could not initialize graphics device League of legends

[EwoutOstyn]

Every time I try to enter a game of League  of Legends I get the "could not initialize graphics device" error. This error just entered out of the blue and whatever solutions people show online, none of them works for me. Does anyone have any idea how to fix this?

[OliviaHazel_W]

Step 1: Delete LoL’s Config & Logs (force it to rebuild graphics settings)

This alone fixes the issue in a lot of cases.

1. Close the Riot Client and make sure LeagueClient.exe and RiotClientServices.exe aren’t running (check Task Manager).

2. Go to:

   C:\Riot Games\League of Legends\Config

3. Delete these files:

   • game.cfg

   • input.ini

4. Then also clear logs (optional but helps):

   C:\Riot Games\League of Legends\Logs

5. Restart the client and try launching a custom game.
   → If it opens fine, it means your old graphics settings were broken.

Step 2: Force DirectX 11 (disable legacy rendering)

Sometimes League gets stuck trying to initialize an old DirectX mode.

1. Go to your League install folder.

2. Find or create a “user.cfg” file in:

   C:\Riot Games\League of Legends\Config\

3. Add this line:

   dx11BetaTest=1

4. Save, restart Riot Client, and try again.

If it still fails, force DirectX 9 instead:

dx9Enabled=1

🧩 Step 3: Check GPU Drivers (clean install)

Even if your drivers look up to date, they might be corrupted after a Windows update or GPU switch.

1. Download Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU).

2. Boot into Safe Mode and run DDU to uninstall your GPU drivers completely.

3. Reboot and install the latest drivers manually:

   • NVIDIA: nvidia.com/drivers

   • AMD: amd.com/en/support

   • Intel ARC/iGPU: intel.com/download-center

Avoid using Windows Update or “auto” driver tools — they often leave broken DirectX entries behind.

🧱 Step 4: Run as Administrator & Disable Fullscreen Optimizations

Some recent Windows builds (especially Win11 24H2) cause weird fullscreen launch issues.

1. Right-click your LeagueClient.exe → Properties → Compatibility tab.

2. Tick:

   • Run this program as an administrator

   • Disable fullscreen optimizations

3. Hit Apply → OK.

🧩 Step 5: Check your GPU switching (for laptops)

If you’re on a laptop with both an iGPU and dedicated GPU:

• Open NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Adrenalin → Manage 3D Settings.

• Under Program Settings, add LeagueClient.exe and League of Legends.exe.

• Force it to use your dedicated GPU, not the integrated one.

🧰 Step 6: Repair or Reinstall LoL Properly

If none of the above worked:

1. Open Riot Client → click Settings → Repair.

2. If that doesn’t help, completely uninstall League:

   • Delete all folders in C:\Riot Games\ and C:\ProgramData\Riot Games.

   • Reinstall from the Riot official website.

🕵️ Bonus Tip — Check Event Viewer

If you still get the same error:

1. Press Win + X → Event Viewer → Windows Logs → Application.

2. Look for an error entry from LeagueClient.exe or League of Legends.exe.

3. If you see something like d3d11.dll or igdrcl64.dll, that points to a DirectX or GPU driver problem.