If you’re a Fortnite player, encountering the error message “Please Close Interception Before Starting the Game” can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re ready to dive into gameplay. This issue is commonly reported by players trying to launch Fortnite, especially after recent updates to the game or their operating systems. It typically signals a conflict between security protocols in Fortnite and a third-party input driver called Interception.
Understanding the root of this problem and addressing it correctly is crucial for a safe and smooth gaming experience. This comprehensive guide explains what causes the error and walks you through several solutions while warning against potential pitfalls.
What Is the Interception Driver?
Interception is a Windows driver framework used mostly for keyboard and mouse input manipulation. While Interception can serve legitimate purposes—such as customizing input devices or enhancing macro capabilities—it is also frequently flagged by anti-cheat systems used in games like Fortnite due to its ability to modify inputs at a low level.
Epic Games, the makers of Fortnite, have strict anti-cheat measures to ensure a fair gaming environment. If Interception is active on your device, Fortnite will prevent the game from launching to guard against potential cheating tools.
Why You’re Seeing the “Please Close Interception” Error
The error generally appears because the Fortnite anti-cheat system (Easy Anti-Cheat or EAC) detects that the Interception driver is either installed, running, or has been used recently. Even if you’re not actively using any macros or input hooks, merely having the driver installed can trigger this error.
The following are the typical reasons this error might show up:
- Interception driver is installed and running in the background.
- Leftover files or registry entries from a previous Interception installation.
- Usage of input remapping software or devices that depend on Interception.
- A false positive by Easy Anti-Cheat detecting similar behavior.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix the Problem
Follow these trusted, step-by-step instructions to resolve the Fortnite “Please Close Interception” error. Make sure to reboot your PC after completing each fix to verify if the issue has been resolved.
1. Uninstall the Interception Driver
If you’ve knowingly or unknowingly installed the Interception driver, this is your first and most vital step. Here’s how to remove it:
- Press Windows + R, type cmd, then right-click CMD and choose Run as Administrator.
- Navigate to the folder where the Interception driver was originally installed. Typically, you might have a folder labeled “Interception” on your desktop or C:\ drive.
- In Command Prompt, run the following command to uninstall the driver:
install-interception /uninstall - Reboot your PC.
If you’re unsure whether Interception was ever installed, performing these steps will still help confirm and remove any lingering files.
2. Check for Interception Entries in the Windows Registry
Sometimes, even after uninstalling, traces of Interception persist in the Windows Registry, which Fortnite can detect. Follow these steps carefully:
- Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
- Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services - Look for a folder or key named “keyboard_filter” or “mouse_filter.” These are sometimes associated with Interception.
- If found, right-click and choose Delete. Proceed cautiously, and only delete if you are confident it’s linked to Interception.
- Close the Registry Editor and reboot your PC.
Important: Editing the registry can affect critical system components. Always back up the registry before making changes.
3. Audit Installed Programs and Drivers
Users sometimes install macros or gaming optimization tools that come bundled with input manipulation drivers. You should:
- Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
- Look for applications related to keyboard remapping, macros, or automation (e.g., custom keybinding tools).
- If you identify unfamiliar input tools, uninstall them.
Then, go to Device Manager and check for unconventional HID (Human Interface Devices) or keyboard drivers. Right-click and uninstall any suspicious items.
4. Run a Full System Anti-Malware Scan
Although unlikely, certain malware or cheat programs may install drivers resembling Interception. Running a full antivirus and anti-malware scan using reputable tools such as:
- Windows Defender
- Malwarebytes
- Bitdefender
will help ensure your system isn’t compromised in ways that could trigger Fortnite’s anti-cheat mechanism.
5. Reinstall Fortnite and Easy Anti-Cheat
If all else fails, try reinstalling both Fortnite and its anti-cheat system:
- Uninstall Fortnite through the Epic Games Launcher.
- Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\EasyAntiCheat and run the EasyAntiCheat_Setup.exe.
- Select “Fortnite” from the dropdown and click Uninstall.
- Reboot your PC.
- Reinstall Fortnite from the Epic Games Launcher which will also reinstall EAC.
Preventing Future Occurrences
Now that the error has been resolved, it’s important to prevent future issues. Here’s how:
- Avoid software that installs input drivers unless they’re highly trusted and necessary.
- Refrain from using macros or keyboard mapping tools during Fortnite sessions, even if they seem harmless.
- Keep your system and Fortnite updated to reduce the chances of compatibility issues triggering false positives.
When to Contact Epic Games Support
If none of these solutions work, it’s time to escalate the issue. Visit the Epic Games Support page and submit a detailed ticket. Be sure to include:
- Exact error message you are encountering.
- What steps you’ve already tried.
- Your system specifications and OS version.
Epic’s support team may be able to detect unusual behaviors that generic tools or scans cannot uncover.
Final Thoughts
The “Please Close Interception Before Starting the Game” error in Fortnite is most commonly caused by the presence of interception-level driver software that interacts with your keyboard or mouse. While intended functionality may be benign, Fortnite’s anti-cheat system categorizes this as a potential threat to fair gameplay.
By carefully following this guide, you can effectively identify the source of the conflict, remove it, and return safely to your Fortnite experience. Keep your system clear of unauthorized input drivers and avoid shortcuts that may put your gaming account at risk. A secure environment is not just about fixing errors—it’s about maintaining trust and safety for long-term gameplay satisfaction.
