Fix Epic Games Store Error Code MD-DL-403 (Download Blocked)

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If you’re attempting to download a game through the Epic Games Store and are suddenly met with the error code MD-DL-403, you’re not alone. This error is frustrating, as it prevents the download or update of games in your Epic Games library. The error typically reads: “Download failed — MD-DL-403 (Download Blocked)”. While the code may look vague and unhelpful, rest assured that there are practical, step-by-step solutions that can help you resolve this issue.

This article will guide you through understanding the root causes of the MD-DL-403 error and provide actionable methods to fix it. Whether it’s related to permissions, firewall settings, or restrictions at the network level, we’ve got you covered with tried-and-tested troubleshooting steps.

What Causes the MD-DL-403 Error Code?

The MD-DL-403 code is essentially a HTTP 403: Forbidden error. In simpler terms, it means the Epic Games Launcher is being blocked from accessing the server to download game files. This could be due to:

  • Firewall or antivirus software restrictions
  • Network or ISP-level restrictions
  • Administrative privilege issues
  • Incorrect system date/time settings
  • Content filtering on shared or institutional networks (e.g., schools, offices)

Fixing this error depends on identifying and eliminating these restrictions one by one. Let’s start with the most common fixes and move to more advanced ones.

1. Run Epic Games Launcher as Administrator

The first and simplest step is to ensure that the Epic Games Launcher is running with elevated privileges. Lack of admin rights can interfere with downloads and updates, especially on systems with strict user control settings.

  1. Right-click on the Epic Games Launcher shortcut icon on your desktop.
  2. Select “Run as administrator.”
  3. If prompted by User Account Control, click “Yes.”

Try downloading the game again after launching it with admin rights. If the issue persists, proceed to the next steps.

2. Check Your Firewall and Antivirus Settings

The most frequent cause of the MD-DL-403 error is overprotective firewall or antivirus settings. These can mistakenly interpret the launcher’s download attempts as suspicious activity.

Steps to whitelist Epic Games Launcher:

  1. Open your antivirus or firewall settings.
  2. Navigate to exclusions or exceptions settings.
  3. Add the Epic Games Launcher executable file and its folder to the allowed list.
  4. Also allow the following services:
    • EpicGamesLauncher.exe
    • UnrealEngineLauncher.exe (if applicable)
    • Any ports Epic may use (commonly TCP 443 and UDP 5222)

After adjusting these settings, restart the Epic Games Launcher.

3. Use an Unrestricted Network: Avoid Firewalls and Proxies

If you’re on a restricted network (such as at work, university, or a public Wi-Fi), the download activity might be blocked at the network level. These kinds of networks use proxies and firewalls which can filter or prevent certain activities, including game downloads.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Switch to a private, unrestricted network like your home Wi-Fi.
  • Ensure that you aren’t using a VPN or a proxy server that might interfere with the connection.
  • For users in restrictive regions or countries, a reputable VPN may sometimes offer a workaround, but this can be a legal gray area depending on terms of service.

Always remember to restart the launcher after changing networks or VPN settings for the new configuration to take effect.

4. Correct System Date and Time

An overlooked reason for the MD-DL-403 error is having an incorrect system date and time. Servers often validate download requests based on timed authentication tokens. If your system’s clock is way off, the request may be rejected.

To fix this:

  1. Right-click on the date and time at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
  2. Select “Adjust Date/Time.”
  3. Enable “Set time automatically” and also “Set time zone automatically.”

After correcting your system’s date and time, restart the Epic Games Launcher.

5. Clear Epic Games Launcher Web Cache

Epic’s launcher collects temporary files and caches web-related data. Occasionally, these files can become corrupted, triggering errors like MD-DL-403.

Steps to clear the web cache:

  1. Close the Epic Games Launcher completely.
  2. Navigate to this folder:
    • C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\EpicGamesLauncher\Saved\webcache
  3. Delete everything inside the webcache folder.
  4. Restart the Epic Games Launcher.

This can often resolve issues tied to corruption or saved bad sessions.

6. Flush DNS and Reset Internet Settings

Your local DNS cache remembers addresses of servers you’ve visited. But sometimes, outdated or incorrect DNS entries can cause download issues.

To flush the DNS cache:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
    • ipconfig /flushdns
    • netsh winsock reset
  3. Reboot your computer and try downloading again via Epic Games.

7. Reinstall the Epic Games Launcher

If you’ve tried multiple fixes and the download is still blocked, it’s possible that the Epic Games installation itself is compromised or outdated.

To do a clean reinstall:

  1. Uninstall the Epic Games Launcher via the Control Panel.
  2. Delete any remaining Epic Games folders from:
    • C:\Program Files (x86)
    • C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local
  3. Download the latest version from the official Epic Games website.
  4. Install the launcher and attempt your download again.

Important Note on User Restrictions and Parental Controls

In some installations, especially on family or shared systems, administrators may have placed download or content restrictions. If you use Epic Games under a restricted Windows account set with parental controls, ensure:

  • You have full administrative privileges.
  • Epic Games is not being restricted by screen time or app permissions.

You can manage parental controls through Windows Settings or the Epic Games account portal online.

When to Contact Epic Games Support

If you have exhausted all the above options and still encounter the MD-DL-403 error, it may be time to get in touch with Epic Games Support. Provide them with:

  • Error logs (found in EpicGamesLauncher\Saved\Logs)
  • A detailed summary of steps you’ve already taken
  • Your system specifications

This will speed up their troubleshooting efforts and possibly reveal more account-specific or server-side issues.

Conclusion

The Epic Games Store error MD-DL-403 may be intimidating at first glance, but in most cases, it’s a solvable problem. Whether stemming from security software, network restrictions, or simple misconfigurations, following the steps outlined here can get you back to downloading and enjoying your games in no time.

Take the time to diagnose each potential issue methodically. With a little persistence and attention to detail, you’ll be able to overcome the MD-DL-403 error and restore full functionality to your Epic Games Launcher.