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How to fix "we couldn’t install a required dependency error" in LoL
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Hamza Rashid
Gamer
01 Jun 2025
Posted On
Even though League of Legends [1] is one of the most popular games around, players come across various technical issues and problems that can really hinder overall joy. One of the prime examples of this is the error that states the game was unable to install a required dependency.
Fortunately, there are a handful of ways players can fix this specific issue. These fixes include rebooting the computer, running a repair on League of Legends, reinstalling Vanguard, and turning off your antivirus. If nothing works, then contacting official Riot support may be a good last option.
Here’s what to know about fixing the “We couldn’t install a required dependency” error in League of Legends.
What is the We couldn’t install a required dependency error in League of Legends
You’re likely seeing this error because something isn’t quite right with Riot Vanguard, League of Legends’ anti-cheat system. When you face this problem, you’ll usually receive a message that says, “We couldn’t install a required dependency” when you try to open the game.
In this case, the issue is rooted in Vanguard’s installation or configuration, which doesn’t allow the game to launch. This has been a common problem, first for Valorant players and now for those playing League of Legends. However, the good news is that most solutions are quick and easy to apply.
How to solve the We couldn’t install a required dependency error in League of Legends
There are a couple of ways players can potentially fix this error in League of Legeneds, and we’re about to go through all of them here/
Reboot your computer and relaunch the game
Sometimes the simplest fixes are the best. Before we dig into anything complicated, give League of Legends and your computer a full restart. It sounds a bit obvious, but you’d be surprised how often this basic step can clear up all sorts of little hiccups and software mix-ups.
Run a repair on League of Legends
To start, open the Riot Client and go to the settings menu located on the right-hand side. Inside the settings menu, find your way to the League of Legends section. At the bottom, you should find a ‘Repair’ button, which you can click to start repairing your game. This process will scan your League installation to check for any corrupted or missing files and fix them automatically. Once the repair is complete, try relaunching the game.
Reinstall Vanguard
In some cases, the problem may be caused by a corrupted Vanguard installation. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix by removing the anti-cheat system. Once it’s uninstalled, the Riot Client will detect it’s missing and automatically tell you to reinstall it the next time you launch the game. To do this, you can:
Open the Start menu and search for “Control Panel”
In the Control Panel, go to the “Programs” section and click “Uninstall a program”
Locate Riot Vanguard in the list, right-click on it, and select “Uninstall”
Restart your computer
Launch League of Legends. The Riot client will automatically prompt you to reinstall Vanguard.
Turn off your antivirus
If the error continues, your antivirus software could be the culprit. Security programs sometimes mistakenly block components of League of Legends or Riot Vanguard. To fix this, open your antivirus settings and add the Riot Client, League of Legends, and Vanguard to your firewall’s allowed list or exceptions. This step ensures your game’s files are not being restricted. Once adjusted, restart your computer and try opening the game again.
Advanced troubleshooting
If the standard fixes don’t resolve the issue, you can try a few extra steps. First, locate and manually run the vgtray.exe file, which is in your Riot Vanguard installation folder. Next, check your system’s Secure Boot settings through the BIOS or UEFI menus, as Vanguard sometimes needs Secure Boot to be enabled. Finally, double-check that your computer’s specifications align with Vanguard’s requirements. These checks can often help clear up any lingering problems.
Contact support by submitting a request
If the error continues to appear even after you’ve followed all the troubleshooting steps outlined above, don’t worry. Your next step should be to contact Riot Games Support through their official support website [2].
To help the support team assist you more effectively, ensure your request includes a detailed account of all troubleshooting actions you’ve performed. This should cover any fixes you’ve tried, specific error messages, and relevant system details. Such information helps them to quickly grasp the problem and provide a more precise solution.
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FAQs
What causes the “We couldn’t install a required dependency” error in League of Legends?
This error usually appears during the game’s installation or update process and is often linked to missing or corrupted system files that League of Legends depends on. Common culprits include outdated Windows updates, missing Visual C++ Redistributables, or permission issues related to Riot’s Vanguard anti-cheat system.