Problem installing UE 5.4: Directory Must be Empty

Development Getting Started & Setup
1

Hello!

I wanted to install UE 5.4.4 on my system and I ran into a problem installing it.

First, I opened the Epic Games Launcher and went to the “Library”. I believe there may have been some icons there for previous versions at some point, but they were not there anymore. So I put in the icon for 5.4.4.

UEInstall01
UEInstall011186×995 152 KB

When I tried to install it on my system, however, I was presented with this error message informing me that the directory must be empty. I am assuming that it meant the 5.4 directory in the C Drive:

UEInstall02
UEInstall021186×995 102 KB

So I went into the C Drive, in the Epic Games folder and I saw there were two directories in there, one for version 5.3 and one for 5.4 and they were eating up a lot of hard drive space (11GB and 21GB, respectively).

UEInstall03
UEInstall03858×804 35 KB

Is this the reason that I am getting the error? If so, why don’t their versions appear in the library tab?

Is the way to install it without the errors to clean out the folders so they are empty. If so, what is the best way to remove those versions?

Thank you ever so much for your help.

2

can you change the destination and try? if it downloads and all works fine, you can delete the existing one which i think is partially downloaded?

3

It sounds like you’re trying to install Unreal Engine 5.4.4 via the Epic Games Launcher but ran into some issues with the icons for previous versions missing. Here are a few steps to troubleshoot the issue and get Unreal Engine 5.4.4 installed. So, What I recommend you do is:
Re-enable Engine Versions

If you’re missing previous engine versions in your library, you might need to manually re-enable them:

  • Go to the -Library- tab in the Epic Games Launcher.
  • At the top, click the -“+”- sign next to -Engine Versions-.
    -This will allow you to select the version you want to install. In this case, choose -5.4.4-.

Clear Launcher Cache

Sometimes, clearing the launcher cache can fix missing UI elements or version options. Here’s how to do it:

  • Close the Epic Games Launcher.

  • Navigate to the following directory:

  • Windows-: C:\Users\[YourUserName]\AppData\Local\EpicGamesLauncher\Saved

  • Delete the *-webcache- folder. (Img below)

    cache
    cache1200×848 131 KB

  • Restart the Epic Games Launcher and try accessing the library again.

IF YOU NOT SOLVE THE ISSUE

Make sure your network connection is stable, and check if the launcher has permission to download files. If there are permission issues, run the launcher as -Administrator-:

  • Right-click on the Epic Games Launcher icon and select Run as administrator.

  • Try downloading Unreal Engine 5.4.4 again.

  • Check for Disk Space

Sometimes the download fails if there’s insufficient space on the drive where you’re trying to install Unreal Engine. Ensure you have enough free space, as the engine requires a substantial amount.

  • Reinstall Epic Games Launcher

If none of the above works, you can try reinstalling the Epic Games Launcher. Make sure to back up any projects or files you may need before uninstalling.

Cheers

4

Thank you for your reply. I will try it today and let you know.