Few things are more frustrating for League of Legends players than encountering the dreaded error message: “There was an unexpected error”. Whether you’re launching the client, entering champion select, or trying to connect to a match, this error can disrupt your gaming session and create confusion. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to address this issue. This guide will walk you through the most effective troubleshooting steps to get your game running again smoothly.
Understanding the Error
This vague message can appear in different scenarios within League of Legends and is typically caused by issues such as:
- Server-side connectivity problems
- Corrupted game files
- Conflicts with third-party software or antivirus programs
- Outdated or missing Windows components
- Account authentication issues
Since the root cause isn’t always immediately obvious, it’s important to go step-by-step to rule out each potential factor.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Restart the Client and Your Computer
This may seem simplistic, but restarting both the League of Legends client and your PC often clears many temporary faults. Ensure the client is fully closed by checking in Task Manager for any leftover processes. Then reboot your computer and try launching the game again.
2. Check Riot Games Server Status
Before diving into more advanced troubleshooting, verify that the problem isn’t on Riot’s end. Server issues can cause login errors and connectivity problems. You can check the server status for your region by visiting the official Riot Games status page:
3. Run the Client as Administrator
League of Legends requires certain system permissions to run correctly. Right-click the LoL shortcut and select Run as Administrator. This can help resolve problems related to file access or network operations that are blocked when run under limited user privileges.
4. Repair the Game Files
If any files within the League of Legends installation are corrupted or missing, you’ll likely encounter error messages. Riot’s client includes a built-in repair feature that can detect and replace damaged files.
To repair your client:
- Open the League of Legends launcher.
- Click the gear icon in the top-right corner to open Settings.
- Select Initiate Full Repair.
This process can take some time, depending on your system and internet speed, but it’s crucial for ensuring the integrity of the game files.
5. Uninstall Conflicting Background Software
Certain third-party programs, particularly overlays and network accelerators, can conflict with LoL. Disable software such as:
- Discord overlay
- Overwolf
- Razer Synapse
- VPN or proxy clients
If shutting them down resolves the issue, consider keeping them off while playing League.
6. Whitelist the Game in Your Antivirus and Firewall
Sometimes antivirus or firewall software blocks League of Legends’ access to critical services, triggering unexpected errors. Add League of Legends and RiotClientServices to your security software’s exception or whitelist list.
Files to include in the exceptions list often include:
LeagueClient.exeRiotClientServices.exe- The game installation folder
7. Clear the Config and Logs Folders
In some cases, your configuration files may be saved with corrupted data that continues to affect the client. Deleting them will allow the game to regenerate clean versions:
- Navigate to your League of Legends installation folder.
- Find and delete the
ConfigandLogsfolders. - Restart the client and let it create new default settings.
8. Update Your Operating System
League of Legends is frequently updated to work best with the latest system components. An outdated version of Windows or missing files like C++ redistributables or .NET Framework can cause issues. Make sure your operating system is fully up to date by:
- Opening Windows Settings
- Going to Update & Security
- Clicking Check for Updates
9. Reinstall League of Legends
If all else fails and the error continues to appear, the final option is to uninstall the game and reinstall it completely. This ensures that no hidden corrupted files or improper configurations are carried forward.
Use the official uninstaller or follow these steps manually:
- Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features
- Uninstall League of Legends
- Delete any leftover folders in the installation path
- Restart your PC
- Download the latest installer from League of Legends’ official website
Preventative Measures for the Future
After successfully getting the game to work again, you’ll want to avoid running into the same issue again. Here are some best practices:
- Keep your Windows and drivers up to date.
- Regularly perform a repair of League files after major patches.
- Run the game without unnecessary background applications.
- Ensure antivirus software is not interfering with Riot’s processes.
- Periodically check for known issues on Riot’s support page.
When to Contact Riot Support
If you’ve gone through all the steps above and still get the “unexpected error,” it might be time to escalate the issue. Riot Games has a dedicated support team that can review detailed logs from your client to identify specific problems. You can submit a ticket here:
Submit a Ticket to Riot Support
Be sure to include your system specifications, any recent changes made to your setup, error logs from the Logs folder (if available), and exactly when the error occurs—whether on startup, during matchmaking, or post-game.
Conclusion
While “There was an unexpected error” in League of Legends is an ambiguous and frustrating problem, it is often solvable with a thorough and systematic approach. By addressing common causes such as corrupted files, permission limitations, software interference, and missing dependencies, most players can resolve the issue without too much trouble. If the error proves persistent, Riot’s support team can provide the final level of diagnostic support needed to restore your experience.
Staying proactive and maintaining your gaming environment not only helps prevent this error from reappearing but also ensures that your League experience remains smooth and enjoyable.
Published on September 15, 2025 under .
