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 How to Uninstall Riot Client | Complete Removal Guide

Struggling to uninstall Riot Client? Follow our guide on how to completely remove Riot Client and delete residual files.

Last updated: 2025-08-02 04:42:15

how to completely remove riot client

Getting rid of Riot Client isn’t as simple as uninstalling a regular program. If you’ve ever installed games like VALORANT or League of Legends, you’ve probably noticed that Riot Client and Riot Vanguard get installed along with them. These programs manage game updates and anti-cheat services but run in the background, sometimes consuming system resources even when you're not playing.

Many users want to uninstall Riot Client due to performance issues, switching to other games, or troubleshooting installation errors. However, simply removing VALORANT or League of Legends won’t thoroughly uninstall Riot Client, you need to remove it manually for a complete cleanup.

This guide’ll cover three quick and effective methods of how to completely remove Riot Client from your system. Whether you prefer built-in Windows tools like Control Panel and Settings or want an automated solution using Master Uninstaller, we’ve got you covered. Follow these steps to ensure no leftover files or Riot Vanguard services remain on your PC.

2 Factors to Consider Before Uninstalling Riot Client

Many users uninstall it only to realize their games won’t launch properly, Riot Vanguard is still lurking in the background, or they’ve missed crucial steps that could’ve saved them time. If you don’t want to deal with error messages or leftover files or can’t uninstall Riot Client, save time and look at these factors before uninstalling Riot Client. A little preparation now can save you a lot of frustration later.

1. Backup Game Data

Uninstalling Riot Client won’t delete your games, but it might reset some settings you care about. If you’ve customized your keybinds, graphics settings, or in-game preferences, it’s a good idea to back them up before uninstalling. Most Riot Games settings are stored in the cloud, but some local configuration files might still be saved on your PC. To be safe:

Step 1: Open File Explorer

Step 2: Locate the Riot Games Configuration Folder

The settings for each Riot game are stored in different locations. Navigate to the correct folder based on the game you play:

Tips
Tips: If you don’t see it, click on the View tab at the top of File Explorer and check Hidden Items to make it visible.
  1. Inside AppData, open Local → VALORANT → Saved → Config.

Step 3: Copy the Config Folder

Step 4: Save the Backup in a Safe Location

Step 5: Restore the Settings After Reinstallation

2. Close Riot Client Properly

Many users struggle to uninstall Riot Client because it’s still running in the background, leading to errors like Riot Client is still running. To avoid this, make sure Riot Client and its processes are fully closed before you attempt to uninstall. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Close Riot Client from the system tray

Step 2: End Riot processes in Task Manager

Step 3: Restart your PC

How to Completely Remove Riot Client from your PC

Riot Client is the central hub for all Riot Games titles, including League of Legends, VALORANT, and Teamfight Tactics. While uninstalling the client won’t delete your games, some files and settings may remain on your system. To altogether remove Riot Client, follow these methods to ensure no leftover data slows down your PC or causes reinstallation issues.

Method 1: Uninstall Riot Client Using a Master Uninstaller

If you’re struggling with how to close Riot Client to uninstall or want hassle-free removal, a Master Uninstaller is the best option. Unlike the standard methods, this tool automatically detects and removes Riot Client, including all leftover files and registry entries. It saves time and prevents installation errors if you plan to reinstall Riot Client. Here’s how to use Master Uninstaller for a complete removal:

Step 1: Download and Install Master Uninstaller

master uninstaller riot client

Step 2: Uninstall Riot Client

find riot client uninstaller

Step 3: Blacklist Riot Client (Optional)

riot client one click uninstall

Lastly, hit OK, and Riot Client is completely removed, there are no leftover files, and no extra steps are needed!

blacklist riot client removal

Method 2: Standard Uninstall via Control Panel

Using built-in Windows tools, the Control Panel method is the easiest way to remove Riot Client from your PC. However, this method may leave behind residual files, which might cause errors if you plan to reinstall Riot Client later. To ensure a clean uninstall, follow these steps and manually remove any remaining Riot-related data.

Step 1: Open Control Panel

Step 2: Navigate to Programs And Features

riot client programs and features

Step 3: Locate Riot Client

Step 4: Uninstall Riot Client

Step 5: Delete Leftover Files (Recommended for a Clean Removal)

Step 6: Restart Your PC

Troubleshoot: If you can't uninstall Riot Client, boot into Safe Mode (Shift + Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart → Select Safe Mode) and try uninstalling again from the Control Panel.

Method 3: How to Close Riot Client to Uninstall​ Via Windows Settings

If you’re looking for a quick and straightforward way to remove Riot Client completely, Windows Settings provides an alternative to the Control Panel method. This approach is especially useful in Windows 10 and 11, where the Apps menu allows direct uninstallation. However, like the standard method, it may leave behind residual files, so a manual cleanup is recommended for the complete removal of Riot Client from your system.

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

Step 2: Access Installed Applications

installed apps uninstall riot client

Step 3: Locate Riot Client

find riot client settings

Step 4: Uninstall Riot Client

Step 5: Remove Leftover Files (Recommended for a Clean Removal)

Step 6: Restart Your PC

FAQs

Q: Why can’t I uninstall Riot Client from my PC?
It may still run in the background if you can’t uninstall Riot Client. Before uninstalling, make sure to close Riot Client properly by exiting it from the system tray and ending Riot-related processes in Task Manager. If the issue persists, try uninstalling in Safe Mode.
Q: How do I close Riot Client to uninstall it?
To close Riot Client to uninstall, right-click the Riot Client icon in the system tray and select Exit. Then, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and end the processes RiotClientServices.exe and RiotClientUx.exe before proceeding with uninstallation.
Q: What should I do before uninstalling Riot Client?
Before uninstalling Riot Client, backup your game data to prevent losing your customized settings. Although uninstalling Riot Client won’t delete your games, it may reset your preferences. Copy the Config folder from C:\Riot Games\League of Legends\Config or C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\VALORANT\Saved\Config to a safe location.
Q: How to altogether remove Riot Client from my computer?
To completely remove Riot Client, uninstall it via Control Panel or Windows Settings, then manually delete leftover files from C:\Program Files, C: C:\ProgramData, and C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local. Restart your PC to ensure all traces are removed.
Q: What is the best method to uninstall Riot Client without errors?
If standard methods fail, use a Master Uninstaller tool. It automatically removes Riot Client, including all residual files and registry entries, ensuring a clean uninstallation without errors. This is the best method if you’re facing issues like can’t uninstall Riot Client or background processes preventing removal.

Free-Up your Space From Riot Client!

Removing Riot Client isn’t just about uninstalling a single program, it’s about ensuring your system is free from unnecessary background processes, leftover files, and potential reinstallation issues. Many users overlook the hidden Riot Vanguard and game-related data, which can continue running even after uninstallation.

While Windows Settings and Control Panel offer standard removal options, they often leave behind residual files that must be manually deleted. For a cleaner, hassle-free solution, Master Uninstaller provides one-click removal, automatically deleting all associated files and registry entries, with no extra steps required. Master Uninstaller ends your query of how to completely remove Riot client!

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