Error 0xc0000005: Windows won't let League's client open

Error: 0xc0000005

What Riot knows about 0xc0000005

Riot's error table is blunt about this one (the cause is listed as unknown). It does describe the effect: the client gets blocked before you reach the login screen. Riot also treats it as a Windows fault more than a League one.

So the fix is short, two steps from a table last updated on May 19, 2025. Administrator mode comes first, since it takes about 10 seconds (right-click the shortcut, then Run as administrator) and you can undo it just as fast. The reinstall is the heavy option (Riot wants every leftover League file gone before you install again), and the clean reinstall step below lists the folders that means.

Keep track of that administrator box, though. Riot's fix for Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file goes the other way and has you make sure it's off on League's executable (LeagueClient.exe, in Riot's League article on that error). If you tick it here and later run into that error, untick it first.

Riot's fix, in Riot's order

Riot's error table gives two steps for this code.

1. Run the Riot Client as administrator

   Right-click the Riot Client shortcut and choose Run as administrator, then launch from there. If that fixes it, you can make it stick from the shortcut's Compatibility tab.

   Riot's guide: Run the Riot Client as administrator

2. Reinstall the game

   Uninstall from Windows' Installed apps list with the Riot Client closed. For a clean reinstall of League, Riot also has you delete the Riot Client folder under C:\Riot Games, the Riot Games folders under %localappdata% and %programdata%, and the League of Legends folder in Documents. That last one holds your replays, so copy them out first if you want them.

   Riot's guide: Reinstall the game

Still blocked after a clean reinstall?

Riot's table ends with a few general links (a Fix My League primer and a basic connection guide among them), but two matter here. One is the Riot Repair Tool (RRT for short), which also collects the logs Player Support asks for. The other is a ticket, with those logs attached so support isn't starting from zero.

Related errors

• Critical error
• Windows cannot access
• Failed to launch
• Unknown DirectX error

Source: Riot Games Player Support, League Error Codes and Solutions, updated May 19, 2025. Riot's steps are paraphrased here, not copied; checked September 25, 2026.