If you’ve spent any time scrolling gaming social media or hanging out with friends who love MOBA games, you’ve almost certainly heard of League of Legends. It’s one of the most popular online games in the world, with over 180 million monthly active players and a massive esports scene to boot. But if you’re new to the space, the first hurdle you’ll run into is figuring out how do you install league of legends without running into annoying errors or waiting hours for downloads that never finish. I’ve helped dozens of my friends get set up over the last 8 years I’ve played LoL, so I’ve put together every tip and trick you need to get in the game fast, no technical expertise required.
How Do You Install League of Legends for Windows and Mac
The installation process for PC and Mac is nearly identical, and only takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed. First, head to the official Riot Games website to create a free Riot account if you don’t already have one. You’ll need a valid email address to verify your account, and you can link your social media accounts for faster login later if you want.
Once your account is set up, download the Riot Client installer file. Always download the launcher directly from the official Riot Games site to avoid malware or modified versions of the game that can get your account banned. Run the installer file once it finishes downloading, and follow the on-screen prompts to choose your install location.
You can choose a custom install location if you want, and I highly recommend installing it on an SSD if you have one, as it cuts load times for matches and patches in half. Make sure you have at least 20 GB of free storage before you start, because the base game plus regular monthly patches add up fast. Once the initial installation finishes, the Riot Client will automatically download the latest game patch, and you’ll be ready to log in and play once that’s done.
For Mac users, the only extra step is to confirm that your operating system is updated to at least macOS 10.13, as older versions no longer support the Riot Client. If you get a pop-up saying the installer is from an unidentified developer, just go to your security settings and allow the file to run, that’s a standard Mac security prompt for third-party apps.
Step-by-Step Installation for League of Legends Mobile (Wild Rift)
If you prefer playing on the go, League of Legends: Wild Rift is the official mobile and console version of the game, with adjusted controls and shorter match times made for portable play. The installation process for mobile is even simpler than PC, and works the same for both iOS and Android devices.
For iOS users, open the App Store and search for “League of Legends: Wild Rift”, then tap the “Get” button to start the download. For Android users, the same process works through the Google Play Store. Wild Rift requires at least 8 GB of free storage on mobile to run smoothly, and you’ll want a stable Wi-Fi connection for the initial download to avoid using all your cellular data.
Once the app finishes downloading, open it and log in with your existing Riot account, or create a new one directly through the app. You’ll have to download a small additional patch when you first open the app, which usually takes 2 to 5 minutes. Note that your PC LoL progress won’t carry over to Wild Rift, but you can link your Riot account across both games to unlock exclusive cross-promotional rewards from time to time.
Common Installation Errors and How to Fix Them
Even if you follow every step correctly, you might run into small errors during installation, usually caused by standard device security settings or minor connection issues. I’ve seen every one of these errors dozens of times, and these simple fixes solve almost all of them without needing to contact support:
- Installer stuck at 0% or 100%: Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall during installation, as these often block Riot Client from accessing required server files. Remember to turn your security software back on once installation is complete to keep your device safe.
- Insufficient storage error despite having enough free space: The installer needs extra temporary space to unpack game files, so free up an additional 5 GB of storage and restart the installation process.
- Endless patch loop after first launch: Run the Riot Client as an administrator (Windows) or give it full file access (Mac) to grant it permission to save updated patch files to your device.
If you’re still having issues after trying these fixes, you can clear the Riot Client cache and restart the download. None of these errors mean you did something wrong, they’re just common conflicts with standard device settings that most new players run into at some point. For less common errors, the Riot support site has a searchable database of specific error codes and fixes that you can reference for free.
What to Do Right After You Finish Installing LoL
Once the game is fully installed and patched, you’ll be prompted to log in with your Riot account. If you’re a brand new player, don’t skip the in-game tutorial, even if you’ve played other MOBAs before. LoL has unique mechanics like summoner spells, rune pages, and last-hitting minions for gold that take a minute to get used to, and the tutorial walks you through all of them without feeling overwhelming.
Adjust your graphics settings before your first match to make sure the game runs smoothly on your device. If you’re getting low FPS or lag during the tutorial, turn off shadow effects and character idle animations first, those two settings make the biggest difference to performance without ruining the game’s look. You can also adjust your mouse sensitivity and keybinds to fit your playstyle, and there are tons of free guides online for recommended settings if you don’t know where to start.
Take a minute to browse the weekly free champion rotation to pick a few characters you want to try first. For new players, I recommend starting with easy-to-learn champions like Garen, Ashe, or Annie, as they have simple ability kits that don’t require super fast reaction times to play well. If you have friends who already play LoL, ask them to join you for co-op vs AI matches first, so you can practice without worrying about playing against more experienced players in PvP matches.
Installing LoL doesn’t have to be a confusing, frustrating process, even if you’re not super tech-savvy. Whether you’re playing on PC, Mac, or mobile, the steps are straightforward as long as you follow the official instructions and keep an eye out for common small errors. Now that you know how do you install league of legends, you’re only a few minutes away from jumping into your first match, testing out new champions, and joining one of the biggest gaming communities in the world. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you mess up your first few matches — every single pro player started exactly where you are right now.