Move Riot Client to Another Drive? Here’s How!

Riot Games, the publisher of League of Legends, often requires substantial disk space for its titles and supporting software. Insufficient storage space on the primary drive is a common constraint that many gamers face when using the Riot Client. The issue of limited drive capacity then raises a pertinent question: can you move Riot Client to another drive? Many users are unaware that while a straightforward "move" function is absent, there are viable methods to relocate the Valorant game files and the client itself, freeing up valuable space on the original installation drive while still maintaining functionality. The process, while involving some technical steps, ensures the Riot Client continues to operate effectively.

Is Relocating Your Riot Client Worth the Effort? A Critical Look

Moving the Riot Client, the gateway to popular games like Valorant and League of Legends, might seem like a simple task. However, it presents a challenge that’s not always straightforward. Is shuffling your digital assets truly worth the time and potential headaches? Let’s delve into the factors that drive this decision and the realities you need to consider.

Why Consider a Riot Client Relocation?

Several compelling reasons might push you to consider relocating your Riot Client.

One of the most common is insufficient disk space. As games grow in size and complexity, your primary drive can quickly fill up, leading to performance bottlenecks.

Another major factor is the desire for improved performance. Solid State Drives (SSDs) offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), which can dramatically reduce game loading times and improve overall responsiveness.

Finally, some users simply seek better drive organization. Perhaps you prefer to keep your operating system and applications separate from your games for easier management and backups.

The Unofficial Nature of Client Relocation

It’s crucial to understand that Riot Games does not officially support moving the Riot Client through any method other than reinstallation. This means that attempting to relocate the client using alternative methods carries inherent risks.

These risks can include:

• Corrupted game files.
• Client instability.
• Potential conflicts with other software.

Proceed with caution, knowing that you’re venturing into unsupported territory.

The Supported Path: Reinstallation

The officially supported method for "moving" your Riot Client involves a clean reinstallation. This entails uninstalling the existing client and then reinstalling it on your desired drive.

While this approach is the safest and most reliable, it also requires downloading and reinstalling all of your games, which can be time-consuming, especially for users with slower internet connections.

Exploring Alternative Methods

Beyond reinstallation, alternative "unsupported" methods exist, such as using symbolic links. These methods aim to redirect the Riot Client to a new location without physically moving the files.

However, these approaches are generally recommended only for advanced users who are comfortable troubleshooting potential issues.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to move your Riot Client depends on your individual needs, technical expertise, and risk tolerance. Understanding the challenges and potential pitfalls is crucial before embarking on this endeavor.

Understanding the Riot Client Ecosystem: Games and Launcher

Is Relocating Your Riot Client Worth the Effort? A Critical Look
Moving the Riot Client, the gateway to popular games like Valorant and League of Legends, might seem like a simple task. However, it presents a challenge that’s not always straightforward. Is shuffling your digital assets truly worth the time and potential headaches? Let’s delve into understanding the Riot Client ecosystem before making any rash decisions.

What is the Riot Client?

The Riot Client serves as a central hub for accessing all of Riot Games’ offerings. It is essentially the launcher, the software you use to initiate your favorite games like Valorant, League of Legends, Teamfight Tactics, and Legends of Runeterra.

Think of it as a digital storefront and command center combined.
It handles game updates, account management, and provides news and announcements related to Riot’s titles.

The Launcher vs. The Games: A Matter of Size

It’s crucial to differentiate between the Riot Client itself and the actual game files. The Riot Client is relatively small in size compared to the games it launches.

Valorant, League of Legends, and other titles require significant storage space due to their high-resolution textures, audio files, and complex game data.

Therefore, moving the Riot Client alone might not free up a substantial amount of disk space. The real space hogs are the games themselves.

Why Locating Your Installation Directories Matters

Before attempting to move anything, you need to know where your Riot Client and games are currently installed. This is vital for both the reinstallation method and the advanced symlink approach.

Knowing the exact paths prevents errors and ensures you don’t accidentally delete or corrupt important files.

Finding Your Riot Client Installation Directory

The default installation directory for the Riot Client is typically:
C:\Program Files\Riot Games\Riot Client

However, you might have chosen a different location during the initial installation.

To confirm the actual location:

1. Right-click on the Riot Client shortcut on your desktop or in the Start Menu.
2. Select "Properties."
3. In the "Shortcut" tab, look for the "Target" field. The path listed there indicates the location of the RiotClientServices.exe file, revealing the installation directory.

Finding Your Game Installation Directories

Each Riot Games title has its own installation directory. The easiest way to find these locations is through the Riot Client itself.

1. Open the Riot Client.
2. Navigate to the game you want to check (e.g., Valorant).
3. Look for the settings or options menu for that specific game.

Within the game settings, there should be an option to view or modify the installation path.

Note: The exact location of this setting may vary slightly depending on the game and client version.

With a clear understanding of the Riot Client ecosystem and the location of your game files, you’re now better prepared to assess whether moving the client is truly necessary and to choose the appropriate method for doing so. Remember, knowledge is power in the realm of PC gaming!

Method 1: The Reinstallation Route (Safest Bet)

Moving your Riot Client installation doesn’t have to be a risky endeavor. While alternative methods exist, a clean reinstallation remains the most reliable and officially sanctioned way to relocate your Riot Client. This approach minimizes the potential for errors, compatibility issues, and future headaches. Think of it as starting fresh, ensuring a smooth and stable gaming experience.

Why Reinstallation is the Preferred Method

The reinstallation route provides several key advantages:

• Official Support: This method aligns with Riot Games’ recommended procedures, ensuring you remain within their support guidelines.
• Clean Slate: A fresh installation eliminates any lingering files, corrupted data, or registry entries that could cause conflicts down the line.
• Reduced Risk of Errors: By avoiding complex workarounds like symlinks, you significantly reduce the risk of encountering unforeseen issues.
• Guaranteed Compatibility: Reinstalling ensures that the latest client version is properly configured for your system and game installations.

Step-by-Step Guide to a Clean Reinstallation

Follow these steps for a successful Riot Client relocation:

Uninstall the Riot Client

Begin by uninstalling the Riot Client through the Windows Settings menu. Navigate to "Apps," find the Riot Client, and select "Uninstall."

Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

Verify Removal of Residual Files

After uninstalling, it’s crucial to ensure all associated files and folders are removed from the original installation drive.

Navigate to the default installation location (usually C:\Riot Games) and delete any remaining Riot Games folders.
Also, check C:\ProgramData for a Riot Games folder and delete if present.

Warning: Be cautious when deleting files. Only remove folders that are clearly related to the Riot Client or Riot Games.

Download the Latest Riot Client Installer

Visit the official Riot Games website and download the latest Riot Client installer. Always download from the official source to avoid malware or corrupted files.

Choose the New Installation Location

Run the downloaded installer. During the installation process, carefully select the new drive and folder where you want to install the Riot Client.

This is a critical step, so double-check your selection before proceeding.

Downloading Game Files or Copying Existing Games

Once the Riot Client is installed, it will typically prompt you to install your games (Valorant, League of Legends, etc.). You have two options here:

• Allow the Client to Download: The Riot Client will download and install the game files to the new location. This is the simplest approach.

• Copy Existing Game Files: If you have a backup of your game files, you might be able to copy them to the new location to save download time. However, this method is not officially supported and may cause issues. Only attempt this if you are comfortable troubleshooting potential problems.

  Copying game files can save time, but can also lead to unexpected complications if the copied files are corrupt or not fully compatible.

By carefully following these steps, you can successfully relocate your Riot Client installation with minimal risk and ensure a stable gaming experience.

Method 2: Advanced Users Only – Symbolic Links (Symlinks)

While reinstallation offers a safe harbor, some users might be tempted by a more direct approach. Symbolic links, or "symlinks," provide a way to redirect the Riot Client’s file requests to a new location without actually moving the data. This method can be quicker than reinstalling, but it comes with significant caveats. Consider this path only if you possess a strong understanding of your operating system and file management.

Warning: This method is unsupported and may cause issues. Proceed with caution and at your own risk! Riot Games does not officially endorse this technique, and problems arising from its use might not be covered by their support services.

Understanding Symbolic Links

Symbolic links are essentially sophisticated shortcuts. They create a virtual pointer from one directory (the "link") to another (the "target").

When the Riot Client tries to access files in its original location, the operating system transparently redirects those requests to the new location specified by the symlink. This creates the illusion that the files are still in their original place, even though they reside elsewhere.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Symbolic Links for the Riot Client

If you’re determined to proceed, follow these steps carefully. Incorrectly creating symlinks can lead to system instability or data corruption.

Running Command Prompt as Administrator

First, you’ll need to open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges. This is essential for creating symlinks that affect system-level directories.

• Search for "cmd" in the Windows search bar.
• Right-click on "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator."
• Confirm any User Account Control (UAC) prompts.

Command Syntax: mklink /D "link" "target"

The mklink command is used to create symbolic links in Windows. The /D switch specifies that you’re creating a directory symlink. The syntax is as follows:

mklink /D "link" "target"

• link: This is the path to the original Riot Games directory location (where the Riot Client thinks the files are).
• target: This is the path to the new Riot Games directory location (where you’ve moved the files).

Important: The "link" directory should not exist before you run the command. If it does, you’ll need to delete it first. The "target" directory should exist, and should contain the Riot Client files you’ve moved.

Example Command

Let’s say your Riot Games folder was originally located at C:\Riot Games, and you’ve moved it to D:\Riot Games. The command you would use is:

mklink /D "C:\Riot Games" "D:\Riot Games"

Carefully double-check the paths before executing the command. Errors can be difficult to undo.

Practical Steps Summary:

1. Move the Riot Games Folder: Copy the entire Riot Games folder to your desired new location (e.g., from C: to D: drive).
2. Delete the Original Folder: After verifying the copy, delete the original Riot Games folder from its old location.
3. Open Command Prompt (Admin): Launch Command Prompt as an administrator.
4. Execute the mklink Command: Use the mklink command with the correct paths to create the symbolic link.
5. Test: Launch the Riot Client to ensure it functions correctly.

Potential Issues and Considerations

While symlinks can be effective, they are not without their drawbacks. Be aware of these potential issues before proceeding:

• Permission Errors: Symlinks can sometimes inherit or cause permission issues, preventing the Riot Client from accessing necessary files.
• Compatibility Problems: Certain software, including some games or anti-cheat systems, may not properly recognize or support symbolic links, leading to crashes or malfunctions.
• Increased Complexity: Managing symlinks adds a layer of complexity to your system. If something goes wrong, troubleshooting can be more difficult.
• Update Issues: The Riot Client updates might occasionally have problems with the symlinked directory.

Ultimately, using symbolic links to move the Riot Client is a trade-off. It offers a potentially faster solution than reinstallation, but it comes with increased risk and complexity. Only experienced users comfortable with troubleshooting system-level issues should attempt this method. The safer route remains a clean reinstallation.

Pre-Flight Checklist: Essential Considerations Before Moving

Before you embark on the journey of relocating your Riot Client, a thorough pre-flight check is absolutely essential. This process isn’t merely a suggestion; it’s a critical safeguard against potential data loss, performance hiccups, and general frustration.

Treat these steps as non-negotiable elements in your preparation.

Confirming Adequate Disk Space

First and foremost, assess the available disk space on your target drive. This seemingly obvious step is often overlooked, leading to aborted transfers, corrupted files, and a system that’s even worse off than before.

Ensure the drive not only has enough space for the current Riot Client and its associated game files (League of Legends, Valorant, etc.) but also accounts for future updates and expansions.

A good rule of thumb is to add an additional 20-30% buffer. Games frequently receive patches and content additions, and insufficient space can lead to performance degradation or installation failures.

To determine the required space, check the size of your existing Riot Games installation folder. Also, consider that the system drive requires some free space to function correctly.

Verifying Administrator Privileges

Elevated privileges are a must when dealing with system-level changes, such as moving application directories or creating symbolic links.

Windows restricts certain operations to administrator accounts for security reasons.

Without these elevated permissions, you’ll encounter errors, preventing you from successfully completing the relocation process.

To ensure you have the necessary privileges, log in to Windows with an account that has administrator rights. When prompted, grant the application permission to make changes to your device.

For symlink creation, always run the Command Prompt as an administrator.

The Imperative of Data Backup

Data loss is a real possibility when moving application files, especially with unsupported methods like creating symlinks. A corrupted file or a misplaced command can render your game unplayable, or worse, impact your entire system.

Backing up your data is not optional; it’s an absolute necessity.

Before initiating any relocation steps, create a complete backup of your important files. This can include personal documents, photos, videos, and any other data stored on the drive you’re modifying.

Consider using a reliable backup solution, such as Windows Backup and Restore, or a third-party backup program. Cloud-based backups offer an extra layer of protection.

A backup provides a safety net, allowing you to restore your system to its previous state if anything goes wrong. The small amount of time invested in creating a backup can save you from countless hours of troubleshooting and potential data loss in the future.

Maximizing Performance: The SSD Advantage

After ensuring a smooth transition for your Riot Client, it’s time to consider the performance implications of its location. Migrating to a Solid State Drive (SSD) offers a compelling upgrade, particularly for gamers seeking a competitive edge. Let’s delve into the tangible benefits of this strategic move.

The SSD Performance Revolution

SSDs have revolutionized storage technology, leaving traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) in their dust. The core difference lies in how data is stored and accessed.

HDDs rely on spinning platters and mechanical arms, leading to inherent latency in data retrieval. SSDs, on the other hand, use flash memory for near-instantaneous access.

This translates directly to significant performance gains in gaming.

Load Times, Stuttering, and Beyond

Moving the Riot Client, and especially the game files themselves, to an SSD can yield a transformative impact on your gaming experience:

• Drastically Reduced Load Times: Say goodbye to frustratingly long loading screens. SSDs slash load times, getting you into the action faster.

• Smoother Gameplay: Experience a significant reduction in stuttering and lag, providing a more fluid and responsive gaming environment.

• Faster Game Updates: The installation of game updates and patches becomes noticeably quicker, minimizing downtime.

• Improved Overall System Responsiveness: An SSD enhances the responsiveness of your entire system, not just the game.

SSD vs. HDD: A Head-to-Head Comparison

The advantages of SSDs over HDDs are undeniable for gaming:

Feature	SSD	HDD
Access Time	Near-Instantaneous	Milliseconds (noticeable delay)
Load Times	Significantly Faster	Slower
Stuttering	Reduced	More Pronounced
Durability	More Resistant to Physical Shock	Susceptible to Damage
Power Consumption	Lower	Higher
Noise	Silent	Can be Noisy

While SSDs traditionally came with a higher price per gigabyte, prices have steadily decreased, making them more accessible than ever. The performance benefits often outweigh the cost difference, especially for avid gamers.

Strategic SSD Allocation: Prioritizing Active Games

Given the potential cost and capacity limitations of SSDs, a strategic approach to game installation is recommended. Focus on installing the games you actively play on the SSD to maximize the performance benefits where they matter most.

Less frequently played games can reside on a secondary HDD without significantly impacting your primary gaming experience. This balances performance gains with storage efficiency.

Riot Games Support: What You Need to Know

After ensuring a smooth transition for your Riot Client, it’s crucial to understand the support landscape, especially if you’ve ventured beyond the recommended reinstallation route. Riot Games’ official stance on these alternative methods significantly impacts the assistance you can expect should issues arise. Let’s navigate the complexities of Riot Games support and explore how to approach them effectively.

Navigating Unofficial Territory

It’s important to acknowledge that Riot Games does not officially endorse moving the Riot Client through unsupported methods, such as manually copying files or using symbolic links. While these techniques can work, they fall outside the realm of explicitly supported configurations.

Limits to Support

Consequently, if you encounter problems directly stemming from these unsupported methods, Riot Games’ support team may have limited capacity to assist you. Their primary focus is ensuring functionality within the officially supported framework.

This doesn’t mean they will completely ignore your request, but troubleshooting may be limited. Be prepared to potentially reverse your changes and revert to a clean installation if requested by the support staff.

Accessing Official Channels

Despite the potential limitations, accessing official Riot Games support channels remains the first step in resolving any client-related issues. Here’s how to proceed:

• Riot Games Support Website: Visit the official Riot Games support website.

• Submit a Ticket: Navigate to the appropriate game or client category and submit a detailed support ticket.

• Be Specific: Clearly outline the issue you’re experiencing, including error messages, steps to reproduce the problem, and any relevant system information.

Crafting Your Support Request: Transparency is Key

When seeking assistance, honesty and clarity are paramount, regardless of whether the error is caused by an unsupported or supported install.

However, given the complexities surrounding unsupported methods, strategically framing your request can significantly influence the support you receive. Here’s how:

• Start with the Basics: Begin by describing the problem without immediately disclosing your use of unsupported methods.

• Emphasize the Symptoms: Focus on the symptoms you’re observing, such as game crashes, client errors, or performance degradation. For example, if you are experiencing network issues, it is important to share that fact, irrespective of install status.

• The Need-to-Know Principle: If the support agent’s troubleshooting steps fail to resolve the issue, and they specifically ask about your installation method, be prepared to disclose your use of symlinks or other unsupported techniques.

• Offer to Reinstall: Assure the support agent you are willing to revert to a clean installation if necessary, to properly diagnose the issue.

By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of receiving helpful assistance from Riot Games support, even when dealing with the complexities of unsupported installation methods. Always remember that a clean installation is the most reliable path to a stable and supported gaming experience.

So, that’s pretty much it! Hopefully, this guide helped you understand how you can move Riot Client to another drive without too much hassle. It’s a handy trick to know if you’re running low on space or just want to organize your games better. Good luck, and happy gaming!