Gaming · Platform not recorded

How To Fix Riot Client Not Opening or Launching Problem

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Answer

One initial step to resolve the Riot Client not launching is to run it as an administrator since at times, elevated permissions are needed for proper functionality. Simply: Right-click on the Riot Client shortcut or executable.; Select "Run as administrator" from the contextual menu. This action could potentially bypass any launching issues.

Grant Administrative Privileges

One initial step to resolve the Riot Client not launching is to run it as an administrator since at times, elevated permissions are needed for proper functionality. Simply: Right-click on the Riot Client shortcut or executable.; Select "Run as administrator" from the contextual menu. This action could potentially bypass any launching issues.

run as administrator
run as administrator

Terminate Background Processes

It might be the case that the Riot Client is operational in the background, but not appearing on your screen. Here's a quick fix: Open the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).; Look for any ongoing Riot Client or related processes.; Right-click and choose End Task on each of these processes. Now, try relaunching the Riot Client to see if the problem persists.

end riot client tasks
end riot client tasks

Refresh Your Graphics Driver

Outdated graphics drivers might induce compatibility issues with the Riot Client. Here’s how to update them based on your graphics card: NVIDIA Users:Open the GeForce Experience application.Navigate to the Drivers section.Click on Check for Updates to download and install the latest driver.; Open the GeForce Experience application.; Navigate to the Drivers section.; Click on Check for Updates to download and install the latest driver.; AMD Users:Launch the AMD Radeon application.Head over to the Drivers & Software section.Click on Check for Updates to fetch and install the newest driver.; Launch the AMD Radeon application.; Head over to the Drivers & Software section.; Click on Check for Updates to fetch and install the newest driver. Keeping your graphics driver up-to-date ensures a smoother interaction between your system and the Riot Client.

update graphics driver
update graphics driver

Fresh Install of Riot Client

Sometimes, a fresh installation can be the key to resolving the Riot Client not launching issue. Here's how you can go about it: Uninstall the current version of Riot Client from your system.; Download the latest version directly from the official Riot Games website.; Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Tip: Third-party software with overlay features like Discord or OBS could interfere with Riot Client's functionality. Temporarily disabling or uninstalling these programs may help in identifying and resolving the conflict.

official Riot Games website
reinstall game client
reinstall game client

Whitelist Riot Client in Firewall

There's a chance your antivirus or Windows Defender firewall could be blocking the Riot Client, mistaking it as a threat. Here’s a step-by-step guide to allow Riot Client through the firewall: Type “Firewall” in your start menu search, and open Firewall & Network Protection system settings window.; Click on “Allow an app through firewall”.; Click on “Change settings” and then locate the “Riot Client” app. Check both the checkboxes next to it.If the Riot Client app isn't listed, click on “Allow another app”, then “Browse” to locate it in your file explorer.; If the Riot Client app isn't listed, click on “Allow another app”, then “Browse” to locate it in your file explorer. By adjusting the firewall settings to include Riot Client in the exception list, you're on a good path to fix startup issues associated with the client.

allow riot client through firewall
allow riot client through firewall

Video walkthrough

If it does not work

  • Why is my Riot Client not launching on my Windows PC?. The Riot Client may not launch due to lack of admin permissions, running background processes of the client, outdated graphics drivers, or conflicts with third-party software. Ensuring that your Riot Client and graphics drivers are updated, and running the client as an administrator can often resolve these issues.
  • How can I run Riot Client as an administrator?. Right-click on the Riot Client shortcut or executable file on your desktop, and select "Run as administrator" from the context menu. This grants the necessary permissions for the client to operate correctly.
  • What should I do if Riot Client is running in the background but not launching?. Open the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), locate any Riot Client or related processes, end those tasks, and then try launching the client again. This ensures that any previous instances that may have been stuck in the background are closed.
  • How do I update my graphics drivers to fix Riot Client launching issues?. If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, use the GeForce Experience application; AMD users can use the AMD Radeon application. Navigate to the “Drivers” section and download the latest driver, which will be installed automatically.
  • How can I allow Riot Client through my Windows Defender Firewall?. Search for “Firewall” in your start menu, open Firewall & Network Protection system settings, click on “Allow an app through firewall”, then “Change settings”. Locate “Riot Client” and check both boxes next to it. If it's not listed, click on “Allow another app” and then “Browse” to locate it.