- Gaming and consoles
- PC games and launchers
LS-0018
Epic Games LS-0018 on PC: the game is still running
Risk level
Low
Usually safe to check without specialist tools.
Urgency
Low
Quick answer
LS-0018 means a game you are trying to play is still running in the background. Open Task Manager, end the game's process (or its third party launcher if it stayed open) and launch again; if that fails, restart the PC.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- In Task Manager end only the game or its launcher: ending unknown or Windows processes can close unsaved work or make Windows unstable, and Epic's steps target only the game.
Safe checks you can perform
- End the game in Task Manager
- End a third party launcher
- Restart and background applications
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Epic Games player support
- Do not attempt this professional task: Game developer for third party launchers
What a technician must be able to justify
Technician visit
These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.
These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.
Epic Games player support
What they doIf LS-0018 appears even right after a restart with no game process visible, Epic support checks why the launcher still sees the game as running.
They must show youwhat the launcher logs show about the running state and the case number.
In writingthe case number, the game and the steps already tried.
Game developer for third party launchers
What they doIf the leftover process is the game's own launcher, its developer checks why it does not close with the game.
They must show youtheir known issue or fix for the launcher not closing.
In writingthe reference of their reply and the launcher version.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Follow these steps
Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
End the game in Task Manager
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- press CTRL+ALT+DEL, open Task Manager, select Processes, click the game that is still running and click End Task; then relaunch the game.
- Result that matters:
- whether the game starts normally after ending the leftover process.
- If it starts:
- the previous session had not closed.
- If the game was not listed or the error stays:
- check for a third party launcher.
- Evidence to keep:
- the name of the process you ended.
Evidence: LS-0018: Application is still running
End a third party launcher
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- right-click the taskbar, open Task Manager and, if a launcher for that game is still running, select it and click End Task; launch the game again.
- Result that matters:
- whether the game starts once the other launcher is closed.
- If it starts:
- the third party launcher had stayed open.
- If it still fails:
- restart the computer.
- Evidence to keep:
- the name of the launcher process.
Evidence: LS-0018: Application is still running
Restart and background applications
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- restart the computer and launch the game; if LS-0018 returns, follow Epic's How do I disable background applications? guide and test again.
- Result that matters:
- whether the error stops after a restart or with background applications disabled.
- If it stops after the restart:
- a stuck process was cleared.
- If it returns until you disable background apps:
- one of them keeps the game busy.
- Evidence to keep:
- the list of applications you disabled.
Evidence: LS-0018: Application is still running
Still not solved
If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- Gaming and consoles
- Brand
- Epic Games
- Product type
- PC games and launchers
Known code variants
- Application is still running
- epic games LS-0018
- error LS-0018
- La aplicación sigue en ejecución
- LS 0018
- LS0018
What it means
Epic Games explains that LS-0018 means the game you are trying to play is still running, so the Epic Games Launcher will not start a second copy. The leftover process can be the game itself or, for games that use a third party launcher, that launcher if it did not close when you exited the game. Epic's steps end the process in Task Manager, restart the PC if needed and, if it keeps happening, disable background applications that may cause it. It is a process state, not a hardware fault.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Loweditorial warning
In Task Manager end only the game or its launcher: ending unknown or Windows processes can close unsaved work or make Windows unstable, and Epic's steps target only the game.
Evidence: LS-0018: Application is still running
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Game process still openCommon
Epic's main cause: the game is still running. It shows in Task Manager under Processes with the game's name.
Evidence: LS-0018: Application is still running
- Third party launcher left openPossible
Some games start through a third party launcher; if it does not shut down when you exit the game, LS-0018 can appear. It shows as that launcher's process.
Evidence: LS-0018: Application is still running
- Background application interferingPossible
Epic notes some background applications may cause the issue and links its guide to disable them. It fits if the error returns after a restart.
Evidence: LS-0018: Application is still running
Virtual technician
Does LS-0018 still appear after these checks?
Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.
Sources and technical references
- 1
LS-0018: Application is still running
Epic Games · 2026 · official_doc
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