Restart, verify Fortnite, then check the exact anti-cheat error.
If Fortnite refuses to launch with Error 23, first close both Fortnite and Lost Ark, restart Windows, and run Epic Launcher → Library → Fortnite → three dots → Manage → Verify. If an Easy Anti-Cheat window names the error, use Epic’s official EAC troubleshooting ↗ for the matching message. Important: Epic does not publicly identify “Fortnite Error 23” as proof that Lost Ark is the cause; overlapping gaming/anti-cheat software is a possibility to test, not a diagnosis.
What exactly happens when you launch Fortnite?
Look at the window displaying 23: the game, anti-cheat, or a separate launcher.
4 easy things to try, in order
Keep anti-cheat protections intact. These checks are reversible and do not require deleting game files.
Close the games and restart Windows
Exit Fortnite, Lost Ark and Epic Games Launcher. Confirm they are no longer running, then restart the PC. Open Epic Games Launcher and try Fortnite without launching Lost Ark first. This checks whether the symptom depends on the earlier game session.
If a system-wide error or restart happens, record the exact message and stop repeated game launches.
Verify Fortnite files in Epic Games Launcher
In the Launcher open Library → Fortnite → ••• → Manage → Verify. Epic says this compares local files and repairs files that are missing or damaged, without erasing your Fortnite account progress. Official verification steps ↗.
Verifying Fortnite does not repair a separate Lost Ark installation; troubleshoot each game independently.
Use the official Easy Anti-Cheat repair path
If the error explicitly identifies EAC, follow Epic’s Fortnite EAC repair guidance ↗ or installation instructions ↗. Use only the anti-cheat installer supplied with the game or the official publisher instructions. Relaunch Fortnite after completing the repair.
Do not remove anti-cheat services, modify protected game components, or use “anti-cheat bypass” utilities.
Check the exact wording and contact support
If the problem continues, note whether it is a generic 23, an EAC security violation, or another longer code. Check Easy Anti-Cheat’s error documentation ↗ and Epic Support ↗. Mention whether the error only appears when both games have been run on the same PC.
Avoid reinstalling Windows or changing security controls before a proper diagnosis.
Neither a numeric 23 nor ownership of Lost Ark proves that the two games are interfering. Keep the anti-cheat active. Do not remove services, change protected files, or disable security features to force the game to start.
What if Error 23 persists?
One screenshot can decide whether this is a Fortnite issue or an Easy Anti-Cheat issue.
The error names Easy Anti-Cheat and security violation.
Epic has separate guidance for Game Security Violation Detected ↗, commonly involving incompatible background programs. Use the official branch; a security violation is not the same as Error 23.
The Launcher says Fortnite is running, but nothing appears.
Use Epic’s Fortnite PC launch and crash checks ↗: verify files and identify the actual error first. Avoid unrelated fixes meant for Lost Ark.
Both games fail at different times.
Record the exact error shown by each game. Different titles can use different launchers, anti-cheat versions or service configurations. Do not assume one repair process fixes both.
Should I delete Easy Anti-Cheat folders?
No. Start with Epic’s supported install/repair path and support documentation. Deleting system services or protected game files can cause new launch issues.
Still stuck on launch?
Include the exact error text, whether an Easy Anti-Cheat window appeared, Windows version, Fortnite installation location, and whether the error happens on a fresh Windows restart without Lost Ark.
Official Easy Anti-Cheat troubleshooting ↗Quick FAQs
Does Fortnite Error 23 mean Lost Ark caused a conflict?
Not necessarily. That link is not established by the number 23 alone. Test the games separately and capture the full message.
Can I open Fortnite after playing Lost Ark?
Normally players can use different games on one PC. If problems occur only after switching titles, a complete restart is a safe diagnostic test.
Is Error 23 a Fortnite ban?
A launch error alone is not proof of a ban. Look for a separate explicit account or enforcement message.
Should I disable Easy Anti-Cheat to launch?
No. Fortnite requires anti-cheat. Use Epic’s supported repair or reinstall instructions, not workarounds that bypass security.
Will Verify delete my Fortnite skins?
No. Epic says game-file verification repairs installed files without affecting saved game data; account cosmetics are tied to your Epic account.
Official support sources
- Fortnite Easy Anti-Cheat game troubleshooting
- Fortnite EAC repair guidance
- Epic: Verify Fortnite game files
- EAC: Game Security Violation Detected
- Easy Anti-Cheat official error documentation
Original Walker Bex article. Reviewed October 10, 2026. Follow the current official support guidance if menus or troubleshooting instructions change.