Epic recommends unchecking Read-only on GameUserSettings.ini.
If Fortnite keeps resetting graphics or other saved options on PC, exit the game and open %localappdata% → FortniteGame → Saved → Config → WindowsClient. Right-click GameUserSettings.ini → Properties, uncheck Read-only, Apply, then relaunch and make a small settings change to confirm it saves. Do not force the file into Read-only mode; that can prevent Fortnite from writing your changes.
What exactly keeps resetting?
Test persistence with one harmless change before editing deeper config data.
4 simple checks, in the right order
Start with the fastest reversible test, then move to the next check only if the symptom remains.
Exit Fortnite and locate GameUserSettings.ini
Close Fortnite. Press Windows+R, enter %localappdata%, then open FortniteGame → Saved → Config → WindowsClient. Find GameUserSettings.ini. You may copy it as a backup if you have customized many settings.
Keep the original file available before changing attributes.
Remove Read-only in Properties
Right-click GameUserSettings.ini → Properties. On the General tab, uncheck Read-only, click Apply and then OK. Epic lists exactly this step for Fortnite settings that refuse to save. Do not lock the file afterward.
Read-only is usually the obstacle, not the cure.
Launch and test one normal settings change
Start Fortnite, change one reversible video option using the game interface, apply and close the game normally. Reopen it and check whether the choice persisted. If it did, leave the INI alone.
Use the game’s settings menu to verify that writes work again.
Investigate repeated write-blocking only if needed
If Read-only returns or options still reset, check folder permissions and any aggressive backup/sync or security tool that may be restoring a previous copy. Avoid registry-cleaning utilities or granting broad system permissions. Report repeatable changes to support.
The goal is stable saving, not unrestricted access to the whole filesystem.
That prevents Fortnite from reliably updating the file and can cause settings to revert. Do not paste undocumented config flags from old guides.
If the first four checks do not help
Use these specific clues to avoid unnecessary changes.
Only one graphics value resets
The game may be rejecting an unavailable or unsupported option.
The file itself is missing
Run Fortnite once and allow it to create fresh user config; avoid fabricating content.
The file changes but settings revert
Investigate another game setting or feature compatibility issue.
A sync utility restores older copies
Test without the interfering sync process while preserving backups.
Still seeing this problem?
Note the platform, exact symptom, when it started, and which checks changed anything. Share that evidence through official Epic support.
Epic Games Support ↗Quick FAQs
Where is GameUserSettings.ini?
Inside %localappdata%/FortniteGame/Saved/Config/WindowsClient.
Should GameUserSettings.ini be Read-only?
No, not if you expect Fortnite to save changes normally.
Will this remove skins or account progress?
Changing a local file attribute does not remove Epic account cosmetics.
Should I edit the INI text?
Not as the first fix; change its file attribute and use in-game settings.
What if the option resets again?
Check whether it is supported, then review local write restrictions.
Official support sources
Original Walker Bex guide, reviewed October 15, 2026. Official guidance and available features may change after updates.