League of Legends download is the official way to install Riot’s free MOBA on Windows or Mac. To download League of Legends, go to Riot’s official download page, choose the Windows or Mac installer, sign in to the Riot Client, and let the game finish patching before you launch your first match.
The launcher file is small, but the full game download is much larger and usually ends up around 20 to 22+ GB after installation. Below, you’ll find the fastest way to download League of Legends, the current install size, system requirements, PBE steps, and the fixes for the install problems players hit most often.
How to download League of Legends
- Open Riot’s official League of Legends download page.
- Choose Download for Windows or Download Mac Installer.
- Install the Riot Client and sign in to your account.
- Let League of Legends finish downloading, verifying, and patching.
| If you want to… | Go here first | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Install on Windows | Use the official League of Legends download page | A small installer first, then the Riot Client downloads the full game. |
| Install on Mac | Use the official League of Legends download page and choose the Mac option | A Mac installer file, then patching inside the Riot Client. |
| Download the PBE | Use the official League of Legends PBE download page | PBE runs through the Riot Client and may require separate access. |
| Check size or specs first | See the sections below for install size, requirements, and common errors | You will know how much storage to keep free and what to do if something goes wrong. |
Where to safely download League of Legends
If you only remember one rule, make it this: always download League of Legends from Riot’s own pages. That helps you avoid fake installers, broken downloads, and phishing sites that can put your Riot account at risk.
The safest place to start is the official League of Legends download page, which is where Riot hosts the Windows and Mac installers. If you run into launcher problems, patch errors, or PBE questions, League Support is the best official place to look for fixes. You can also browse Riot Games for broader account and platform information.
If you want to compare your issue with what other players are seeing, r/leagueoflegends can be useful for spotting widespread launcher or patching problems. Just make sure the actual download LoL process starts from Riot, not from a third-party mirror.
How to install League of Legends on PC
Installing League of Legends on Windows is straightforward once you know what to expect. The first file you download is small, and the rest of the game is handled through the Riot Client.
Step 1: Open the official League of Legends download page
Go to the official League of Legends site and choose the Windows download option. Starting there makes sure you get the correct installer and avoid unofficial copies.
Step 2: Sign in or create your Riot account
If you already play another Riot game, you can use the same account here. New players should create one before installing so the Riot Client is ready when the download finishes.
Step 3: Download the Windows installer
The first file downloads quickly because it is only the starter installer, not the full game. That is why the initial League of Legends download size looks much smaller than the final installed game.
Step 4: Run the installer and let the Riot Client set up
Open the file, approve the Windows prompt if it appears, and let the Riot Client install. This launcher handles the full game install, future patches, and login.
Step 5: Pick your install location
Choose where to install League of Legends and start the main download. An SSD is the best choice because it helps with patching, loading, and general responsiveness.
Step 6: Let the client download and verify the full game
This is the point where some players think the install is frozen. In many cases, the client is unpacking files or verifying them. If progress slows near the end, give it a bit more time before restarting anything.
Step 7: Launch the game and finish the first-time setup
Once patching is done, press Play and complete the final setup inside the game client. Your first launch may take longer than later launches, which is normal.
Need a visual walkthrough while you install? This video follows the same basic PC flow from installer to first launch.
The useful part is seeing that the real install continues inside the Riot Client even after the first small file finishes downloading.
How to install League of Legends on Mac
Installing League of Legends on Mac is usually simpler than people expect. As long as you start from Riot’s official page and place the app in Applications properly, the rest of the setup is mostly automatic.
Step 1: Go to the official download page and choose the Mac installer
Open the League of Legends download page and select the Mac option. That gives you the correct installer without having to search through third-party tutorials.
Step 2: Download the .dmg file
Save the installer somewhere easy to find, such as Downloads or your desktop. Like Windows, this is only the beginning of the full setup.
Step 3: Open the file and drag League into Applications
This step matters. Move the app into your Applications folder instead of running it directly from the installer window.
Step 4: Launch League from Applications
Open the app from Applications, approve any macOS security prompt, and sign in to the Riot Client.
Step 5: Let the game patch fully
The client will continue downloading the actual game files. This is where the install size grows and where most of the setup time happens.
Step 6: Start the game and adjust settings later if needed
Once patching finishes, launch the game and make graphics changes only after you confirm everything runs normally. For most players, it is easier to get in first and optimize later.
If you want a Mac-specific walkthrough, this video shows the process clearly without mixing it up with the Windows steps.
It is especially useful for the Applications step, which is the one Mac users are most likely to rush.
League of Legends download size
League of Legends download size is about 9 to 10 GB during installation, and the full game usually ends up around 20 to 22+ GB after patching. The first file you download is only the launcher, so the real game size shows up later inside the Riot Client.
| Storage detail | Typical size | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Initial installer | About 66 to 68 MB | This is only the starter file that launches the Riot Client setup. |
| Main game download | About 9 to 10 GB | Most of the actual download happens after the launcher opens and starts pulling game files. |
| Full game after patching | Roughly 20 to 22+ GB | The final installed size grows after verification, updates, and additional game files are applied. |
| Recommended free space | About 30 GB | Extra room helps with temporary patch files, future updates, and smoother installs. |
The practical takeaway is simple: do not judge the final install by the first file size. Keep enough room free so the game can patch properly the first time and again after future updates.
League of Legends system requirements
League of Legends system requirements are still fairly forgiving compared with newer multiplayer games, which is one reason the game remains easy to try on older hardware. Still, minimum specs are really about getting the game to run, not making it feel great in fights.
Windows system requirements
| Component | Minimum (Windows) | Recommended (Windows) | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i3-530 / AMD A6-3650 | Intel Core i5-8250 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200 | CPU performance matters most when fights get crowded and the client is juggling background tasks. |
| GPU | GeForce 400 Series / AMD HD 6570 / Intel HD 4600 | GeForce 560 / Radeon HD 6950 / Intel UHD 630 | A stronger GPU helps maintain smoother frame rates and makes teamfights easier to read. |
| GPU features | DirectX 11 feature level 11_0 hardware | DirectX 11 feature level 11_0 hardware | League now requires DX11-level hardware. Without it, the Play button may be greyed out. |
| VRAM | 1 GB | 2 GB | More VRAM helps the game handle textures and visual effects more comfortably. |
| RAM | 2 GB | 4 GB | Extra memory gives both the client and the match itself more room to breathe. |
| Storage | 16 GB HDD | 16 GB SSD | An SSD is not mandatory, but it makes installs, patches, and loading screens feel noticeably better. |
| OS | Windows 10 (Build 19041+) or Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Older unsupported Windows builds can trigger VAN 9004 or block the client from launching properly. |
| Architecture | x64 | x64 | League requires a 64-bit environment on supported Windows versions. |
| Recommended graphics setting | Low | High | This gives a realistic expectation of the visual settings your hardware can handle. |
| Recommended resolution | 1024x768 | 1920x1080 | Resolution affects clarity and performance, especially on older systems. |
One important extra note for Windows players: Windows 11 systems need TPM 2.0 enabled, and League now requires DirectX 11 feature level 11_0 support. If your hardware or OS build falls short, the game may not launch even if older versions ran before.
macOS system requirements
| Component | Minimum (macOS) | Recommended (macOS) | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5-750 / Apple M1 | Intel Core i5-3300 / Apple M1 | Modern Apple Silicon handles League well, while older Intel Macs may be more limited. |
| GPU | Any GPU that supports Metal | Radeon HD 6950 / Intel UHD 630 | Metal support is the key requirement on Mac, and unsupported graphics hardware will stop the game from running properly. |
| VRAM | 1 GB | 2 GB | More VRAM gives the game more breathing room for visuals and smoother rendering. |
| RAM | 2 GB | 4 GB | Extra RAM helps reduce slowdowns while the client and match are both active. |
| Storage | 12 GB HDD | 16 GB SSD | More free space helps with updates, while an SSD improves patching and launch speed. |
| OS | macOS 10.15 | macOS 11 | Supported macOS versions matter because Riot’s Mac support now depends on Metal-compatible environments. |
| Architecture | x64 | x64 | This is the currently supported architecture for the Mac client. |
| Recommended graphics setting | Low | High | This helps set expectations if you are playing on an older Intel Mac. |
| Recommended resolution | 1024x768 | 1920x1080 | Higher resolution looks better, but it also puts more pressure on weaker hardware. |
On Mac, the biggest thing to check is Metal support. Riot lists Apple M1 in its current requirements, but its support page also notes native support is for Intel macOS, so if your setup is older or borderline, it is worth double-checking the official support details before you install.
If your system is close to the minimum requirements, it is worth checking Riot’s support pages before you commit to the install. And if the game feels rough after you get it working, our troubleshooting guides can help you figure out whether the problem is settings, storage, or the client itself.
League of Legends PBE download
League of Legends PBE download is for players who want access to upcoming changes, test builds, and early patch content before they reach the live servers. It is useful, but it is also less stable than the normal client.
Step 1: Make sure your Riot account can use PBE
PBE access depends on Riot’s current rules, so not every account will be ready for it automatically. Use your PBE account credentials here, not your regular live account if Riot has given you separate access details.
Step 2: Open the Riot Client and select League of Legends
You no longer need a separate client to get into the PBE. Start in the normal Riot Client, then choose League of Legends from your game list.
Step 3: Click the arrow next to Play and choose League of Legends PBE
In the Riot Client, click the small down arrow to the right of the Play button and switch to League of Legends PBE. This is the official Riot method for getting into the test environment now.
Step 4: Let the PBE patch fully before launching
Once selected, let the client download and verify the PBE files just like the live game. Because it is a test environment, patching and stability can be rougher than the standard version.
If you mainly want to keep up with upcoming changes rather than test them yourself, our patch notes, updates, and leaks coverage may be more useful than installing the PBE.
Common League of Legends install problems
Most install problems are less dramatic than they look. A client that feels stuck is often just verifying files, and a failed launch is often a permissions or server issue rather than a broken download.
Download speed falls off near the end
This usually happens while the Riot Client is writing or verifying files instead of actively downloading them. Leave it alone for a few minutes before assuming the install failed.
The client keeps patching or looping
That often points to low storage, damaged files, or permissions issues. Start by checking free space and then work through our troubleshooting section before doing a full reinstall.
The install looks broken, but the servers are actually the issue
Before deleting anything, check the LoL server status page. Login errors and patch problems can look like install failures when the real issue is on Riot’s side.
You need a clean reinstall
If the client is truly corrupted, use our guide on how to uninstall LoL so you remove it cleanly before reinstalling.
Frequently asked questions about League of Legends download
Is League of Legends free to download?
Yes. League of Legends is free to download and play. Spending is optional and mostly tied to cosmetics and similar extras.
How do I download League of Legends on PC?
Go to the official League download page, get the Windows installer, install the Riot Client, and let the game finish patching before you launch it.
How do I install League of Legends on Mac?
Download the Mac installer from Riot, move the app into Applications, launch it from there, and let the Riot Client complete the rest of the setup.
What is the League of Legends download size?
The launcher file is very small, but the main in-client download is much larger, and the full game usually ends up around 20 to 22+ GB after patching. Keeping about 30 GB free is the safer way to install it.
What are the League of Legends system requirements?
League can run on modest hardware, but recommended specs give you a smoother experience and fewer slowdowns during fights and updates.
Why is my League of Legends download stuck at 99%?
It is often verifying files rather than truly frozen. Give it more time, especially on slower drives or systems with limited free space.
Can I install League of Legends PBE separately?
Yes, but it should be done through Riot’s official PBE flow. Treat it as a test environment, not the stable live version.
Ready to jump into your first match?
Once League of Legends is installed, log in, finish the tutorial, and get comfortable with the client before diving into normal games. If you are new, our guides are a good place to learn champions, roles, and the basics without feeling overwhelmed.
If you are coming back after a long break, check the latest League news and recent updates so you know what has changed. You can also look at the current LoL player count for a quick snapshot of the game’s activity before you queue up.
