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If Riot Client never appears, closes immediately, or opens while a Riot game fails to start, begin with the least destructive checks: end stuck Riot processes, restart Windows, clear the per-user cache, and check security software. Use Repair only when the client opens. Reserve a reinstall for damaged files, persistent Vanguard failures, or a missing executable. These Windows-focused steps apply to VALORANT, League of Legends, Teamfight Tactics and other Riot PC titles.
Identify which launch failure you have
| Symptom | Start here |
|---|---|
| No window appears or the shortcut does nothing | End Riot processes, then restart Windows |
| Riot Client flashes and closes | Clear the local cache and check antivirus or firewall blocks |
| Riot Client opens, but the game will not launch | Run the game’s Repair tool |
| An access, blocking or compatibility message appears | Check security exceptions and Compatibility settings |
The message begins with VAN |
Follow the code-specific Vanguard guidance |
| The executable is missing or every local fix fails | Perform a clean reinstall |
Riot says PC games are routed through Riot Client, while individual game clients remain part of the launch chain. A client-window failure is therefore different from a game or Vanguard failure. See Riot’s current FAQ for that relationship: Riot Client FAQ.
Before you start
- Note the exact message or code before changing anything.
- Close other launchers, overlays, capture tools and VPNs.
- These paths and commands are for Windows. macOS uses different files and startup controls.
- Do not change BIOS settings unless a Vanguard code specifically requires it.
1. End stuck Riot processes and restart Windows
A failed attempt can leave RiotClientServices.exe running invisibly, preventing a new window from appearing.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Under Processes or Details, look for
RiotClientServices.exe, Riot Client, the affected game client and any Riot Vanguard processes. - Select a stuck Riot or game process and choose End task.
- Try Riot Client again.
- If processes immediately return or remain stuck, restart Windows and test once more.
Do not repeatedly kill Vanguard as a permanent workaround. Vanguard may need to start with Windows and may require a restart after an installation or configuration change.
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2. Clear Riot’s local cache
Damaged per-user cache or configuration files can make the launcher close before it draws a window. Riot’s launch guidance recommends removing the affected game’s local AppData folders and its corresponding Riot Games data.
- Press Windows + R.
- Enter
%LOCALAPPDATA%and press Enter. - Find the folder for the affected Riot game and delete its local cache or configuration folder.
- In the same location, open the Riot Games folder and remove the affected game’s remaining local folder.
- Restart Windows and launch Riot Client.
Folder names vary by game and installation history. You may need to sign in again while the client rebuilds settings. Do not delete the entire AppData folder or the installed game directory under C:Riot Games at this stage. Riot documents this procedure at its launch troubleshooting page.
3. Repair the game from Riot Client
Use Repair only if Riot Client opens far enough to show its settings. It checks for damaged or missing game files; it cannot repair a launcher that never appears.
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- Open Riot Client and sign in if requested.
- Select the profile icon in the upper-right corner, then choose Settings.
- Select the affected game in the left column.
- Choose Repair at the bottom of the page.
- Wait for verification to finish, restart the client and test the game.
If the client itself will not open, skip this step and continue with cache, security and compatibility checks. The same Riot launch guide describes the Repair path: Riot launch troubleshooting.
4. Check antivirus and firewall blocks
Security software can block a newly updated executable. Add narrowly scoped exceptions for files that actually exist on your PC; paths differ between installations.
Typical Riot support examples include:
C:Riot GamesRiot ClientRiotClientServices.exeC:Riot GamesLeague of LegendsLeagueClient.exeC:Riot GamesLeague of LegendsLeagueClientUx.exeC:Riot GamesLeague of LegendsLeagueClientUxRenderer.exeC:Riot GamesLeague of LegendsGameLeague of Legends.exeC:Program FilesRiot Vanguardvgc.exeandvgm.exe
- Open your antivirus or firewall settings.
- Add Riot Client, the affected game and relevant Vanguard executables to the allowed or exclusions list.
- Restart Riot Client and test.
- Only for diagnosis, you may temporarily disable third-party antivirus protection; re-enable it immediately afterward and keep Windows or another trusted protection layer active.
Do not permanently disable Windows Firewall or antivirus protection. After a patch, an old exclusion may point to a renamed or moved executable, so browse to the current file instead of copying a stale path. Riot’s detailed exception guidance is at Advanced connection troubleshooting. Riot has also documented a post-patch launch issue involving antivirus exclusions: post-patch launch guidance.
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5. Remove compatibility conflicts and clean-boot Windows
Check shortcut compatibility settings
- Right-click the Riot Client or game shortcut and choose Properties.
- Open the Compatibility tab.
- Clear Run this program in compatibility mode for.
- Check whether Run this program as an administrator is forced on; clear it unless Riot specifically instructs otherwise.
- Apply the changes and retry.
Riot’s guidance for the Windows access error specifically warns against forced administrator execution as a default fix: Windows access troubleshooting.
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- Press Windows + R, type
msconfigand press Enter. - Open System Configuration and select the Services tab.
- Hide Microsoft services, then temporarily disable non-Microsoft services and restart.
- Test Riot Client.
- Restore normal startup afterward. If the client works, re-enable services in batches to identify the conflict.
Common culprits include third-party antivirus, overlays, RGB or hardware-monitoring utilities, VPNs, streaming tools and other anti-cheat software. A clean boot is a diagnostic state, not a recommended permanent setup. Riot’s support index includes its clean-boot guidance at the troubleshooting index.
6. Reinstall Riot Client, the game or Vanguard
Reinstall only after the earlier checks. It uses bandwidth and disk space and cannot correct unsupported Windows versions, account restrictions, network blocks, firmware requirements or a program that keeps interfering.
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When reinstalling is justified
- The Riot executable is missing or the shortcut target no longer exists.
- Repair cannot complete and cache cleanup has not helped.
- Updates repeatedly fail or the installation is visibly damaged.
- A Vanguard-protected game repeatedly reports that Vanguard cannot start.
Clean reinstall sequence
- Close Riot Client and end remaining Riot processes.
- Uninstall the affected game. For VALORANT or another Vanguard-protected title, uninstall Riot Vanguard when the error indicates it is involved.
- Restart Windows.
- Download the installer from Riot’s official site, Riot Games, not a third-party mirror.
- Reinstall the game and allow Vanguard to install when required.
- Restart again if prompted, then launch Riot Client and test.
Vanguard is not an inherent part of every Riot Client installation; it is added for games that require it. Do not reinstall Vanguard for a League or launcher problem unless the game or error points to Vanguard.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Vanguard codes need a different path
A VAN message indicates a Vanguard restriction or startup failure. Use the exact code’s Riot Support article rather than repeating generic cache steps.
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| Code | What it generally indicates |
|---|---|
VAN 9001 |
TPM 2.0 is unavailable or disabled. |
VAN 9002 |
Windows Exploit Protection is not configured as required. |
VAN 9003 |
Secure Boot is not enabled. |
VAN 9004 or VAN 9006 |
The Windows version is unsupported. |
VAN 9005 |
Virtualization-based security, TPM 2.0 or UEFI requirements may be involved. |
VAN Missing -117 or VAN 57 |
Vanguard is not active or cannot start. |
VAN: RESTRICTION |
Vanguard considers one or more Windows or firmware settings insufficient. |
TPM, Secure Boot, UEFI, VBS and Exploit Protection settings vary by motherboard and manufacturer. An incorrect BIOS change can stop Windows from booting, so consult the device maker’s instructions. See Riot’s Vanguard code list, VAN 9002 guidance and VAN: RESTRICTION guidance.
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Special cases
The client is running but hidden
Check Task Manager, the system tray, other monitors and Windows virtual desktops. A minimized or off-screen window can look like a failed launch.
The shortcut targets a deleted file
Open shortcut Properties and inspect Target. If that file no longer exists, reinstall the launcher or game instead of changing permissions repeatedly.
The window appears but hangs at sign-in or patching
Investigate DNS, VPN, proxy, firewall and network connectivity. That symptom is not the same as a launcher that never creates a window.
Only one Windows account is affected
A per-user cache or permission problem is more likely. Clear that account’s local Riot folders before considering system-wide changes.
When to contact Riot Support
Submit a ticket after cache cleanup, security checks, Repair or reinstall, clean-boot testing and any code-specific Vanguard steps. Include the exact error, Windows version, game, time the issue began and what changed after each test. Riot’s support index lists the Riot Repair Tool for gathering logs: Riot troubleshooting and Repair Tool.
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