League of Legends is an intense, fast-paced multiplayer game that demands focus and fast reactions. But what happens when you need to step away for a second—whether to check Discord, change a song, or answer a message? Minimizing the game seems simple, but doing it the wrong way can cause crashes, lag, or even disconnections.
Here’s a look at how to safely and efficiently minimize League of Legends—and what to watch out for.
The Basics: Alt + Tab
The most common way to minimize League of Legends during a match is by pressing Alt + Tab. This keyboard shortcut switches you to the next open window, whether that’s your browser, chat app, or music player.
However, this method isn’t always seamless. On lower-end PCs or when running the game in full-screen mode, Alt + Tab can cause a temporary freeze or stutter. That’s because your system has to switch graphics priorities, which may not happen smoothly if resources are maxed out.
Best Practice: Use Borderless Mode
The cleanest way to minimize League without performance issues is to run the game in Windowed Borderless mode. You can enable this in your in-game settings:
- Go to Settings > Video
- Set Window Mode to Borderless
- Apply changes
In this mode, the game behaves like a full-screen app but allows instant switching to other windows. Alt + Tab works quickly and without flickering or screen blackouts.
Minimize with Windows Shortcut
You can also use the universal Windows shortcut Windows Key + D to minimize all windows, including League of Legends. Pressing it again restores your last focused window.
This method works well if you’re in a pinch, but it’s best used between matches rather than during gameplay, as it pulls you entirely away from the client and the match.
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When Minimizing Can Hurt
While minimizing during champion select or loading screen is generally safe, doing so during a ranked game can be risky. You could miss a teamfight, get disconnected, or even be penalized for being AFK.
If you’re in the middle of a live match, it’s best to wait for downtime—such as when you’ve just recalled to base—before minimizing the game.
Closing the Client? Don’t
Some players confuse minimizing with closing the League of Legends client entirely. Be cautious: if you exit the client during champion select or loading screen, the game may crash or you could be penalized for dodging. Only minimize—don’t click the red X.
The Safe Way to Multitask
To multitask while keeping League stable:
- Use Borderless mode
- Keep background apps open before starting your game
- Use a second monitor, if available
- Avoid minimizing during critical moments
Final Thoughts
Minimizing League of Legends might seem trivial, but doing it smartly can help you avoid technical issues or gameplay mishaps. Whether you’re checking a guide, replying to a teammate on Discord, or just managing your stream, knowing the best way to step away—without stepping out—can make all the difference.
Written by:
Christian