How to Download League of Legends on Windows
To download League of Legends on Windows, get the installer from Riot's official League website, run it on a supported Windows PC, and finish setup in the Riot Client. League is free to download and play. The Riot Client handles the full game download and future patches, so you do not need a separate third-party installer.
Check your Windows PC before downloading
Riot's system requirements page was updated on September 22, 2026. Its current Windows minimums include a 64-bit retail version of Windows 10 (Build 19041 or later) or Windows 11, DirectX 11 feature level 11_0 graphics, SSE 4.2 CPU support, 2 GB of RAM, and 16 GB of free storage. Riot lists 4 GB RAM and an SSD as recommended. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 to be enabled. Check Riot's complete League of Legends system requirements for the supported processor and graphics-card examples; the requirements can change with future updates.
| Check | Current requirement or guidance |
|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 10 Build 19041+ or Windows 11; x64 retail versions |
| Graphics | DirectX 11 feature level 11_0 hardware; at least 1 GB VRAM |
| Processor | SSE 4.2 support |
| Memory | 2 GB minimum; 4 GB recommended |
| Storage | 16 GB free; an SSD is recommended |
Leave additional space if you can, since the client needs room for updates and temporary installation files. If the computer belongs to a school, workplace, or another person, make sure you have permission to install software. Riot says League installation and operation require administrative privileges.
How to download and install League of Legends on Windows
1. Open Riot's official download page
Go to the official League of Legends download page and choose Download for Windows. Riot may show the page in a different language or regional version based on your settings; confirm that the address remains on the official League of Legends site before downloading. Avoid third-party download portals, file-sharing links, and repackaged installers.
2. Save the Windows installer
Your browser will download a Windows installer file, usually to the Downloads folder. The displayed file name can vary, so use the file that you just downloaded from Riot rather than relying on an old filename from another guide. If you do not see it, open your browser's Downloads list and select Show in folder.
3. Run the installer
Open the downloaded
.exefile and follow the setup prompts. Windows may display a User Account Control dialog because the installer needs permission to install the Riot Client and game files. Before choosing Yes, check that the publisher is Riot Games. If Windows identifies an unknown publisher or the file came from somewhere other than Riot's site, cancel and download a fresh copy from the official page. Choose an installation location if the setup offers one, and keep at least the required free storage available.4. Sign in or create a Riot account
When the Riot Client opens, sign in with your existing Riot account or use its account-creation option to make one. Follow the account setup and verification prompts. Keep your password private, and remember that your account login and public Riot ID serve different purposes. You need a Riot account to launch and play League of Legends.
5. Install League and let the client finish patching
In the Riot Client, select League of Legends and choose the install option if it appears. The client downloads the current game files and applies updates. Keep it open and connected to the internet until installation and file verification finish. When the client enables Play, select it and sign in if prompted to launch the game.
Fix common League of Legends download problems
The installer says you need administrator access
Right-click the installer and choose Run as administrator. If Windows asks for an administrator password and you do not have it, ask the computer's owner or administrator to install the game. Riot's permissions guide has additional steps for Riot Client access problems. Avoid changing Windows security settings such as User Account Control just to get through setup.
The download pauses or the client will not patch
Check that your internet connection is working and that the installation drive still has free space. Close and reopen the Riot Client, then allow it to resume. A wired connection can help on an unstable Wi-Fi network. If the problem continues, follow Riot's official patching troubleshooting steps or contact Player Support. Do not delete game folders or turn off security software unless Riot Support directs you to a specific step.
The Play button is still unavailable
Wait for the client to complete downloading and checking the files; the progress bar reaching the end does not always mean setup has finished. Restart the Riot Client once if it appears stuck. If the Play button remains disabled, check your Windows version and graphics compatibility against Riot's current requirements page.
Frequently asked questions
Is League of Legends free to download on Windows?
Yes. League of Legends is free to download and play. Optional purchases are available in the game, but you do not need to pay to download the client or start playing.
How much space should I leave for League of Legends?
Riot currently lists 16 GB of free storage as the Windows minimum and recommends an SSD. Keeping more than the minimum free gives Windows and the Riot Client extra room for updates and temporary files.
Can I install League of Legends on Windows 11?
Yes, provided the PC meets Riot's current requirements. Riot lists Windows 11 with TPM 2.0 enabled, x64 architecture, and compatible DirectX 11 graphics. Check the official requirements page if you are unsure about a specific PC.
Do I need to download the full game from a separate website?
No. Start with Riot's official Windows installer. The Riot Client then installs and updates League of Legends, so avoid separate installers offered by unofficial sites.
