Connection Troubleshooting Guide (PC)

If you tackle this troubleshooting guide step-by-step, by the time you reach the end, you’ll have either leveled up to a Tech Expert and solved your problem or gotten much closer to helping our Support team help you do so. If you're still stuck after following the steps below, drop us a ticket using the button at the bottom of this page!

Switch to a Wired Connection

Wireless connections tend to be difficult to troubleshoot due to potential interference from the environment and other radio signals. This often causes lag spikes and/or packet loss in the game. In order to eliminate this factor from our troubleshooting, we recommend switching to a wired (Ethernet) connection whenever it is possible.

Do Not Use Proxies or VPN Connections

Make sure that you are not using a VPN or a Proxy to connect to a game server, as they can cause a number of connection issues which will be impossible to resolve!

A VPN should only be used to test your connection routing path in very specific cases when advised by our Technical Specialists.

Configure Your DNS

Changing to a Public Domain Name System

The game launcher uses server aliases that have problems connecting to some Internet Service Providers' default Domain Name System resolver. If your launcher never seems to start downloading a patch, you may want to change to public DNS servers in your network settings. Most often, this only applies to players outside of the US.

Changing these settings can cause problems with your internet connection if you have specified network configurations for another purpose. Be prepared to revert to your old settings and save any information you are about to change. 

Release/Renew IP and Flush DNS (Windows)

1. Open the Windows Key 🪟
2. Type cmd
3. Press Enter and Run as Administrator
4. In Command Prompt, type ipconfig /release 
5. Press Enter
6. Type ipconfig /renew 
7. Press Enter
8. Type ipconfig /flushdns 
9. Press Enter
10. Close the command prompt and attempt to make a connection

Setting Up Your Permissions

Update Windows

To make sure your version of Windows is up-to-date, search for "Windows Update" in the Start menu and run the program.

Disable UAC

1. Press Windows Key 🪟
2. Type UAC 
3. Press Enter
4. Select Change User Account Control settings
5. Select the Never notify option in the UAC settings box
6. Press OK

Run the Riot Client as an Administrator

1. Right click on the Riot Client shortcut
2. Select Properties
3. Go to Compatibility tab
4. Check the box labelled Run as Administrator

Note: Running the game's .exe file (this is your game shortcut in your install folder) as administrator without also running the Riot Client as administrator may cause your game to not work properly.

Update Your Network Adapter Driver (Windows)

Sometimes, outdated network drivers can cause issues playing the game. Here's how to update your drivers.

1. Press the Windows Key 🪟 
2. Type device manager 
3. Press Enter
4. Expand the Network adapters category
5. Right click the network adapter you're using 
6. Click Check for updates... or Update driver
7. If you're not sure which adapter you're currently connected with, try updating each one in the list.

Firewall Troubleshooting

Firewalls serve two main purposes: they block both incoming and outgoing communications. Blocking incoming connections prevents external "hackers" from accessing your computer, usually by manipulating a flaw in an Operating System or a commonly used application.

Most firewalls are built to protect users from themselves. They do this by blocking outgoing connections. Outgoing connections are opened by applications running on your system. These are usually harmless; web browsers, the game and instant messengers, for example, open outgoing connections.

Based on that your firewall might be gatekeeping the fun, here’s how to give the game a VIP pass:

Updating Your Firewall

We have contacted a large number of firewall manufacturers to identify the game as a harmless application and add exceptions for the game automatically. It is possible that your firewall simply needs the latest update from the manufacturer to apply these exceptions.

Visit your firewall provider's support site for the latest drivers and updates. Keep in mind, that some firewalls require an active subscription in order to receive the latest virus definition updates.

Disabling Your Windows Firewall

The quickest and easiest way to solve your problem is to temporarily uninstall and disable your firewalls.

1. Press Windows Key 🪟
2. Type Control Panel
3. Press Enter
4. Click on System and Security
5. Click on Windows Firewall
6. Click on Turn Windows Firewall on or off (You might need to provide the Administrator password at this step)
7. Under each Network location, select the Turn off Windows Firewall option

⚠️Turning off your firewall should be for troubleshooting purposes only.

Adding Exceptions to Your Firewall Manually

Here is a list of executable paths that you will need to add to your firewall's exceptions list: