The only reliable way to change install path League of Legends is to perform a clean reinstall using the official installer, not by dragging folders around. This method prevents the errors and corrupted files that occur when the game client cannot locate its required files, making it the safest path to a working installation on a new drive.
How to change install path league of legends the official way
League of Legends does not offer an in-client option to relocate its installation. While moving the game folder manually might seem faster, modern game clients rely on registry entries and configuration files stored outside that folder. A simple copy-paste breaks those references, leading to launch failures, missing assets, or the client re-downloading the entire game anyway. The official reinstall method ensures every file and setting is correctly placed in your chosen location, giving you a stable installation without hidden issues.
Before you start: requirements and prep
Before you begin, confirm that your target drive has at least 16 GB of free disk space. This is the minimum required for League of Legends, and having extra space is always safer for future patches. Also, note the current install path on your system. On Windows, the default location is C:\Riot Games\League of Legends. On macOS, it is /Applications/League of Legends.app with additional files in /Users/Shared/Riot Games. Knowing this helps you verify the uninstall is complete and gives you a clear reference for your new folder.
Step 1: Uninstall League of Legends completely
A complete uninstall is critical; leaving leftover files can confuse the new installation. Follow the steps for your operating system to remove every trace of the game.
- On Windows: open the Start Menu, go to Control Panel, select Programs and Features, choose League of Legends from the list, and then select Uninstall/Remove.
- On macOS: open the Applications folder, drag League of Legends.app to the Trash Can. Then navigate to Macintosh HD/Users/Shared/Riot Games and drag that folder to the Trash Can as well. Finally, empty the Trash.
After uninstalling, restart your computer. This clears any lingering processes and ensures the system registry is clean before you install the game again.
Step 2: Download and run the official installer
Once your system is clean, go to the official League of Legends website and download the latest installer. Do not use third-party download links or old installer files, as they may be outdated or contain unwanted modifications. Run the downloaded file to start the setup process. The installer will prepare the necessary components and then prompt you to choose a destination.
Step 3: Choose your new install path during setup
When the installer displays the installation location screen, click Change or Browse (the exact wording may vary slightly). Navigate to your desired drive and folder, for example, D:\Games\Riot Games on Windows or a new folder on an external drive for macOS. Select the folder and confirm your choice. The installer will then copy all game files to that new location, completing the path change. Once the installation finishes, you can launch League of Legends directly from the new folder, and the client will update itself as needed.
Why the manual folder move method no longer works
Older guides suggest moving the game folder and then running a repair, but that approach fails with current versions of League of Legends. The game client stores critical paths in the Windows registry and in configuration files under your user profile. When you move the folder, those references still point to the old location, causing the client to either re-download the game, crash on launch, or show missing content errors. The official reinstall method rewrites all those references correctly, ensuring the game runs smoothly from your new drive. This is why the clean reinstall is the only safe choice for changing the install path.
