How to use the Epic Games Store to get free games every week on Windows 11

The Epic Games Store has become a popular platform for gamers, not just for its wide selection of games but also for its weekly giveaways of free games. This guide will walk you through the process of claiming free games from the Epic Games Store, installing the Epic Games Store app from the Microsoft Store, understanding the weekly free games process, and troubleshooting installation issues.

Step 1: Installing the Epic Games Store App

From the Microsoft Store

1. Open the Microsoft Store: On your Windows PC, click on the Microsoft Store icon on the taskbar or search for it in the Start menu.
2. Search for Epic Games Store: In the Microsoft Store, use the search bar at the top right corner to search for “Epic Games Store.”
3. Install the App: Find the Epic Games Store app in the search results and click on the Get or Install button to download and install the app on your PC.

   

Troubleshooting Installation Issues

If you encounter issues while installing the Epic Games Store app from the Microsoft Store, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Check Your Account: Ensure you’re logged in with the correct Microsoft account.
2. Check Date and Time Settings: Ensure your PC’s date, time, time zone, and region settings are correct.
3. Reset Microsoft Store: Run the WSRESET command to reset the Microsoft Store cache; Windows key + R, type wsreset.exe in the Run dialog and click OK.
4. Update Windows: Ensure your Windows OS is up to date, as compatibility issues may prevent the app from installing properly.

Step 2: Creating an Epic Games Account

Before you can claim free games, you’ll need an Epic Games account:

1. Open the Epic Games Store App: Launch the app you just installed.
2. Sign Up: Click on the “Sign Up” option and fill in the required information, or sign up using an existing Google, Facebook, or other supported accounts.

Step 3: Claiming Weekly Free Games

1. Visit the Free Games Section in the Games Launcher: Every Thursday, the Epic Games Store updates its free games list. Navigate to the “Free Games” section of the store, which is prominently displayed on the homepage.
2. Select a Game: Choose the game(s) you’re interested in from the current week’s selection.
3. Get the Game: Click on the game to visit its page, then click the “Get” button. Follow the prompts to “purchase” the game for free. Once the transaction is complete, the game will be added to your library.

Weekly Free Games Process

The Epic Games Store offers one or more free games every week through the Epic Games Launcher. These games are available to claim for a limited time (usually one week). Once you claim a game, it’s yours to keep forever, even after the free promotion ends. The selection of free games varies widely, ranging from indie titles to major AAA releases.

Step 4: Downloading and Playing Your Free Games

1. Access Your Library: In the Epic Games Launcher, navigate to your library to see all the games you’ve claimed.
2. Download the Game: Click on the game you want to play and select “Install” to download it to your PC.
3. Launch the Game: Once the game is downloaded, click “Launch” to start playing.

Additional Tips

1. Stay Updated: Check the Epic Games Store every Thursday to see the new free games available for the week.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: For added security, enable two-factor authentication on your Epic Games account.
3. Check for Demos and Trials: Besides free games, the Epic Games Store occasionally offers demos and free trials for other games, allowing you to try before you buy.
4. Reach out to the Community: Check Reddit, and GitHub for help with automatically being notified of new free Epic Games available as soon as they are released.

By following these steps, you can take full advantage of the free games offered by the Epic Games Store every week. If you have a question not included in this guide, you can always check out the Epic Game Store’s FAQ page for answers not included here. One of the biggest downsides of downloading the app from the Microsoft Store, you will need to download and install the Epic Games Launcher on Windows 11 as well. But, if you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, getting your hands on these free games are a great way to expand your gaming library without spending a dime.