League Client Won’t Open Error | 9 Ways To Fix [2025 Edition]

Last updated: November 7, 2025

League of Legends (LOL) is a multiplayer online battle arena video game developed and published by Riot Games for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS. Launched over a decade ago, it remains one of the world’s most popular online games, consistently maintaining millions of active players globally. Thus, knowing how to fix the League Client Won’t Open error is essential for any player.

To open League of Legends, try switching to a different account, closing game processes, and cleaning the Config and Logs folders. Allowing the game through your Firewall/Windows Defender can also help. If all else fails, use the Hextech Repair Tool or reinstall the game. It’s likely to be a simple issue, and one of the below-mentioned steps should hopefully fix your problem.

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How To Fix League Client Won’t Open

The following are 9 ways to fix the League Client Won’t Open error, updated for 2025.

Solution #1: Run Directly from Installation Folder as Administrator

 

If the client is failing to launch via the desktop shortcut, the shortcut file itself might be corrupted. Try launching the executable directly.

1. Look for the League of Legends installation directory, typically: C:\Riot Games\League of Legends in File Explorer.
2. Search for the file LeagueClient.exe.
3. Right-click on the file and select “Run as Administrator.”
4. If it opens without an issue, delete the old desktop shortcut and generate a new shortcut from this .exe file.

Solution #2: End Background Processes via Task Manager

Background applications—including hung League of Legends or Riot Client processes—can sometimes conflict with a new launch attempt.

1. Open the “Task Manager” menu on your PC (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
2. Select the “Processes” tab.
3. Look for any processes related to League of Legends or Riot Games, such as:
   • League of Legends (32-bit)
   • LeagueClient.exe
   • RiotClientServices.exe
4. Select each one and click “End Task” to halt its functioning.
5. Try opening the League Client again.

Solution #3: Verify Antivirus and Firewall Exceptions

Firewalls and third-party antivirus software are common culprits for blocking a game client from launching or connecting.

• Antivirus: Temporarily disable your third-party antivirus or switch it to “Silent Mode” or “Gaming Mode” to test if it’s the cause.
• Administrator Privileges: Ensure you are running the game with Administrator privileges (see Solution #1). This is crucial when multiple users share the system.
• Firewall: Ensure that Windows Defender Firewall or any third-party Firewall isn’t stopping the Client from opening.
  • Open your Firewall settings.
  • Go to “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall” (or the equivalent setting).
  • Ensure LeagueClient.exe and RiotClientServices.exe are on the exceptions list for both Private and Public networks.

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Solution #4: Clear Configuration, Cache, and Logs Folders

Corrupted configuration settings or temporary patch files can prevent the client from initializing correctly. Cleaning these folders forces the client to create fresh, non-corrupted versions on the next launch.

1. Navigate to your main League of Legends installation folder: C:\Riot Games\League of Legends.
2. Open the Config folder.
3. Delete the entire contents of the Config folder.
4. Return to the League of Legends folder and open the Logs folder.
5. Delete the entire contents of the Logs folder.
6. Relaunch the client. It will automatically regenerate the necessary files.

Note: This is the most common fix for a League Client that suddenly stops opening after a patch.

Solution #5: Manually Delete Cache Files on macOS

If you are on macOS and the League Client won’t open, deleting certain cache and log files can resolve initialization issues.

1. Open Finder and go to Applications > League of Legends.
2. Right-click on the League of Legends application and click ‘Show Package Contents.’
3. Navigate to Contents > LoL.
4. Find and Delete the file named logfile (or any files/folders that appear to be temporary logs).
5. In the same Contents > LoL folder, try launching the League Client by clicking on LeagueClient.

Solution #6: Utilize the Hextech Repair Tool (HRT)

The Hextech Repair Tool (HRT) is an official utility released by Riot Games to automate many common fixes, including re-patching files, reinstalling, and firewall configuration. This should be used before attempting a full manual reinstallation.

1. Search and download the Hextech Repair Tool from the official Riot Games support website.
2. Run the tool.
3. Select your region and choose the following options:
   • Force Repatch
   • Gather System & LoL Logs (for diagnostics if you need to submit a support ticket)
4. Click Start. The tool will attempt to automatically repair any corrupted or missing files and re-launch the client.

Solution #7: Add the “-no-sandbox” Parameter

If the client opens to a black screen or fails to initialize the login window, this fix targets a common issue with the client’s built-in web browser component.

1. Locate the League Client desktop shortcut.
2. Right-click the shortcut and select Properties.
3. In the Shortcut tab, find the Target field.
4. Add the parameter -no-sandbox to the end of the existing string, ensuring there is a space before the parameter.
5. The new parameter should look like this (path may vary): "C:\Riot Games\League of Legends\LeagueClient.exe" -no-sandbox
6. Click Apply and then OK.
7. Launch the client using the modified shortcut.

Solution #8: Clean Old Registry Files

This advanced step should only be performed before a full reinstallation, as it attempts to clean up leftover files from previous, failed installations that may be blocking the new one. Exercise caution when editing the Windows Registry.

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialogue, then type regedit and hit Enter.
2. Go to the Edit tab and click on Find.
3. In the search bar, type League and hit Enter.
4. You will see entries related to League of Legends show up in the right-hand column.
5. Right-click each one and select Delete. Continue searching until no more “League” entries are found.
6. Close the Registry Editor and perform a Reboot of your PC.
7. Attempt to reinstall the client again.

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Solution #9: Perform a Clean Reinstallation

If no other fix works, a full, clean reinstallation is the final answer. Ensure you delete all associated files before downloading a new copy.

1. Uninstall League of Legends using the Windows Add or remove programs menu or the macOS Applications folder.
2. Manually delete the C:\Riot Games folder (or the Riot Games directory on macOS) to ensure no residual files remain.
3. Delete any remaining registry entries (as per Solution #8).
4. Reboot your machine.
5. Download and install the Riot Client from the official League of Legends website.
6. Use the Riot Client to download and install League of Legends again.

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FAQs

Why is my League client blank?

League clients may appear blank if your internet connection is unstable, there are any ongoing server problems, or if the client’s built-in browser component is failing to load (which Solution #7 addresses).

What can I do if my League client will not open?

Start with the simplest fixes: try closing all Riot/League processes via Task Manager (Solution #2), or run the Hextech Repair Tool (Solution #6). You can also try logging into your Riot Account via a web browser to ensure your credentials are valid.

Why is League client so glitchy?

League Client might be glitchy due to outdated files, or an excessive amount of stored cache and temporary data. This can often be fixed by clearing your Config and Logs folders (Solution #4).

What is one quick way we can fix League clients if that won’t open?

A very fast way is to run the Task Manager, search for any process named League of Legends or Riot Client, and click “End Task.” Then, try rerunning the client.

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Conclusion

Hopefully, the above steps, tailored for the 2025 Riot Client environment, should fix your League Client Won’t Open issue and get you back into the game. Starting with the simple fixes—closing tasks, clearing logs, and checking your firewall—is often enough to solve the problem. If you encounter persistent issues, the Hextech Repair Tool is your best friend before a full clean reinstall. Revisit us for more articles!

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