League of Legends is one of the most optimized multiplayer games in the world, capable of running on low-end PCs and laptops. But that doesn’t mean every player is guaranteed a smooth ride. Whether you’re getting FPS drops in teamfights or suffering from random lag spikes, performance issues can be frustrating—especially when ranked LP is on the line.
Here’s a practical guide to help you make League of Legends run smoother, with tips that range from in-game tweaks to system-level optimizations.
1. Optimize In-Game Settings
The quickest way to boost performance is to lower your graphics settings. Here’s how:
- Launch a game (or enter Practice Tool).
- Press
Escand go to Video Settings. - Adjust the following:
- Character Quality: Low
- Environment Quality: Low
- Effects Quality: Low
- Shadows: Off (this can make a huge difference)
- Anti-Aliasing: Off
- Frame Rate Cap: Set to 60 FPS or uncapped depending on your hardware
Pro Tip: Enable Low Spec Mode in the client settings for even more performance boosts, especially if your PC struggles to keep up.
2. Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated GPU drivers are a common cause of frame drops and stuttering. Make sure to install the latest drivers:
- NVIDIA users: Visit GeForce Drivers
- AMD users: Visit AMD Support
- Intel users: Visit Intel Drivers
Most updates improve compatibility and stability with popular games like League.
3. Close Background Programs
Before launching League, make sure to shut down resource-hungry applications:
- Google Chrome (especially with multiple tabs)
- Streaming apps like Netflix or Spotify
- Game launchers or updaters (Steam, Epic, Battle.net)
- Unused overlays (Discord, GeForce Experience)
Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to end unnecessary processes.
4. Fix Internet Lag (Ping Spikes)
If your game feels choppy despite high FPS, it might be your connection. Here’s how to improve it:
- Use a wired connection (Ethernet) instead of Wi-Fi
- Avoid playing while others are streaming/downloading on the same network
- Restart your modem/router before gaming sessions
- Choose the correct server region in the League client (e.g., EUW, NA)
You can also enable “Low Spec Mode” under the League client settings to reduce client-side memory usage, freeing up resources for the game itself.
5. Adjust Windows Settings
Several Windows features can interfere with gaming performance:
- Turn off Game DVR (Xbox Game Bar):
- Go to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar → Turn it off
- Go to Captures → Disable background recording
- Set League to High Priority:
- Open Task Manager while League is running
- Right-click
LeagueClient.exeorLeague of Legends.exe - Set priority to High
You can also adjust your power settings:
- Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Select High Performance
6. Run a Full Repair (If All Else Fails)
Sometimes the issue lies in corrupted game files. You can repair your League installation:
- Open the League client
- Click the Settings icon in the top-right
- Go to General > Troubleshooting
- Click Initiate Full Repair
This will scan and fix any issues with game files.
Bonus: Upgrade Your Hardware (If You Can)
If you’re running on an old laptop or a low-end desktop, even the best settings tweaks may not help. Consider upgrading:
- Add more RAM (at least 8 GB recommended)
- Install an SSD for faster loading times and smoother performance
- Upgrade your GPU if possible
Final Thoughts
League of Legends is built to run on a wide range of machines, but no system is immune to performance hiccups. By optimizing your settings, maintaining your hardware, and monitoring your network, you can ensure a smoother, more responsive gaming experience—because no one wants to miss a Baron steal due to a lag spike.
So before you lock in your next champ, take a moment to lock in your system’s stability. Your LP will thank you.
Written by:
Christian