How To Fix The League of Legends Critical Error in Easy Steps

The "critical error" message in League of Legends (LoL) is one of the most frustrating issues players can encounter. This abrupt crash severely hampers the enjoyment of the popular MOBA game. Let's break down what causes the League of Legends critical error and proven methods to resolve it.

What Triggers the League of Legends Critical Error?

This severe error typically occurs due to problems with game files, graphics drivers, software conflicts, or resource constraints on your system. Potential culprits include:

• Corrupted or outdated game files
• Outdated graphics card drivers
• Antivirus or firewall blocking LoL
• Insufficient RAM or VRAM
• Third-party apps like overlays cause conflicts
• General software/OS problems on your PC

If any of these factors are present while running League of Legends, you may encounter the abrupt "critical error" crash and termination of the LoL process.

How to Fix League of Legends Critical Error

Fix 1: Update Windows and Drivers

As a first step, ensure Windows, graphics drivers, and other hardware drivers are up-to-date. Updated OS and drivers can resolve many performance issues, bugs, and conflicts.

Use Windows Update to get the latest patches and graphics card manufacturers' tools like GeForce Experience to update GPU drivers. Also, check the device manager for any other outdated drivers.

Keeping everything updated provides a smoother experience and prevents many crashes.

Fix 2: Reinstall/Repair League of Legends

If drivers are up to date, try repairing or reinstalling the game itself. The League of Legends client provides a built-in Hextech Repair Tool for this purpose.

Uninstall LoL and the Riot Client, then run the Repair Tool to install everything. This can fix corrupted game file issues leading to crashes. Make sure to delete old config files too before reinstalling.

Fix 3: Allow LoL Through Firewalls and Antivirus

Overprotective antivirus or firewall apps blocking League of Legends can also cause critical errors. Temporarily disable them and add LoL as an exception to any active firewalls.

Restricting background apps helps isolate the issue. Re-enable your security software after confirming LoL launches fine without conflicts.

Fix 4: Run League of Legends as Administrator

Access permissions may be another factor, especially if running LoL from an account without admin rights. Right-click the LoL desktop shortcut and select Properties > Compatibility.

Check "Run as administrator" and also disable fullscreen optimizations. Running with admin rights prevents interference from other apps.

Fix 5: Update Your Operating System

Updated versions of Windows can cause all sorts of software issues. Ensure you regularly install Windows Updates on your OS.

Updating to the latest Windows version is best for stability with graphics-intensive games like League of Legends. Avoid older operating systems like Windows 7.

Fix 6: Check for Overheating Issues

Game crashes or critical errors can sometimes point to overheating hardware. Make sure your CPU and GPU temperatures remain within acceptable limits when gaming.

Also, check that PC case fans are running properly and heat sinks are free of dust buildup. Proper cooling keeps your system stable.

Fix 7: Scan and Repair the Game

Another handy built-in League of Legends utility is the Scan and Repair function. This can find and restore any corrupted game file causing instability.

Open the League of Legends Riot Client and go to Settings > Scan and Repair. Let it fully scan game files and repair any problems found.

Fix 8: Update BIOS and Chipset Drivers

Along with graphics drivers, also ensure your main system BIOS and chipset drivers are updated. Outdated motherboard firmware and chips can affect game stability.

Consult your motherboard manual on how to safely update BIOS and get the latest chipset drivers from the manufacturer's website.

Following these tips should help resolve the frustrating League of Legends critical error for good. Don't let random crashes ruin your enjoyment of this legendary MOBA game. Let us know which solutions worked best for eliminating your LoL critical error woes!