Quick answer: For the League of Legends “unable to successfully update because a file is currently in use” error, fully end every Riot and League process in Task Manager, reopen Riot Client, and run its repair tool. If the locked file belongs to Riot Vanguard, use Riot’s normal uninstall/reinstall process before trying the manual service commands shown later in this guide.
This Windows-only error means the updater cannot replace a file because another process or service still has it open. Closing the visible Riot Client window is not always enough, so work through the fixes in order.
1. End all Riot and League processes
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- If needed, select More details.
- Look through Processes and Details for Riot Client, RiotClientServices, LeagueClient, LeagueClientUx, League of Legends, and related updater processes.
- Select each Riot or League process and choose End task.
- Wait a few seconds, then launch Riot Client again and retry the update.
Do not end unrelated Windows processes. If you are unsure whether an item belongs to Riot, leave it alone and use the restart method next.
2. Restart Windows
A restart is the safest way to release a file that remains locked by a background process. Choose Restart, not Shut down, because Windows Fast Startup can preserve some state during a normal shutdown. After the PC returns, open Riot Client before launching other gaming utilities and retry the update.
3. Run the Riot Client Full Repair Tool
- Open Riot Client.
- Select your profile icon, then open Settings.
- Select League of Legends.
- Choose the repair option and let the scan finish.
- Restart the client and try the update again.
Riot’s current support documentation recommends its client repair tool when missing or corrupted files may be involved. This is less disruptive than deleting services or reinstalling the whole game.
4. Reinstall Riot Vanguard normally
League of Legends requires Riot Vanguard on Windows. If the updater is specifically failing on a Vanguard file, restore Vanguard through the supported uninstall flow:
- Close Riot Client and League completely.
- Open Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Find Riot Vanguard, select its menu, and choose Uninstall.
- Restart the PC.
- Launch Riot Client or League so Vanguard can be installed again.
- Restart one more time if the client requests it.
Removing Vanguard temporarily prevents League from launching until it is reinstalled and Windows has restarted.
5. Advanced fallback: delete the Vanguard services manually
The video’s second fix uses Windows Service Control commands. Use this only when the normal Vanguard uninstaller fails or leaves broken services behind. It requires an administrator account.
- Fully close Riot and League processes in Task Manager.
- Search for Command Prompt.
- Right-click it and choose Run as administrator.
- Run these commands one at a time:
sc delete vgc
sc delete vgk- Restart Windows.
- Open Riot Client and allow Vanguard to reinstall.
- Restart again if prompted, then retry the League update.
Important: These commands delete the registered Vanguard services; they do not repair an arbitrary League file. Do not change the service names or use sc delete on any other Windows service.
6. If the update still says a file is in use
- Install pending Windows updates and restart.
- Temporarily close overlays, hardware-monitoring utilities, and third-party antivirus software, then test. Turn protection back on immediately afterward.
- Check that Riot Client is allowed through security software rather than leaving protection disabled.
- Use Riot’s official uninstall/reinstall guide for League as the final software step.
- If the same filename keeps appearing, include that filename and Riot Client logs in a Riot Support ticket.
Optional PC gaming gear
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- For League voice chat and general PC gaming, view this PC-compatible wireless gaming headset on Amazon.
- For a compatible gaming-monitor setup, view the certified Silkland HDMI 2.1 cable on Amazon.
- For a wired PC connection, view the Cable Matters Cat 6 Ethernet cable on Amazon.
These accessories are optional and do not affect the Riot update repair.
Video walkthrough
Frequently asked questions
Why does closing Riot Client not release the file?
The visible window can close while Riot Client, League, updater, or Vanguard components remain active in the background. Task Manager or a Windows restart closes those remaining handles.
Will reinstalling Vanguard delete my League account or progress?
No. Account progress is stored with your Riot account. The process removes and reinstalls the local anti-cheat software.
Should I run the service-delete commands first?
No. Start with Task Manager, a restart, and Riot Client repair. Use the normal Vanguard uninstaller next. The commands are an advanced fallback for a damaged installation.