Uninstalling Riot Client on Windows 11 isn’t exactly rocket science, but it can get a little messy if you’re not aware of where to look or what to do afterward. Sometimes, the app disappears from the list—but leftover files and folders can still hang around and cause weird system behavior, or hog space. So, it’s good to do a proper cleanup if you’re done with it, or troubleshooting if things aren’t running smoothly.
Follow these steps to completely wipe out Riot Client, and a few tips to keep your system tidy afterward. It might save you from headaches later, especially if you’re trying to reinstall or just free up some space.
How to Uninstall Riot Client on Windows 11
Method 1: Use the Settings App (the official way)
The reason this works is because it’s the built-in way of removing apps, and Windows keeps track of all your installed programs. If the Riot Client’s still hanging around after doing this, it might mean leftover files are left in the system, but at least you’ll have gotten rid of the main one.
On some setups, this uninstall can fail or leave folders behind, so if your Riot Client keeps coming back or won’t uninstall, you might need to do some manual cleanup afterwards.
- Open Settings from the Start menu or press Windows key + I.
- Go to Apps > Installed apps.
- Use the search bar to find “Riot Client”, or scroll through the list.
- Click on “Riot Client, ” then hit the Uninstall button.
- A confirmation pop-up appears—click Uninstall again. Sometimes, Windows asks for admin permission—just say yes.
- Follow any prompts that pop up. If it asks to close Riot Client or restart, go ahead and do that.
Once it’s gone from the apps list, it’s not always completely gone — here’s where manual cleanup can help.
Method 2: Manually delete leftover files (because Windows loves making it harder)
The uninstaller often leaves behind files, especially if it crashed or was force-closed. Not sure why it works sometimes, but manual cleanup is your backup plan. Look in these directories:
C:\Program Files\Riot GamesorC:\Program Files (x86)\Riot GamesC:\Users\Your User Name>\AppData\Local\RiotC:\Users\Your User Name>\AppData\Roaming\Riot
To delete them safely: open File Explorer, navigate to these paths, and delete the Riot folders. You might need admin permission for some of these. Also, check in Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to see if any processes are still running, and end them before deleting files.
Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary, but this usually does the trick. Just make sure to quit Riot before you try to delete folders. Sometimes, a quick restart helps free up locked files.
Option 3: Use a third-party uninstaller (if the above failed)
If the uninstaller or manual method is a pain, tools like Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller can help by scanning for leftover files and registry entries that Windows might miss. They’re not perfect, but on one machine it worked fine, on another… not so much. Worth a shot, especially if you’re cleaning up for a fresh install.
Just download one of those tools, run it, select Riot Client, and let it do its thing. Post-cleanup, it’s a good idea to restart.
Tips for a smoother uninstall
- Back up game data: If you played any Riot games, your profile info or settings might be stored in the cloud, but local configs could stay. Maybe copy some configs if you care.
- Use the search bar in Apps & features: Sometimes the Riot app doesn’t show up in the list where you expect it—search it to flag any hidden leftovers.
- Double-check for residual files: After uninstall, go into those folders I mentioned and delete leftover files manually to free space.
- Reboot after uninstall: This clears any lingering background processes and applies the cleanup.
- Consider third-party tools: When Windows is acting stubborn, these help to tidy up more comprehensively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is uninstalling Riot Client complicated?
Not really, but it can be annoying if some files refuse to delete or if it keeps reinstalling itself. Then you might need to jump into manual cleanup or third-party tools.
Will uninstalling delete my game progress?
Most of it is stored online, so no worries there. But local configs and logs might be lost. If you want to keep backups, find the Riot game folder in your AppData and copy stuff before deleting anything.
Should I restart after uninstalling?
Definitely. It helps to clear out any locked files or processes. Plus, Windows likes to hold onto things for reasons only it understands.
Can I reinstall Riot Client later?
Absolutely. Just grab it from the official Riot Games site whenever needed.
What if the uninstallation still fails?
Try a third-party uninstaller, or reboot into safe mode to delete stubborn files. If all else fails, Riot’s support forums or helpdesk might offer some tricks.
Summary
- Open Settings and go to Apps.
- Find Riot Client and uninstall it.
- Check for leftover folders in Program Files and AppData and delete manually if needed.
- Reboot to finish the cleanup.
Wrap-up
Getting rid of Riot Client isn’t too complicated, but sometimes it leaves behind a trail that can cause issues or just take up space. Cleanupping manually or with tools makes sure nothing is lingering, especially if you’re troubleshooting or prepping for a fresh install. Not sure why some stuff gets stubborn, but after a bit of poking around, it usually clears out. Fingers crossed this helps someone shave off a few hours—or at least avoid some headaches. Good luck cleaning up!