How to change the install path in League of Legends

lol install path
Written By Onur Demirkol

(Content Writer)

Reviewed by: Naim Rosinski

(Content Manager & Editor)

Last UpdatedJuly 29, 2026 at 07:20PM
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You can change the League of Legends install path during the first installation or reinstall. This lets you move League from a crowded C drive to another internal drive, such as an SSD with more free space. The Riot Client does not include a simple button that moves an installed copy after setup. Many people miss the button that they should use during the installation. Here is how to change the install path in League of Legends!

How to change the install path

The installer layout can change between Riot Client updates. Look for Advanced Options, a folder icon, or an install location field before you press Install.

Change the path during a fresh installation

Use this method when your computer does not have League installed:

  1. Download League of Legends from the official game page.
  2. Open the installer and approve the Windows prompt.
  3. Find Advanced Options or the install location field.
Click on Advanced Option at the bottom of the installer (Image Credit: THESPIKEGG)
Click on Advanced Option at the bottom of the installer (Image Credit: THESPIKEGG)
  1. Select the drive and folder you want to use.
Select the install path by clicking the directory you see up in the installer screen (Image Credit: THESPIKEGG)
Select the install path by clicking the directory you see up in the installer screen (Image Credit: THESPIKEGG)
  1. Confirm the path and start the installation.
  2. Open the Riot Client after the download finishes.

Use a clear folder name, such as D:\Riot Games\League of Legends. Avoid temporary or cloud-sync folders because syncing tools and access permissions can interfere with updates.

Check the available storage before you begin. League needs temporary space while the client replaces files during patches. You can improve the League of Legends download speed by pausing other downloads and using a wired connection.

Move an existing League installation

A clean reinstall gives you the most dependable way to move League of Legends to another drive:

  1. Close League of Legends.
  2. Exit the Riot Client from the Windows system tray.
  3. Open Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  4. Find League of Legends and select Uninstall.
Find League of Legends in the menu and uninstall the game (Image Credit: THESPIKEGG)
Find League of Legends in the menu and uninstall the game (Image Credit: THESPIKEGG)
  1. Restart your computer.
  2. Run the official installer again.
  3. Choose the new drive through the path option.
  4. Finish the download and launch the game.

You normally do not need to remove the Riot Client, Riot Vanguard, or another Riot game. Remove only League unless Riot Support asks you to delete the remaining files.

Where is the League of Legends install location?

League usually uses this default Windows folder:

  • C:\Riot Games\League of Legends

The Riot Client often sits in a separate folder:

  • C:\Riot Games\Riot Client

On macOS, players usually find the League application inside the Applications folder. A custom installation may appear elsewhere, so check the active location before deleting anything.

On Windows, search for LeagueClient.exe in File Explorer. You can also open Task Manager, right-click the running League process, and select Open file location.

Can you move League of Legends without reinstalling?

You can copy the League folder to another drive, but Riot does not provide a direct move tool for an installed copy. The Riot Client may continue to check the old path, while an existing shortcut may still open files from the original folder.

Players who want to avoid a full download sometimes use this method:

  1. Close every Riot process through Task Manager.
  2. Copy the League of Legends folder to the new drive.
  3. Start a new installation and select the copied location.
  4. Let the Riot Client scan or replace the existing files.
  5. Test the game before deleting the old folder.

Does changing the path affect Riot Vanguard?

League of Legends requires Riot Vanguard on Windows. Moving or reinstalling League does not always move Vanguard because it uses its own Windows installation.

Leave Vanguard installed unless the Riot Client reports an error or Riot Support recommends a reinstall. If you remove Vanguard, restart the PC. The Riot Client will install it again when required, and Windows may ask for another restart.

Should you install League on an SSD or external drive?

An internal SSD is a better destination when it has enough storage. It can cut file loading times and process large updates faster than an older hard drive. It will not improve ping because network delay depends on your connection and distance from the server.

League may run from an external drive, but a changed drive letter or disconnected device can stop the Riot Client from finding it. Use an internal drive when possible. For external storage, keep the same drive letter and connect it before opening Riot Client.

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Onur Demirkol

Onur Demirkol here, content writer for THESPIKEGG. I have been around for a very long time now, you may have seen me in the comments.

I started writing here in 2021, but my first gig was back in 2018. That was when I realized people actually get paid to write about games. I’ve written thousands of articles for different media outlets, led teams, and conducted interviews with players.

When I’m not behind the keyboard, I’m watching Galatasaray, following the NBA, or pretending I’m still good at basketball. I also work full-time at AnyDesk, writing serious things in not-so-serious ways.

If you want to reach out, feel free to contact me on X, LinkedIn, take a look at my work at MuckRack or send me an email at [email protected].

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