While the League of Legends client is designed to update automatically, there are times when players need to manually force the process to fix errors or stalled downloads. This is a crucial skill for ensuring you can always access the latest version of the game.
Standard and Forced Update Methods
Typically, the update process begins automatically when you launch the Riot Client. If an update is available, the client will start downloading the necessary files before you can click the “Launch” button.
If the client doesn’t update on its own, you can force it by following these steps:
- Run as Administrator: Navigate to your League of Legends installation directory (usually C:\Riot Games\League of Legends). Find the LeagueClient.exe or lol.launcher.exe file, right-click it, and select “Run as administrator.” This can resolve common permission issues that block updates.
- Delete the Config Folder: A more aggressive method is to delete the Config folder within your League of Legends directory. This action resets your client’s settings and can often trigger a new, forced update check upon the next launch.
- Use the Repair Option: The client itself has a built-in repair tool. Access the settings within the Riot Client and look for the “Repair” option. Running this feature will check for and replace any corrupted or missing files, which can also fix update problems.
Troubleshooting and Additional Tips
If a manual update still fails, consider these troubleshooting steps:
- Check Antivirus and Firewall Settings: Your antivirus software or firewall may be blocking the client from connecting to the update servers. Make sure to add the Riot Client and League of Legends executables to your exception list.
- Mac Users: On a Mac, you can manually update by navigating to your Applications folder, right-clicking the League of Legends icon, and selecting “Show Package Contents.” From there, go to Contents -> LoL and run “Play League of Legends” to start the update.
By using these methods, you can ensure that you are always on the latest patch, allowing for a stable and uninterrupted gaming experience.
Written by:
Christian