How to Fix Interception Error in Fortnite (Anti-Cheat or Network)

The popular online battle royale game Fortnite has millions of players around the globe. However, like with many competitive online games, it comes with its own occasional set of technical issues. One of the more frustrating problems is the Interception Error, which usually appears when the game’s anti-cheat system malfunctions or when there are network-related complications. This error can prevent you from launching the game entirely, cutting into play time and impacting the overall experience.

In this detailed guide, we will walk you through what causes the Interception Error in Fortnite and offer proven and trustworthy solutions to fix it. Whether your issue is tied to Easy Anti-Cheat or your network configuration, we’ll cover what you need to know to get back in the game.

What Is the Fortnite Interception Error?

The Interception Error typically presents itself during the launch of Fortnite and is often linked with the Easy Anti-Cheat system, which Fortnite uses to prevent cheating during gameplay. The error might also involve network packet interception issues due to third-party software or corrupted game files.

This error manifests in different forms but usually appears with a message similar to:

“Interception driver error detected. Please close conflicting software and restart Fortnite.”

To resolve this error, we need to address potential culprits one at a time: anti-cheat conflicts, third-party software interference, and network issues.

1. Check for Conflicting Software

The most common reason for the Interception Error is third-party software running in the background that conflicts with Fortnite’s anti-cheat system. Certain applications hook into your system in ways that Easy Anti-Cheat may view as suspicious.

Programs known to cause conflicts include:

• Security tools like older versions of Avast, AVG, or Malwarebytes
• RGB software (e.g., Logitech G Hub, Corsair iCUE)
• Custom keyboard/mouse software (e.g., Razer Synapse)
• Overclocking utilities (e.g., MSI Afterburner)
• Screen recorders or overlays (e.g., OBS, Discord overlays)

Steps to resolve:

1. Close Fortnite completely.
2. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
3. End all unnecessary tasks, especially the ones listed above.
4. Restart your PC.
5. Try launching Fortnite again.

Alternatively, try launching the game with only essential Windows processes running. If it works, you can reintroduce background software step by step to identify the conflicting program.

2. Reinstall or Repair Easy Anti-Cheat

Because this error often relates directly to Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC), repairing or reinstalling this component can correct the issue.

Here’s how to repair Easy Anti-Cheat:

1. Navigate to your Fortnite installation folder.
2. Find the “EasyAntiCheat” folder.
   Typically located at:
   C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite\FortniteGame\Binaries\Win64\EasyAntiCheat
3. Open EasyAntiCheat_Setup.exe.
4. Select Fortnite from the drop-down menu.
5. Click Repair Service.

If the repair process fails to solve the issue, try uninstalling EAC and reinstalling it via the same setup file.

3. Update or Reinstall Device Drivers

Outdated drivers, especially related to networking or system security, can interfere with Fortnite’s anti-cheat measures.

Focus on updating:

• Network adapter drivers
• Motherboard chipset drivers
• Graphics card drivers (NVIDIA/AMD)

You can find updated drivers on the official websites of your hardware manufacturers. Always install the latest WHQL-certified versions to ensure compatibility with Fortnite.

4. Disable Interception Drivers

Some lesser-known programs, especially older peripheral control software or scripting tools, include interception drivers used to modify input devices. These are frequently flagged by Easy Anti-Cheat.

To find and disable interception drivers:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run:

   sc query interception

3. If the service exists, disable it using:

   sc stop interception
   sc delete interception

4. Restart your computer.

Be very careful when issuing these commands. If you’re unfamiliar with system services, consult a professional before proceeding.

5. Disable VPNs and Proxy Tools

Using a proxy or VPN while playing Fortnite can cause packet loss or lead to mismatched regions, which may trigger the Interception Error. Epic Games highly recommends playing the game without any traffic re-routing software.

What to do:

• Turn off any VPN or proxy client before starting Fortnite.
• Restart your system after disabling to ensure settings refresh.
• Try launching the game again.

In some cases, even closed VPN apps can leave services running in the background. Make sure to verify they’re completely disabled using Task Manager.

6. Reset Your Network Settings

If you suspect the problem is at the network level — possibly due to corrupted configuration, DNS issues, or unstable connectivity — resetting your network settings can help dramatically.

Steps to reset network settings on Windows:

1. Click Start > Settings > Network & Internet.
2. Scroll down and click Network reset.
3. Click Reset now and confirm.
4. Your PC will restart automatically with network settings restored to default.

After the reset, make sure you reconnect to your preferred Wi-Fi network or reconfigure any custom network settings you previously had.

7. Reinstall Fortnite

If all else fails, a clean reinstall of Fortnite and its components may be necessary. This ensures no corrupted files are causing the Interception Error.

To perform a clean reinstall:

1. Open the Epic Games Launcher.
2. Navigate to your Library, locate Fortnite, and click the ellipsis (…) to uninstall.
3. After uninstalling, go to your Fortnite install folder and manually delete remaining files.
4. Restart your PC.
5. Reinstall Fortnite via the Epic Games Launcher.

This step is a last resort but can be highly effective if remnants of previous installations are triggering the anti-cheat protection.

Protecting Your System Long-Term

To avoid encountering the Interception Error again in the future, consider adopting the following best practices:

• Keep Windows up to date to patch compatibility issues.
• Avoid using unnecessary third-party software while gaming.
• Update all drivers periodically.
• Don’t attempt to use game-modifying software or scripts — even inadvertently.

Final Thoughts

The Interception Error in Fortnite can be particularly troublesome as it often freezes progress before you even enter the game. Fortunately, by methodically working through software conflicts, driver issues, and network configurations, you can frequently fix the problem without needing professional repair or support.

If none of the solutions above work, consider reaching out to Epic Games Support for one-on-one assistance. Provide them with screenshots or error logs to speed up your resolution process.

Getting back into the game might take some effort, but once you clear the Interception Error, you can once again enjoy Fortnite the way it was intended — smooth, secure, and uninterrupted.

Have a Look at These Articles Too