Updating League of Legends on Windows 11 should be a smooth process, but sometimes issues can prevent the update from completing. These problems can be frustrating, especially if you want to jump right into the game.
This guide will help you fix common update issues in a simple and clear way. No technical knowledge is required to follow these steps.
We will start with easy solutions and gradually move to more detailed fixes if needed. By the end, you should be able to update your game without hassle.
Let’s get started and get your League of Legends updated quickly.
Quick Note: What to Check Before You Start
- Internet Connection: Make sure your internet is stable. A weak or intermittent connection can cause update failures.
- Disk Space: Check if you have enough free space on your main drive (usually C:). Updates need extra space to download and install.
- Windows Updates: Ensure your Windows 11 is up to date. Sometimes, system updates fix underlying issues.
- Game Client Version: Make sure you’re using the official Riot Games launcher and not a third-party client.
Step 1: Restart Your Computer and the Riot Client
Sometimes, the simplest fix works wonders. Restarting your computer can clear temporary glitches affecting the update process.
- Close League of Legends and the Riot Games launcher completely.
- Restart your Windows 11 PC.
- Open the Riot Games launcher again and try to update League of Legends.
This step ensures that any stuck processes or temporary files are cleared, which might be blocking the update.
Step 2: Run the Riot Client as Administrator
Running the Riot Games launcher with administrator privileges can help bypass permission issues that might prevent updates.
- Right-click on the Riot Games launcher icon on your desktop or Start menu.
- Select
Run as administrator. - Try to update League of Legends again.
Administrator mode grants the launcher the necessary permissions to modify files and install updates properly.
Step 3: Check Your Firewall and Antivirus Settings
Sometimes, your firewall or antivirus software might block the update process thinking it’s unsafe.
- Open your antivirus software or Windows Defender.
- Look for settings related to allowed apps or exceptions.
- Make sure League of Legends and the Riot Games launcher are allowed through the firewall or antivirus.
- If unsure, temporarily disable your antivirus/firewall and try updating again. Remember to turn it back on afterward.
Allowing these apps prevents your security software from interrupting the update files.
Step 4: Repair the Game Files Using the Riot Client
Corrupted or missing game files can cause update problems. The Riot launcher has a built-in repair tool to fix these issues.
- Open the Riot Games launcher.
- Click on League of Legends to open the game page.
- Look for the Settings or gear icon near the Play button.
- Select
Repairto start the process. - Wait for the launcher to scan and fix any broken files.
This process helps ensure all game data is intact and ready for the update.
Step 5: Clear the Riot Games and League of Legends Cache
Cache files store temporary data which can sometimes become corrupted and block updates.
- Close the Riot Games launcher and League of Legends completely.
- Press
Win + Rto open the Run dialog. - Type
%localappdata%and hit Enter. - Find the folders named
Riot GamesandLeague of Legendsand delete any Cache or Logs folders inside them. - Restart your PC and try updating again.
Clearing cache removes old temporary files that might interfere with the update process.
Step 6: Reinstall the Riot Games Launcher
If none of the above steps work, reinstalling the launcher can fix deeper issues.
- Open Settings on Windows 11 and go to Apps > Installed apps.
- Find Riot Games in the list and click
Uninstall. - After uninstalling, visit the official Riot Games website and download the latest launcher version.
- Install the launcher and try updating League of Legends again.
Reinstalling replaces any damaged launcher files that may be causing update errors.
Alternative Method: Use the Hextech Repair Tool
Riot Games offers a free tool called the Hextech Repair Tool that automates many fixes.
- Download the tool from the official Riot Games support page.
- Run the tool and select options like
Force RepatchorClean Uninstallif necessary. - Follow the on-screen instructions to repair or reinstall League of Legends.
This tool is helpful especially if you are unsure how to manually troubleshoot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does my League of Legends update keep failing?
Common reasons include unstable internet, corrupted game files, or interference from antivirus/firewall software.
Can I update the game without the Riot launcher?
No, the official Riot launcher manages updates and game files. Using third-party tools is not recommended.
Will reinstalling League of Legends delete my game progress?
No, your account progress is saved on Riot’s servers, so reinstalling the game won’t affect your stats or unlocks.
How much free disk space do I need for updates?
It’s best to have at least 20 GB of free space to accommodate updates and temporary files during installation.
Is it safe to disable my antivirus during updates?
Temporarily disabling antivirus can help if it blocks the update, but remember to enable it immediately after.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and the update still does not work, it might be time to reach out for official help.
- Visit the Riot Games Support Center for detailed guides and to submit a ticket.
- Check the Riot Games server status page to ensure there are no ongoing issues.
- Consider posting your problem on the official forums or Reddit where community members and Riot staff can assist.
Conclusion
Updating League of Legends on Windows 11 can run into problems, but most issues are fixable with simple steps. Start by restarting your PC and running the launcher as administrator. Next, check your firewall settings and repair game files if necessary. Clearing cache and reinstalling the launcher are effective for stubborn problems.
Using the Hextech Repair Tool can save time and automate repairs. Always keep your system updated and maintain a stable internet connection to avoid update interruptions.
Following these basic steps carefully will help you get back to playing League of Legends without delay.