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How to Fix League of Legends Disconnecting on Windows

How to Fix League of Legends Disconnecting on Windows

If you’re experiencing frequent disconnections while playing League of Legends on Windows, it can be frustrating and hinder your gaming experience. This guide provides practical, step-by-step solutions to help you troubleshoot and fix disconnect issues, ensuring smoother gameplay. Before starting, make sure your Windows system is updated, and you have administrative access to make system changes. Having your internet connection details handy will also help diagnose network-related problems more efficiently.

What You’ll Need

  • A stable internet connection
  • Administrator access on your Windows PC
  • League of Legends installed and updated
  • Optional: Ethernet cable for wired connection

Step-by-Step

  1. Restart Your Computer and Router
    Begin by restarting your Windows PC and your router/modem. Power off both, wait for about 30 seconds, then turn them back on. This simple step can resolve temporary network glitches causing disconnects.
  2. Check Your Internet Connection
    Ensure your internet connection is stable. Test by browsing other websites or streaming videos. If your connection is unstable, contact your ISP or troubleshoot your network. Consider switching to a wired Ethernet connection for more stability compared to Wi-Fi.
  3. Update Network Drivers
    Outdated or corrupted network drivers can cause connectivity issues. To update, open Device Manager (press Windows key + X and select Device Manager), expand the ‘Network adapters’ section, right-click your network device, and select ‘Update driver.’ Follow prompts to search automatically for updates. If updates are available, install them and restart your PC.
  4. Flush DNS and Reset TCP/IP
    Open Command Prompt as administrator (search ‘cmd’, right-click, select ‘Run as administrator’). Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
    ipconfig /flushdns
    netsh int ip reset
    netsh winsock reset

    Restart your PC afterward. This clears DNS cache and resets network settings, often resolving connectivity issues.

  5. Disable Background Applications and Firewall
    Close any unnecessary background applications that might be hogging bandwidth. Temporarily disable Windows Defender Firewall or third-party firewalls to see if they interfere with game connectivity. To disable Windows Firewall, go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off. Remember to re-enable it after testing.
  6. Set League of Legends to Use a Specific Network Adapter
    If you have multiple network adapters, specify which one League should use. Open Command Prompt as administrator and type:
    netsh interface ip set interface "Name of your network adapter" admin=enable

    Replace “Name of your network adapter” with the exact name from your network connections. This ensures the game uses the most stable network path.

  7. Repair or Reinstall League of Legends
    Open the Riot Client, go to the League of Legends tab, click on the gear icon, and select ‘Repair.’ If issues persist, uninstall and reinstall the game to fix corrupted files.
  8. Adjust In-Game Settings and Server Selection
    Lower in-game graphics settings temporarily to reduce load on your system. Additionally, select a different server region in the game settings, especially if you’re geographically distant from your current server, to reduce latency and disconnections.
  9. Monitor Your System and Network for Stability
    Use tools like Task Manager or Resource Monitor to check for high CPU, memory, or network usage. Excessive resource use can cause game disconnects. Also, consider running speed tests regularly to ensure your internet speed remains consistent during gameplay.

Common Mistakes

  • Ignoring the importance of a wired connection when Wi-Fi is unstable
  • Updating drivers without rebooting afterward
  • Disabling security software without re-enabling after testing
  • Playing on outdated game versions or ignoring game updates
  • Overlooking background applications that consume bandwidth or system resources

Tips

  • Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router to prioritize gaming traffic
  • Close all non-essential applications before gaming to free up bandwidth and system resources
  • Regularly update your Windows OS and network drivers for optimal compatibility
  • Consider switching to a wired Ethernet connection for more stable gameplay
  • Use a VPN if your region’s server is experiencing high latency or outages, but test to see if it improves connection

Troubleshooting

If your disconnections persist despite following the above steps, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

  • Check Riot Games Server Status: Visit official server status pages or community forums to see if there are ongoing outages or maintenance that could cause disconnects.
  • Test on a Different Network: Try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network or use mobile hotspot to determine if your primary network is the problem.
  • Disable VPNs and Proxy Servers: VPNs can interfere with game traffic, so disable them temporarily to see if stability improves.
  • Run Network Troubleshooter: Windows offers built-in troubleshooters. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Internet Connections, and run the troubleshooter.
  • Check for Windows Updates: Ensure your Windows OS is fully updated, as updates often include important network fixes.
  • Contact Support: If none of the above work, reach out to Riot Support with details of your issue, including error messages and network logs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does League of Legends keep disconnecting on Windows?

Common reasons include unstable internet connections, outdated drivers, firewall interference, or game/server issues. Troubleshooting network and system settings usually resolves it.

2. How can I improve my internet connection for League of Legends?

Use a wired Ethernet connection, close background applications, prioritize gaming traffic via QoS settings, and ensure your router firmware is up to date.

3. Is repairing or reinstalling the game effective for disconnect issues?

Yes, repairing or reinstalling can fix corrupted game files that may cause disconnections, especially if game files are outdated or damaged.

4. Should I disable my firewall or antivirus to fix disconnects?

Temporarily disabling them can help identify if they interfere with game traffic. Remember to re-enable security software afterward to stay protected.

5. What if my internet is stable but I still disconnect?

Check for server issues, try switching server regions, update network drivers, and run Windows network troubleshooters to identify underlying problems.

Following these steps thoroughly will help you resolve most disconnection issues and enjoy a smoother League of Legends experience on Windows.

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How to Fix League of Legends Disconnecting on Windows
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