How to fix “League of Legends won’t open”: A comprehensive guide

League of Legends won't open

One common problem many League of Legends players face is the League of Legends won’t open.

 If you’ve found yourself repeatedly clicking the League of Legends icon only to see no response, you’re not alone. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth guide to identifying and resolving the issue of “League of Legends won’t open,” ensuring you can get back into the action as quickly as possible.

Why won’t League of Legends open?

Understanding why League of Legends won’t open is the first step to solving the problem. Several factors can contribute to this issue, including:

  1. Software Conflicts: Sometimes, other running programs can interfere with the Riot Client.
  2. Outdated System Drivers: Ensuring that all system drivers, especially graphics drivers, are up-to-date is crucial.
  3. Corrupt Game Files: Occasionally, game files may become corrupted or incomplete, leading to launch issues.
  4. Background Processes: The Riot Client might already be running in the background but not responsive.
  5. Compatibility Issues: Your operating system may have compatibility issues with the game client.

If you need help with any other issues or need help in the game, we have made a guide section for you.

Step-by-step troubleshooting guide to League of Legends won’t open

1. Restart your computer

It might sound simple, but restarting your computer can often resolve minor software conflicts and refresh system resources. If you haven’t tried this step yet, do so before moving on to more advanced solutions.

2. Check task manager

If restarting didn’t help, the next step is to check whether the Riot Client is running in the background.

  1. Press `Ctrl + Shift + Esc` to open Task Manager.
  2. Look for any processes related to Riot Client or League of Legends.
  3. Select these processes and click on `End Task`.
  4. Try reopening the game.

3. Update your system and drivers

Outdated system software or drivers can prevent games from opening. Ensure that your operating system is up-to-date and that you have the latest drivers installed:

  1. Windows update:
  • Go to `Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update`.
  • Click on `Check for updates` and install any available updates.
  1. Graphics driver update:
  • Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest drivers.
  • Install the drivers following the provided instructions.

4. Run compatibility troubleshooter

If the game still won’t launch, running the compatibility troubleshooter might help:

  1. Right-click on the Riot Client shortcut.
  2. Select `Properties`.
  3. Navigate to the `Compatibility` tab.
  4. Click on `Run compatibility troubleshooter`.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to apply recommended settings.

5. Repair game files

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

  1. Open the Riot Client.
  2. Click on the profile icon at the top-right corner.
  3. Select `Settings`.
  4. Under the `General` tab, find `Initiate Full Repair`.
  5. Click on it and let the process complete.

6. Reinstall League of Legends

If none of the above steps work, reinstalling the game might be your best bet:

  1. Open `Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features`.
  2. Find `League of Legends` in the list.
  3. Right-click and select `Uninstall`.
  4. Follow the prompts to remove the game completely.
  5. Download the latest installer from the official League of Legends website.
  6. Reinstall the game and try launching it again.

Solved: A user’s experience

One user recently shared their successful fix for this issue. They had restarted multiple times, ensured their PC and graphics drivers were up-to-date, and noted that the Riot Client was running in the Task Manager but unresponsive.

Here’s how they solved it:

  1. Close Riot Client in Task Manager: Just like we mentioned earlier, they ended the Riot Client task in the Task Manager.
  2. Run Compatibility Troubleshooter: By right-clicking the Riot Client shortcut, selecting `Properties`, navigating to the `Compatibility` tab, and running the compatibility troubleshooter, they resolved the issue.

This method worked for them with the problem “League of Legends won’t open”.

Additional tips

  • Check Antivirus/Firewall Settings: Sometimes, your antivirus or firewall settings may block the game from launching. Add League of Legends and Riot Client to the exception list.
  • Disable Overlays: Software like Discord, NVIDIA GeForce Experience, or other game overlay applications can interfere with League of Legends. Try disabling these overlays to see if it resolves the issue.
  • Run as Administrator: Right-click the Riot Client shortcut and select `Run as administrator`. This can sometimes bypass permission issues that prevent the game from opening.
  • Try and search for the problem on Reddit or forums alike. Here users often have experienced the same problems and find a fix on the problem of League of Legends won’t open.

Encountering the “League of Legends won’t open” issue can be a major setback for gamers eager to jump into the action. However, by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can identify and resolve the problem swiftly. From checking Task Manager to updating drivers and running compatibility tests, these solutions cover a broad range of potential causes.

Remember, sometimes the simplest solutions, like restarting your computer or ending a background process, can be the most effective. If all else fails, reinstalling the game ensures you start with a clean slate.

Don’t let technical issues keep you from enjoying one of the most popular games in the world! Follow this guide, and you’ll be back on Summoner’s Rift in no time. If you found this post helpful, be sure to share it with your fellow gamers and help them troubleshoot their League of Legends issues too.

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