Your firewall is like a bouncer deciding who gets through the door. Most of the time it's keeping unwanted visitors out, but occasionally it mistakes the Riot Client for someone who isn't on the guest list. Let's help it recognize the right guest.
What is Firewall?
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's 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.
- Press Windows Key 🪟
- Type Control Panel
- Press Enter
- Click on System and Security
- Click on Windows Firewall
- Click on Turn Windows Firewall on or off (You might need to provide the Administrator password at this step)
- 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:
- C:\Riot Games\League of Legends\LeagueClient.exe
- C:\Riot Games\League of Legends\LeagueClientUx.exe
- C:\Riot Games\League of Legends\LeagueClientUxRenderer.exe
- C:\Riot Games\League of Legends\Game\League of Legends.exe
- C:\Riot Games\Riot Client\RiotClientServices.exe
- C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard\vgc.exe
- C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard\vgm.exe
- C:\Riot Games\VALORANT\live\VALORANT.exe
- C:\Riot Games\VALORANT\live\ShooterGame\Binaries\Win64\VALORANT-Win64-Shipping.exe
- C:\Riot Games\Riot Client\RiotClientServices.exe
- C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard\vgc.exe
- C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard\vgm.exe
- C:\Riot Games\LoR\Live\Game\LoR.exe
- C:\Riot Games\Riot Client\RiotClientServices.exe
- C:\Riot Games\2XKO\Live\Lion.exe
- C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard\vgc.exe
- C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard\vgm.exe
There are many different types and versions of firewalls — too many for us to cover them completely. You may need to contact the manufacturer of your firewall in order to properly configure exceptions for the game.
Generally, this process requires three steps:
- Right-click on the firewall from your system tray
- Access Options or Settings
- Find a tab on Exceptions\Allowances\Applications
- Add each of the executables above. Be sure to give them Full Access or the equivalent setting.
Uninstalling third party firewalls
Many firewalls still block connections even when they are disabled, so always fully uninstall your third party firewall. Once you've figured out what's giving you trouble, you can re-install these firewalls and configure them to properly allow the game's network traffic.
Once you've finished configuring your firewall, try launching the Riot Client again. If you temporarily disabled your firewall for testing, remember to turn it back on once you're done.
