Forum Discussion
How to uninstall riot client and stop it from running in windows?
On my Windows 10 PC, Riot Client keeps running in the background and won't let me uninstall it properly. Every time I try through Settings or Control Panel, I get an error saying the client is still...
How to completely uninstall Riot Client? Here is a sequence that works within your constraints:
Step 1: Exit via System Tray Only
- Look at the bottom-right corner of your screen near the clock (system tray)
- Find the Riot Client or Vanguard icon
- Right-click each and select Exit or Quit
Step 2: Uninstall from Settings
- Click the Start button, then the gear icon for Settings
- Navigate to Apps (Windows 10) or Apps > Installed Apps (Windows 11)
- Find Riot Client in the list
- Click Uninstall and follow prompts
Step 3: Delete Leftover Files Manually
Using File Explorer (Windows key + E if needed, or click the folder icon on your taskbar), navigate to these locations and delete any remaining Riot Games folders:
- C:\Program Files\Riot Games
- C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Riot Games
- C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Riot Games
To find AppData without Win + R: Open File Explorer, click the View menu, check Hidden items, then navigate manually to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local
Step 4: How to completely uninstall Riot Client
Return to Settings > Apps, find Riot Vanguard, and uninstall it . This is a separate kernel-level component that often persists even after the main client is removed.