How to Fix DirectX Error in League of Legends? League of Legends is one of the most popular multiplayer online battle arena games. However, many players encounter an error saying “DirectX has encountered an unrecoverable error” or “An unknown DirectX error occurred” when trying to launch the game. This prevents the game from starting and is often frustrating for players. Here are some of the most effective ways to fix DirectX errors in League of Legends.
Update Your Graphics Drivers
Outdated, corrupt, or incompatible graphics drivers are one of the causes of DirectX errors in games like League of Legends. To fix this:
- Open Device Manager on your computer
- Expand the Display Adapters section
- Right-click on your graphics card driver > Select Update Driver
- Search automatically for updated driver software or browse your computer for the driver file
Updating to the latest graphics drivers from your card manufacturer’s website is the best way to resolve any conflicts. Be sure to restart your computer after updating for changes to take effect.
Roll Back Graphics Drivers
If the DirectX error appeared after a recent graphics driver update, rolling back to the previous driver version may fix it:
- Open Device Manager and select your graphics driver
- Go to the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver
- Follow prompts to revert back to the older driver
Rolling back graphics drivers essentially uninstalls the latest driver and reinstalls the previous one. This is useful if a particular driver is causing problems.
Reinstall or Update DirectX
Since the error directly relates to DirectX, reinstalling or updating it may resolve any corrupted files or issues.
To reinstall DirectX on Windows:
- Press Win + R to open the Run command
- Type “DXSETUP” and click OK
- Follow the prompts to remove and reinstall DirectX
To update DirectX on Windows 10:
- Open Windows Update settings
- Click Check for Updates
- Install any available DirectX updates
This will replace any damaged DirectX files that could be causing the error.
Perform a Clean Reinstall of League of Legends
If other solutions do not work, completely uninstalling and reinstalling League of Legends can fix DirectX and other errors:
- Open Control Panel > Uninstall a Program
- Uninstall League of Legends and any related components
- Restart your computer
- Reinstall from the official website
- Be sure to install any necessary prerequisites like DirectX during installation
This eliminates any corrupted game files or registry issues that may be interfering with DirectX.
Run the Hextech Repair Tool
Riot Games provides a utility called the Hextech Repair Tool specifically for troubleshooting League of Legends issues:
- Download and install the Hextech Repair Tool
- Open the tool and select your League install location
- Choose “Enable all repair options”
- Click “Start” to begin repairs
The Hextech Repair Tool will automatically scan League files, reinstall prerequisites like DirectX, and attempt to fix common errors.
Adjust Graphics Settings in League of Legends
If the DirectX error only appears during matches, dialing down the graphics settings in League may help resolve it:
Using lower graphics settings reduces the strain on your GPU and can mitigate DirectX crashes during gameplay.
Close Background Applications
Too many running apps can consume RAM and CPU usage, which may interfere with games like League:
- Close any non-essential apps before launching League of Legends
- Disable unnecessary startup programs using Task Manager
- Shut down hardware monitoring, RGB lighting, overlay, and other peripheral apps
Freeing up system resources allows League to run more smoothly and stops other programs from disrupting DirectX functionality.
Check for Overheating Issues
Thermal issues like overheating can sometimes lead to DirectX errors in games. Use monitoring software like SpeedFan or HWMonitor to check component temperatures when playing League of Legends. If overheating is occurring, improve case airflow and consider upgrading cooling solutions like fans or CPU coolers.
Lower ambient room temperatures can also help. Overheating may force League to close abruptly to prevent hardware damage, resulting in DirectX crashes.
Update Windows
Keeping Windows updated is important, as the latest system updates and patches include fixes for DirectX issues:
- Open Windows Update settings
- Click Check for Updates
- Install any available important or optional updates
- Restart your computer to apply changes
Updates often contain compatibility improvements between software like League of Legends and system components like DirectX.
Scan and Repair System Files
Corrupted Windows system files can sometimes manifest as DirectX errors. To scan for issues:
- Type “CMD” into the Windows search bar
- Right-click Command Prompt and Run as Administrator
- Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter
This will scan your files and repair any problems it finds. Repeat this process until it no longer finds errors.
Final Thoughts
DirectX errors can prevent League of Legends from opening or cause crashes during gameplay. Updating graphics drivers, reinstalling DirectX, adjusting in-game settings, closing background apps, and scanning for system file corruption are some of the best ways to troubleshoot and resolve League of Legends DirectX errors. With the right fixes, you can get back to enjoying smooth gameplay.
How to Fix DirectX Error in League of Legends FAQ
What are some common DirectX error messages in League of Legends?
Some common DirectX error messages in League include “DirectX encountered an unrecoverable error”, “Direct3D could not lock a buffer”, “An unknown DirectX error occurred”, and “DirectX function getDeviceRemovedReason failed”.
Where can I download the DirectX End-User Runtime to reinstall it?
You can download the DirectX End-User Runtime for reinstallation from the official Microsoft Download website here: Link
How do I roll back my NVIDIA graphics drivers?
Open the NVIDIA Control Panel, go to Help > Rollback Driver, select the driver version you want to revert to, and click Roll Back. Your previous driver will be restored.
Should I repair or completely reinstall League of Legends to fix DirectX errors?
Try repairing first using the Hextech Repair Tool, as this is less disruptive. If errors continue, fully uninstall and reinstall as a last resort to eliminate any corrupted files.
Where can I find the Hextech Repair Tool to repair League of Legends?
You can download the Hextech Repair Tool from Riot Games here: Link
Q: What are some common DirectX error messages in League of Legends?
A: Some common DirectX error messages in League include “DirectX encountered an unrecoverable error”, “Direct3D could not lock a buffer”, “An unknown DirectX error occurred”, and “DirectX function getDeviceRemovedReason failed”.
Q: Where can I download the DirectX End-User Runtime to reinstall it?
A: You can download the DirectX End-User Runtime for reinstallation from the official Microsoft Download website here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35
Q: How do I roll back my NVIDIA graphics drivers?
A: Open the NVIDIA Control Panel, go to Help > Rollback Driver, select the driver version you want to revert to, and click Roll Back. Your previous driver will be restored.
Q: Should I repair or completely reinstall League of Legends to fix DirectX errors?
A: Try repairing first using the Hextech Repair Tool, as this is less disruptive. If errors continue, fully uninstall and reinstall as a last resort to eliminate any corrupted files.
Q: Where can I find the Hextech Repair Tool to repair League of Legends?
A: You can download the Hextech Repair Tool from Riot Games here: https://support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/224826367-Automated-Troubleshooting-Hextech-Repair-Tool