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How to Fix League of Legends RADS Error on Windows 11: Complete Working Solutions

League of Legends is a popular online game enjoyed by millions worldwide. However, sometimes players encounter errors that prevent the game from launching properly. One common issue is the RADS error, which can be frustrating and confusing.

This guide will walk you through simple and effective solutions to fix the RADS error on Windows 11. Each step is explained clearly, so even beginners can follow along without difficulty.

By the end of this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to playing League of Legends smoothly. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the fixes.

Understanding why each step is necessary will help you prevent similar problems in the future.

Quick Note Before You Begin

  • Make sure your Windows 11 system is up to date with the latest updates installed.
  • Check that your internet connection is stable and working correctly.
  • Ensure you have administrative rights on your PC to apply the fixes below.
  • Close all unnecessary programs running in the background to avoid conflicts.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer and Router

Sometimes, the simplest fix is to restart your devices. Restarting your computer and router can clear temporary glitches that may cause the RADS error.

  1. Close League of Legends completely.
  2. Turn off your PC, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
  3. Restart your router by unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
  4. Try launching League of Legends again.

This step is important because it refreshes your system and network connection, often resolving minor errors.

Step 2: Run League of Legends as Administrator

Running the game with administrative privileges ensures it has the necessary permissions to access files and system resources.

  1. Right-click the League of Legends shortcut icon on your desktop or start menu.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  4. Check the box next to Run this program as an administrator.
  5. Click Apply, then OK.
  6. Launch the game and see if the RADS error persists.

This method helps because Windows 11 might restrict access to certain files unless the program is run with higher privileges.

Step 3: Clear the RADS Folder

The RADS folder contains temporary files related to League of Legends updates. Sometimes, corrupted files here cause errors.

  1. Close League of Legends completely.
  2. Open File Explorer and navigate to the installation folder, usually located at:
    3. C:Riot GamesLeague of Legends
  3. Inside the folder, find and open the RADS directory.
  4. Delete the projects, solutions, and system folders inside RADS.
  5. Restart your computer.
  6. Launch the League of Legends launcher; it will re-download the deleted files.

Deleting these files forces the game to refresh its update files, which often fixes issues caused by corrupted data.

Step 4: Disable Firewall and Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes, security software blocks League of Legends from accessing the internet or modifying files, causing the RADS error.

  1. Open Windows Security by searching for it in the Start menu.
  2. Go to Firewall & network protection.
  3. Click your active network and toggle Microsoft Defender Firewall off temporarily.
  4. Open your antivirus program and disable it temporarily (refer to your antivirus guide if unsure).
  5. Try launching League of Legends again.
  6. Remember to re-enable your firewall and antivirus after testing.

This step helps to identify if your security settings are interfering with the game’s update process.

Step 5: Repair League of Legends Using the Client

The League of Legends client has a built-in repair tool that can fix corrupted or missing files.

  1. Open the League of Legends launcher.
  2. Click the gear icon (settings) in the upper right corner.
  3. Select Initiate Full Repair.
  4. Wait for the process to complete; this may take several minutes.
  5. Once done, try launching the game again.

Running a full repair ensures that your game files are intact and up to date.

Step 6: Flush DNS and Reset Network Settings

Network issues can cause difficulties connecting to Riot servers, triggering the RADS error.

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the command window, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
    3. ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
  3. Restart your computer.
  4. Try opening League of Legends again.

Flushing DNS and resetting network settings often resolve connectivity problems by clearing cached data and refreshing network protocols.

Alternative Method: Reinstall League of Legends

If none of the above steps work, reinstalling the game can fix deeper issues with corrupted files or incorrect configurations.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps & features.
  3. Find League of Legends, click it, and select Uninstall.
  4. After it is removed, visit the official Riot Games website and download the latest installer.
  5. Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions.
  6. Launch the game after installation completes.

Reinstalling ensures a clean copy of the game, free from any corrupted or missing files.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What exactly is the RADS error?

The RADS error is related to Riot’s game update system. It usually appears when the launcher cannot connect to the update servers or when files are corrupted.

Will disabling my firewall or antivirus harm my PC?

Temporarily disabling these is safe if done briefly and only for troubleshooting. Always remember to turn them back on afterward to keep your PC protected.

Can this error happen on other Windows versions?

Yes, RADS errors can occur on Windows 10, 8, and 7 as well, but this guide focuses on Windows 11.

Is it necessary to delete the RADS folders manually?

Sometimes, yes. Deleting these folders forces the launcher to download fresh update files, fixing corruption issues.

How often should I update Windows and drivers?

Regularly updating your system and drivers helps prevent many errors by ensuring compatibility and security.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and the RADS error still appears, consider the following options:

  • Visit the official Riot Games support page for the latest troubleshooting advice: Riot Games Support.
  • Check the Riot Games forums or Reddit community for similar issues and user-shared solutions.
  • Contact Riot Games customer support directly for personalized help.
  • Consider creating a new Windows user profile to rule out profile-specific issues.

Conclusion

The RADS error in League of Legends on Windows 11 can be resolved through a series of straightforward steps. Starting with basic troubleshooting like restarting your PC and running the game as an administrator, you can gradually move to more advanced fixes such as clearing the RADS folder and repairing game files.

Understanding why each method works helps you maintain a healthy game environment and avoid future errors. If all else fails, reinstalling the game or reaching out to official support will get you back in the game quickly.

Following this guide carefully ensures a smooth and error-free League of Legends experience on Windows 11.

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