An overview of enabling Launcher PCB Mode and, when needed, adding a Windows Registry installation-path override.
Installing Epic Games Launcher and Unreal Engine on multiple computers can be time-consuming and difficult to maintain, especially for IT staff and developers responsible for dozens or hundreds of computers in schools, offices, or internet cafes. Launcher features described here simplify installation and updating of applications such as Unreal Engine 4 (UE4). This overview explains how to deploy the Launcher to multiple computers so applications are easier to set up and maintain.
By the end of this document, you will know how to enable Launcher PCB Mode and, if needed, configure a Windows Registry Install Path Override after enabling PCB Mode.
|
Note: These features are supported on Windows only. |
Launcher PCB Mode #
On Windows, the Launcher normally stores manifest, dynamic, and temporary files in the system folder ProgramData%programdata%\Epic (for example, C:\ProgramData\Epic). If an office, school, or internet-cafe administrator installs the Launcher and Unreal Engine on a server without copying the program data to client machines, installation problems may occur. A client may be unable to find installed games or may attempt to reinstall applications.
System administrators may otherwise need a complicated process to mirror the ProgramData folder across client machines. To simplify this workflow, the Launcher supports PCB Mode . When PCB Mode is enabled, the Launcher stores the program-data folder inside its installation directory. For example, internet-cafe owners can configure the Launcher on a server once and copy its installation folder to clients. With the program data in the installation folder, no separate copying process is needed.
If you have not installed UE4 before, read the introductory guide covering the basics of Installing Unreal Engine .
Enabling Launcher PCB Mode #
Follow these steps to enable Launcher PCB Mode:
-
Install the Launcher on at least one machine, which may be a server. This guide calls it the “original computer”.
-
Close the Launcher before continuing.
-
To enable Launcher PCB Mode , move or copy the folder Epic into the Launcher installation directory. In this example, the Epic folder is moved from
C:\ProgramData\EpictoC:\Program Files (x86)\Epic Games\Launcher.
|
Note: PCB Mode simplifies the workflow for installing multiple engine versions through the Launcher. Read the Launcher PCB Mode section for more information. |
- Use the Launcher to install the engine versions you want on the new computers.
- Finally, copy the Launcher and engine installation directories to the new computers.
|
Note: If a new computer has a different engine installation path or different drive letters from the original computer, add a Registry Install Path Override after enabling Launcher PCB Mode. |
Disabling Launcher PCB Mode #
To disable this mode, close the Launcher and move the folder Epic from the Launcher installation directory back to ProgramData . Restart the Launcher after moving it.
|
Important: If a new computer has a different engine installation path or different drive letters from the original computer, add a Registry Install Path Override after enabling Launcher PCB Mode. |
Windows Registry Install Path Override #
The Launcher stores game and application installation locations in manifest files in the system ProgramData folder. In the behavior described here, moving an installed game or application prevents the Launcher from detecting that installation. This matters when copying the Launcher and its games or applications to machines with different drive letters or directory layouts. If moved or copied installations cannot be found, a Registry Install Path Override can point to the new game or application folder.
|
Note: A Registry Install Path Override is normally used together with PCB Mode. |
Installation-path overrides (InstallLocation) are defined separately for each game or application in the Windows Registry. Add InstallLocation overrides under any of the following registry locations:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Epic Games\EpicGamesLauncher\OverridesHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Epic Games\EpicGamesLauncher\OverridesHKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Epic Games\EpicGamesLauncher\OverridesHKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Epic Games\EpicGamesLauncher\Overrides
|
Note: The following example uses Registry Editor in Windows 10. |
Adding a Registry Install Path Override #
Follow these steps to add a Registry Install Path Override:
- In the taskbar search field, type
regedit. - Select the regedit Run command to open Registry Editor .
|
Note: Use Registry Editor to add an InstallLocation override under any of the registry locations listed in the Registry Install Path Override section. This example uses the following key:
|
- Navigate to the following registry location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Epic Games\EpicGamesLauncherand select EpicGamesLauncher Key. - To create a new subkey under EpicGamesLauncher , choose the menu “ Edit ”, point to “ New ”, and select “Key” .
- Name the new subkey
Overrides. - Repeat the previous two steps to create another subkey under Overrides, named
UE_4.18.
|
Important: The registry path must include the engine's required folder name, found in the Launcher's installation dialog . In the image below, the required folder name for this example is
|
- Choose the menu “ Edit ”, point to “ New ”, and select “String Value” .
- Name the new string value
InstallLocation. - Finally, set the value data for InstallLocation to the installation path, including the required UE4 folder name. This example uses
C:\Epic Games\UE_4.18.
|
Note:
|
Source:
https://docs.unrealengine.com/5.1/en-US/multiple-launcher-unreal-engine-installs/
You must be logged in to post a comment.