Fortnite doesn't install through Steam, but you can launch it from Steam anyway

Fortnite is not sold on Steam and Epic Games does not allow Steam to install it. You download Fortnite directly from the Epic Games Launcher, which is a separate program on your computer. However, you can add Fortnite to your Steam library as a non-Steam game, which means Steam will launch the Epic Games Launcher when you click play — you still run Fortnite through Epic's system, but you start it from Steam's interface.

This is useful if you want all your games in one place, or if you use Steam's overlay features (like the screenshot tool or friends list). It does not change how Fortnite runs or where your account lives. Your Epic Games account remains separate from Steam.

Key Takeaways

  • Fortnite installs through the Epic Games Launcher, not Steam, and you must download it from Epic's website first.
  • You can add Fortnite to Steam as a non-Steam game so it launches from your Steam library, but Epic Games Launcher still runs in the background.
  • The process takes about five minutes: find the Fortnite executable file on your computer, then drag it into Steam or add it manually through Steam's settings.
  • Your Epic Games account and Steam account remain separate — adding Fortnite to Steam does not link them or merge your progress.

Install Fortnite through the Epic Games Launcher first

Before you can add Fortnite to Steam, you need Fortnite installed on your computer. Go to epicgames.com, click the download button for the Epic Games Launcher, and install it. Once the launcher is open, search for Fortnite and click the install button. The download is about 90 GB, so this can take several hours depending on your internet speed.

Note the folder where Fortnite installs — by default it goes to C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite on Windows or /Applications/Epic Games/Fortnite on Mac. You will need this path in the next step.

Add Fortnite to Steam on Windows

Open Steam and go to the bottom left corner. Click the plus sign next to "Add a Game" and select "Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library". A window opens showing programs on your computer. Scroll down to find Fortnite, check the box next to it, and click "Add Selected Programs".

If Fortnite does not appear in the list, click "Browse" at the bottom of the window. Navigate to C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite\Binaries\Win64 and select the file named FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping.exe. Click "Open", then "Add This Program". Fortnite now appears in your Steam library under "Non-Steam Games".

Add Fortnite to Steam on Mac

Open Steam and click "Steam" in the top menu bar. Select "Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library". A window opens showing available programs. If Fortnite appears, check the box and click "Add Selected Programs".

If you do not see Fortnite, click "Browse" and navigate to /Applications/Epic Games/Fortnite. Select the Fortnite application folder and click "Open". Steam adds it to your library. You may see a prompt asking whether to use Proton (Steam's compatibility layer for Mac) — you can leave this as default or disable it, as Fortnite runs through the Epic Games Launcher regardless.

Launch Fortnite from Steam

Once Fortnite is in your Steam library, click it and press the "Play" button. Steam launches the Epic Games Launcher, which then opens Fortnite. You still log in with your Epic Games account, not your Steam account. Your game progress, V-Bucks, and cosmetics are tied to your Epic Games account and will be the same whether you launch from Steam or from the Epic Games Launcher directly.

The first launch may take longer than usual because the Epic Games Launcher needs to start up. Subsequent launches are faster. If you want to use Steam's overlay (to take screenshots, record video, or access your friends list while playing), you can enable it by right-clicking Fortnite in your Steam library, selecting "Properties", and checking "Enable Steam Overlay while in-game".

Troubleshooting common problems

If Steam cannot find Fortnite, make sure you installed it through the Epic Games Launcher first. Steam cannot create a shortcut to a game that does not exist on your computer. If you moved Fortnite to a different folder after installing it, Steam may lose track of it — reinstalling through Epic Games Launcher is the simplest fix.

If Fortnite launches but immediately closes, your Epic Games Launcher may be out of date. Open the Epic Games Launcher separately and let it update itself. If the overlay causes crashes or performance problems, disable it in Steam's properties for Fortnite. Some players report better stability launching Fortnite directly from the Epic Games Launcher rather than through Steam, especially on older computers.

Why Fortnite is not on Steam

Epic Games owns both Fortnite and the Epic Games Launcher. They keep Fortnite off Steam to avoid paying Valve (Steam's owner) a 30 percent cut of in-game purchases. This is why you must use the Epic Games Launcher to play — it is how Epic keeps more revenue from cosmetics and V-Bucks sales.

This also means your Fortnite account is managed by Epic Games, not Steam. If you have questions about your account, V-Bucks, or cosmetics, you contact Epic Games support, not Valve. Your progress does not transfer to other platforms through Steam — it follows your Epic Games account across PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does adding Fortnite to Steam change my account or progress?

No. Your Epic Games account remains separate from Steam. Your progress, cosmetics, and V-Bucks stay in your Epic Games account regardless of whether you launch from Steam or the Epic Games Launcher. Adding it to Steam is only a shortcut — it does not link your accounts or move your data.

Can I play Fortnite on Steam Deck?

Fortnite is not officially supported on Steam Deck because it requires the Epic Games Launcher, which does not run well on Deck's Linux system. Some players use workarounds like Proton or community tools, but these are not supported by Epic Games and may violate terms of service. Your best option is to play on a Windows PC or use a console.

What if I uninstall Fortnite from my computer?

The shortcut in Steam will break, and clicking play will show an error. You can either reinstall Fortnite through the Epic Games Launcher or remove the game from your Steam library and add it again once it is reinstalled. Your Epic Games account and progress are stored on Epic's servers, so uninstalling does not delete your account or cosmetics.

Do I need a Steam account to play Fortnite?

No. You only need an Epic Games account. Adding Fortnite to Steam is optional — it is just a way to launch it from Steam's interface. You can play Fortnite without Steam at all by launching it directly from the Epic Games Launcher.