How to Uninstall League of Legends: A step-by-step guide
Have you decided to uninstall League of Legends to free up space, resolve technical issues or simply looking to take a break? We got you covered!
This guide provides detailed steps for uninstalling League of Legends on both Windows and Mac, going through standard and advanced methods to ensure a clean removal of all associated files.
Why Uninstall League of Legends?
There are several reasons why you might want to uninstall League of Legends:
- Disk Space: The game and its updates take up considerable storage, which might be needed for other applications.
- Performance Issues: Reinstalling the game can fix bugs or errors affecting performance.
- Personal Preference: A shift in interests or a desire to declutter your gaming setup might prompt its removal.
No matter your reason, following the steps below will ensure the process is smooth and thorough.
How to Uninstall League of Legends on Windows
Windows users can uninstall the game using built-in tools like Settings or Control Panel. For more advanced cleaning, third-party uninstallers can help remove residual files.
First method: Via Windows Settings
- End Game Processes: Press [Ctrl + Shift + Esc] to open Task Manager. Look for processes like League of Legends or RiotClient and click End Task to stop them.
- Uninstall via Settings: Open Settings [Win + I] and navigate to Apps > Installed Apps (or Apps & Features). Locate League of Legends, click on it, and select Uninstall. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.
- Remove Leftover Files: Open File Explorer [Win + E] and navigate to the Riot Games installation directory (typically C:\Riot Games). Delete the League of Legends folder. - Use the search bar to find files with keywords like LoL or Riot and remove them.
- Restart Your PC to finalize the uninstallation.
Second method: Via Control Panel
- Access Control Panel: Type "Control Panel" in the search bar and open it. Navigate to Programs > Uninstall a Program.
- Uninstall the Game: Select League of Legends from the list and click Uninstall. Follow the uninstallation wizard to complete the process.
- Check for Residual Files: Manually delete leftover files as described in Method 1.
Thrid Method: Use a Third-Party Uninstaller
There are many tools online that can also streamline the uninstallation process. These programs not only uninstall the game but also clean up residual files and registry entries. Simply install the tool, scan for League of Legends, and proceed with the uninstallation.
How to Uninstall League of Legends on Mac
The process for Mac users differs slightly but remains straightforward.
- Quit the Game: Exit the game and any background processes. You can force quit them from the Apple Menu [Command + Option + Esc].
- Uninstall the Application: Open Finder and navigate to the Applications folder. Locate League of Legends, then drag it to the Trash.
- Remove Residual Files: Press [Command + Shift + G] to open the "Go to Folder" window. Check the following directories for leftover files:
- ~/Library/Caches/
- ~/Library/Preferences/
- ~/Library/Saved Application Data/
- Delete any files related to League of Legends or Riot Games.
- Empty the Trash: Right-click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash to permanently delete the files.
- Restart Your Mac to ensure all changes take effect.
What If You Can't Uninstall League of Legends?
If you're facing issues during uninstallation, here are some potential causes and solutions:
- Game Processes Still Running: Ensure all related processes are terminated in Task Manager or Activity Monitor.
- Lack of Administrative Permissions: Run the uninstaller or third-party tool as an administrator.
- Registry Issues (Windows): Use a registry cleaner to remove invalid or outdated entries that might block the uninstallation.
- Safe Mode (Windows): Boot your PC into Safe Mode and attempt the uninstallation again.
Tips for a Clean Reinstallation
Planning to reinstall League of Legends? Here's a quick guide:
- Download from Official Source: Visit the League of Legends website to get the latest version.
- Use Riot’s Hextech Repair Tool: This tool can simplify reinstallation and resolve common setup issues.
- Optimize Installation Director: Install the game on a drive with sufficient free space to avoid performance issues.
Is this a brief farewell or a definitive goodbye?
Uninstalling League of Legends doesn’t have to be daunting. Whether you're clearing up space, troubleshooting errors, or taking a break, these step-by-step methods ensure a thorough and hassle-free process for both Windows and Mac users. Remember to also remove residual files and restart your system to finalize changes.
Ready for your next adventure? Stay tuned for more tech tips and gaming guides to optimize your digital experience!
Feature image credits: Riot Games
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