the Epic Games service status, since a download server problem affects everyone and clears on its own. If the status page is green, check the drive for free space and try installing to a different drive, since a full or failing drive can also stop a download partway through.
Common questions
What does error II-E1003 mean? It means the Epic Games Launcher could not download the files needed to install the game. It is a download and install failure, not an account problem.
Will clearing the web cache delete my games? No. The web cache only holds temporary launcher data, and deleting it does not touch installed games. Reinstalling the launcher is the step that removes games, which is why it is a last resort.
Why does changing DNS fix a download error? Downloads rely on DNS to find Epic's servers. If the internet provider's DNS gives a bad or slow answer, the download fails, and a public DNS can route it correctly.